The joint was definitely jumpin’ when the Southern Aroostook Community School drama production opened April 7 for a three-night run. Puttin’ on the Hits” is always a hit with the audience, and this production is no exception.
TAKE A BOW — The cast pose for a photo. Castmates include, front from left, Mariah Lane, Taylor D. Bishop and Jia Ying Lu; middle, Jillian Diaferio, Mataya Hartin, Shelby Hartin, Dominique Williams, Cassie Garcelon, Shaydin Lillis, Jenica Frazier, Ashley Crandall and Kaitlin Small; and back, Desirae Dubois, Nicole White, Madison Parr, Shanna Porter, Kaleb Burpee, David Ireland, Mallary Lawlor, Taylor Desmond, Mandy Emery, Joseph Frazier and Zachary Hartin-Brown.
From the opening line, “Did you all come here tonight to have a good time? Then let’s dance,” we all knew it will be a grand, explosive theatrical experience.
Photo courtesy of Susie TarrTHUMBS UP — Joseph Frazier and Kaleb Burpee perform on stage.
Arnie, played by freshman Kaleb Burpee, is a truly believable, sincere young man who just wants to marry his girlfriend. His hamming it up with his friends and the crushing defeat she hands him are both good theatre fun.
Daryl, sophomore Zachary Hartin-Brown, has got the disco moves down for his solo rendition, and even if the actors are involved in lip-sync, the whole cast clearly knows what they are doing. At the end of scene one, the Rebelettes, led by Roxy (Mallary Lawlor) and Scarlett (Cassie Garcelon) are well able to carry off the prowl as they are hunting the men.
Scene two with the competition between the Lovelites (good girls) and the Rebelettes makes for a good clash, not only with the music but with the costuming. The colored stockings and fancy shoes are eye-catching and well used by both groups. The Hunks and their chorus line truly make the audience glad all over.
A highlight of scene two is Alice, played by senior Shelby Hartin, making us believe she means it when she closes out the scene with boots that are absolutely going to walk all over Boo, junior Joe Frazier.
The Car Wash scene has all you could ask for with Brucie (Desirae Dubois) and Arnie completely sure their cars, the little GTO and Greased Lightning, will obliterate any competition. Of course, the car crash has to happen off stage, but it is properly frightening with the sound effects.
In scene four, the Hunks have a remarkable recovery. Janie (Jiaying Lu) and her back ups really don’t have to worry about a broken heart. Disco Daddy’s brief but flashy appearance at the end of the scene leads the boys, except for Jimi (David Ireland) to a quick and complete recovery, so they are ready for the night at the disco.
Audience involvement is a big piece of the enjoyment, and the crowd was really hustlin’; Arnie learned his lesson that nothing was as important as stayin’ alive, and the whole scene was the way (we) like it. Bad girl Storm (Mandy Emery) had a show stopper in her solo. She puts her heart out there, and everyone wants to see her rewarded with that last dance with a special guy.
The show definitely turned the beat a round with its dramatic and fun curtain call.
If you missed it, you missed a sure thing.
POSING — Members of the SACS Drama Club striking a pose are, from left, Mallary Lawlor, Mandy Emery, Taylor Desmond, Mataya Hartin, Cassie Garcelon and Jillian Diaferio.
IN THE MOMENT — Performing during the “Puttin’ on the Hits” fundraiser at SACS are students, from left, Madison Parr, Desirae Dubois, Shaydin Lillis, Nicole White and Jia Ying Lu.
DISCO DIVAS — Cassie Garcelon, Shelby Hartin and Dominique Williams get into the groove during SACS’ Puttin’ on the Hits event April 7.
