Houlton Star Bright Children’s Theatre to perform ‘A Thousand Cranes’

    The Houlton Star Bright Children’s Theatre will be presenting its annual production on Friday, April 30 and Saturday, May 1 at the Houlton High School Auditorium in Houlton.
Contributed photo
PLAY PRODUCTION — Houlton’s Star Bright Theatre is getting ready to perform “A Thousand Cranes” April 30 and May 1. Cast members include, front row from left, Daniel Foster, Davan Thornton, Delaney Johnson, Hope Chernesky, Cody Queen, Rothery Sullivan and Heather Hannigan; middle, Tessa McCormick, Duncan McCormick, Justin Queen, Jillian Haggerty, Kelsey Sewell, Heather Hannigan, Emily Miller, Jon Thatcher and Josh Sutton; and back, Catherine Hovda, Trynity Plummer and Joey Ebner. Not pictured are Grace Johnson, Taylor Cowan and Jamie Brown.
    This years’ production will be “A Thousand Cranes” by Kathryn Schultz Miller. “A Thousand Cranes” is an inspiring play based on the true story of Sadako Sasaki, a Japanese girl who lived near Hiroshima, Japan, who was two years old when the atomic bomb was dropped in August 1945. She subsequently became ill as a result of fallout from the bomb. While in the hospital, she began folding paper origami cranes, inspired by the legend that anyone who folds a thousand cranes will have a wish granted.
    “A Thousand Cranes” is being directed by Pamela Chernesky, who also directed last years’ Houlton Star Bright Children’s Theatre production, “Seven by Seuss”. Chernesky brings a wealth of experience to this year’s production, having worked in theatre for many years as an actor and director and in various technical roles, as well as working as a K-12 Theater and Visual Arts teacher. Michelle Green will be serving as assistant director and Ann Barnes as production manager.
    The cast of “A Thousand Cranes” will feature local children ranging in age from second through tenth grades. The children have been rehearsing since early February.
    There will be two performances of “A Thousand Cranes”: Friday April 30 at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 1 at 3 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door. Ticket prices are $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for students, $4.00 for seniors and $15.00 for a family of four or more.
    The Houlton Star Bright Children’s Theatre, founded in 1969 by students at Ricker College, is one of the oldest community children’s theatres in the country and offers live theater for and by children to the Greater Houlton area. The Theatre is a non-profit organization supported by volunteer help and community donations.
    For more information contact, Frank Sullivan at 538-9416 or e-mail frank@rainbarrow.net.