Houlton Star Bright Children’s Theatre presents ‘Gooney Bird Greene and Her True Life Adventures’

By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — Young actors from southern Aroostook County will take to the stage of the Houlton Community Arts Center Friday and Saturday as the Houlton Star Bright Children’s Theatre embarks on its annual spring production.
    Performances are set for Friday, April 27, at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 28 at 2 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door. Ticket prices are $5 for adults, $3 for students, $4 for seniors and $15 for a family of four or more.
    This year’s show is entitled “Gooney Bird Greene and Her True Life Adventures,” a comedy by Kent Brown, based on the book “Gooney Bird Greene,” written by Lois Lowry.
    “Goonie Bird Greene is the new student at Watertower Elementary School who brings excitement and adventure into the mundane routine of her classmates with her unusual name, her flair for eccentric dress, and her gift for telling stories which, although seemingly unbelievable, are all ‘absolutely true,’” said Frank Sullivan, one of the event organizers. “Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to find out how Gooney Bird got her name, how she came from China on a flying carpet, why she was late for school because she was directing a symphony orchestra, how her beloved cat was consumed by a cow, and more.”
    Pamela Chernesky, who has also directed Houlton Star Bright Children’s Theatre’s previous productions, “Seven by Seuss” and “A Thousand Cranes,” is directing “Gooney Bird Greene and Her True Life Adventures.” Mary Miller will be directing the music and sound effects.
    The cast of “Gooney Bird Greene and Her True Life Adventures” will feature a large group and crew of local children ranging in age from second through 10th grades.
    Members of the cast and crew include Shiloh Shaw, Rothery Sullivan, Elizabeth Phillips, Delaney Johnson, Cassie Shaw, Sydney Ellis, Grace Johnson, Kelsey Sewell, Sam Ellis, Sarah Howland, Katie Smith, Hope Chernesky, Anna Hogan, Ellie Grant, Miranda McGuire, Lindzi Nelson, Grace Kafferlin, Skylie Bartlett, Hannah McKissick, Leah McKissick, Gage Bartlett, Isabel Cyr, Maliyha Kinney, Mikyla Howland, Erin Peters, Damien Sullivan, Martha King, Josh Sutton, Samantha Johnson, Sabra Scott, Brittany Hagan, Addie Gilpatrick, Sidney Peabody, Maddie Grant, Eden Davis, Quinn White, Samantha Condon, Kyliegh Tyler, Kamryn Murray, Alexis (Lexi) Kelley, Carrie Hannigan, Heather Hannigan and Bobby Remington.
    “The children have been hard at work rehearsing, as well as building and painting props and sets since early February,” Sullivan said. “The play promises lots of fun and entertainment for the entire family.”
    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, Sullivan at 538-9416 or e-mail frank@rainbarrow.net.