Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Karen Donato
DANCIN’ THE NIGHT AWAY — Students from the Southern Aroostook Community School took center stage at their spring musical called “Puttin’ on the Hits”. They presented a lively show to a full house all three nights of the performances last weekend. Alexandra Bishop and Travis Smith showed off their dancing talents as other participants watched.
‘Puttin’ on the Hits’ in Dyer Brook
By Karen Donato
Staff Writer
The Southern Aroostook Community School drama students entertained friends and family members with a lively musical called “Puttin’ on the Hits” this past weekend. The show drew hundreds of spectators for the three-night venue.
There were 27 students in grades 5 through 12 that began rehearsing the musical that featured music from the 1960s from late February to opening night April 9.
Drama teacher Bonnie Collier not only had students participating, she included herself in the cast. There were also a few former students who stepped in as extras and even a well-known administrator, Superintendent Terry Comeau, otherwise known as Daddy-O let his hair down for the event. He was a good sport and a big hit with the crowd.
The multi-purpose room was filled with round tables covered with tablecloths, centerpieces and munchies for the audience. The show-goers included all ages from the very young to the young at heart.
Houlton Pioneer Times photograph/Karen Donato
THE CAST – Southern Aroostook Community School drama students and teachers performing “Puttin’ on the Hits” were from left, front, Taylor Desmond, Jillian Diaferio, Desiree Dubois, Mariah Lane, Kristin Tarr and Nicole White; middle, Nicole Rondeau, Mataya Ryan, Alex Bishop, Shanna Porter, Jenica Frazier, Olivia Raymond, Emily Cummings, Mallary Lawlor, Rebecca Sherwood and Heather Karikala; back, David Ireland, Brandon Noyes, Kaleb Burpee, Diana Betschner, Dylan Porter, Joe Frazier, Mike Casey, Bonnie Collier, director; Travis Smith, Zachary Hartin-Brown, Anthony Diaferio, Bill Adams, Hillary Lane and Keegan Qualey.
The stage was transformed into Dream Town High, a drive-in theatre complete with a big-screen showing an old-time movie and colorful homemade convertibles completed the scene taking many people back to their own high school days. There was another scene change to a parking lot and one for the Stairway to the Stars Dance hall.
COOL DUDES — From left, David Ireland, Zachary Hartin-Brown, Travis Smith and Anthony Diaferio are ready for a night on the town.
The fast pace show kept the attention of the crowd for a full two and half hours with some taking part in the music and the dancing as the students mixed and mingled with the audience.
The cast of girls brightened the stage with colored shirts and the popular poodle skirts worn by the girls during the rock and roll era. The guys sported slicked down hairstyles, jeans and leather jackets.
Mike Casey and Heather Karikala at the local drive-in
These local students and their teachers can be proud of their efforts. They brought three evenings of entertainment to a country school that drew friends, families and former students together for a few hours of music and laughter. The girls presented themselves with poise and sophistication and the boys were cool dudes who showed lots of class. A job well done.
Anthony Diaferio and Travis Smith
Proceeds from the event will support the Drama Club in their quest to attend a professional show and for costumes and materials for future events.
Mariah Lane
