Staff Writer
HOULTON — The Houlton Community Arts Center Council and the SAD 29 Music Department will be hosting several special events to celebrate the opening of the newly renovated Houlton High School Auditorium.
Contributed photo
DAMN YANKEES — On Friday at 7 p.m. Houlton High School opens its doors to the public with the production of the musical “Damn Yankees.” The show will also have performances 7 p.m. Saturday and again 3 p.m. Sunday. More than 70 cast, crew and orchestra members will present this 1950s musical about the frustration of one fan who would give anything for his favorite baseball team to beat those dreaded New York Yankees. Featured in the play are, top from left, Tyler Delano, Wyatt Jenkins, and Jared Tapley; and bottom, Marcy Hernandez and Stephannie Kreyssig.
Since construction started this past June, contractors have been pushing hard to finish all the major changes in the new audience entry area and the auditorium.
The Houlton Community Arts Center Council will be holding an invitation-only sneak peak to the auditorium on Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 5 to 6 p.m. The council has invited major donors and the SAD 29 school board to have the first official public walk through of the space.
On Friday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. Houlton High School opens its doors to the public with the production of the musical “Damn Yankees”. The show will also have performances on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. and again on Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m.
More than 70 cast, crew and orchestra members will present this 1950s musical about the frustration of one fan who would give anything for his favorite baseball team to beat those dreaded New York Yankees. What a familiar theme to many local sports fans!
Middle-aged baseball fanatic Joe Boyd (Jared Tapley) trades his soul to the Devil, the charming but devious Mr. Applegate, (Tyler Delano) for a chance to lead his favorite team to victory in the pennant race against the New York Yankees. Young baseball sensation Joe Hardy (Wyatt Jenkins), transforms the hapless Washington Senators into a winning team, only to realize the true worth of the life and wife he’s left behind. With the help of a handy escape clause and a guilt-ridden temptress named Lola (Marcy Hernandez), Joe outsmarts Applegate, but does he do it in time to get back to his wife (Stephannie Kreyssig) and help the Senators win the pennant? Lucas Anderson, Marina DiMarco, Katie Good, Tyler Swimm and Zacharia Harvey play other supporting roles.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Karen Donato
NEW SEATING — Patrons will enjoy the new 600-seat facility for upcoming concerts and events at the Houlton Community Arts Center opening this weekend. Balcony seating is also available.
Director Rebecca DeWan said, “I am thrilled to work with Sandy Hartley as the choreographer for the show. Hartley owns dance studios in Millinocket and Houlton.”
“Pam Chernesky, children’s theatre director and Joe Fagnant, high school band director are assisting in numerous capacities. Kevin Mania, junior high band director has designed and built the sets, while Paula Gendron, a staff member at the high school is the costume coordinator,” she said.
Tickets are on sale Monday through Friday at 2:30 p.m. in the high school lobby or by calling Michelle VanTasel at 521-4470 or e-mail mivantasel@msln.net. Seats will have designated numbers and advance ticket sales assure the purchaser of a select seat. Ticket prices are, $8 for adults, and $5 for senior citizens and students. The doors will open one half hour before the performance.
Staff, students and parents have worked days, nights and weekends to pull everything together for this long awaited updated performing arts center opening, completing the first phase of the auditorium renovation.
Following this musical, the next performance will be Wednesday, Dec. 2 with the Houlton High School Band and Chorus taking center stage at 7 p.m. This concert will feature the HHS chorus, chamber choir, percussion ensemble and band with special guests.
The Houlton Community Chorus will join the high school chorus, while the band will perform along with members of McGill’s Community Band. All groups will combine for “O Come All Ye Faithful” as the special closing selection.
The high school band will also feature a guest conductor, world-renowned composer, Samuel Hazo. He will rehearse with the band during the day and then lead them in two of his own compositions.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Karen Donato
TEAMWORK — It took many hands to hang the stage curtains at the high school auditorium. From left on the lift are, Isaac Brown and Chris Holmes. Joe Fagnant, band director is lifting the curtain to Holmes, while parents and students assist with the yards and yards of material.
