“Seven by Seuss” Performances April 3 & 4

    “Seven by Seuss” will be the 2009 Houlton Children’s Star Bright Theatre performance. With a cast of 35, and stage crew of four, Pam Chernesky, guest director of Star Bright Theatre, has created a warm tribute to one of America’s favorite authors. Taking some liberties, Chernesky has remained true to the wonderful language of Dr. Seuss, and adapted seven Seuss stories for the children’s theatre stage. Every student who auditioned received a part in the play.
    Chernesky said, “It has been especially exciting for me to have such a large cast and to be able to provide ‘the unique theatre experience’ to so many.”
Contributed photo
“SEVEN BY SEUSS” — Children from the greater Houlton area are polishing their act for the upcoming Star Bright Theatre production April 3 and 4. Some of the participants are, from left, Ashton Carmichael, Caleb Carmichael, Catherine Hovda, Chloe Davis, Sierra Rhoda and Trynity Plummer. In this scene, Ashton Carmichael who plays Onceler, looks on, as the Lorax played by Catherine Hovda protects the  Brown Bar-ba-loots.
     The entire ensemble also includes student set designers and lighting designers. Students performing in this year’s production are, Lexi Bartlett, Sage Blake, Jamie Brown, Ashton Carmichael, Caleb Carmichael, Taylor Cowan, Chloe Davis, Mikayla Fitzpatrick, Hannah Gervais, Olivia Gervais, Michelle Green, Carrie Hannigan, Heather Hannigan, Amelia Hanning, Lauren Hogan, Catherine Hovda, Hannah Jacobs, Jacob Jones, Duncan McCormick, Tessa McCormick, Ethan Merritt, Emily Miller, Jillian Moran, Daniel Moreno, Gabriella Moreno, Michael Monteith, Phoenix Myers, Trynity Plummer, Cody Queen, Sierra Rhoda, Brea Sabatis, Kelsey Sewell, Rothery Sullivan, John Thatcher, Davan Thornton, with set designer, Chelsea Green, lighting designer, Josh Green, and backstage crew members, Kierra Carmichael, Katie Hannigan and Sarah McGillicuddy.
    These students are not the only ones with talent; Chernesky brings her own rich theatre background to the Star Bright Theatre. She has performed locally in “Our Town” and “It’s a Wonderful Life” and has taught theatre and directed for many years. Chernesky, her husband, Mickey (a 7th grade reading teacher at Houlton High School) and their 5-year-old daughter, Hope have lived in Houlton for three years.
    Ann Barnes, production manager and former director of countless children’s theatre productions, has thoroughly enjoyed working with Chernesky and is thrilled about this year’s show.
    Performance dates are Friday, April 3 at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 4 at 2 p.m. at Houlton Southside School. Tee shirt and DVD orders will be available at both performances.