Staff Writer
Members of the Caribou High School Drama Club have selected an original play by created by two of its members for the regional high school drama competition at Stearns High School in Millinocket this weekend. “Pulling the Strings of Courtship,” authored by Christine Kashian and Robbie Kiehn, will preview tomorrow, March 4, at the Caribou Performing Arts Center prior to the regional festival. “We had used some unpublished new scripts last year,” said Joe Zubrick, director of the drama club. “and Christine and Robbie were anxious to try writing a piece for this year’s festival. It’s a fun piece, obviously based on something the authors know — what it takes to put on a high school play.”
Part parody, part coming of age narrative, “Pulling the Strings” offers choice parts for the entire club. Featured players include Kevin Turcotte, Danielle Lane, Erin Buck, Taylor Arey, Rachel Siford, Miranda Williamson, Kellene O’Hara as well as the authors, Kashian and Kiehn. Sarah Englund, Meagan Engstrom and Kellie Kashian round out the crew and will also be responsible for stage management, lights and sound.
In addition to writing and performing, the authors are also making their directorial debuts. “I told the club I wanted them to assume ownership of the process, much like the great ensemble companies in theater history. They jumped in without a moment’s hesitation.” said Zubrick. “It’s great to see them all working together on script clarifications, rewrites and stage business. It’s truly ‘hands on’ learning.”
“Pulling the Strings of Courtship” will preview tomorrow, March 4, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Caribou Performing Arts Center. Donations toward the costs of touring will be accepted. Tickets for an upcoming Irish Stew Dinner will also be on sale.
The Caribou Drama Club will use the monies from this dinner, scheduled for Friday, March 26, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the CHS Café, toward their production of “GODSPELL,” which opens on April 8, at 7 p.m. for a three-performance run.
