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| Aroostook Republican Photo/Joshua Archer Music teacher and violinist Andrew Sullivan, retired music instructor Margaret Cyr, Caribou senior, actress and writer Albany McCabe, and trained vocalist Stephanie Plourde rehearse for their upcoming performance. |
By Joshua Archer
Staff Writer
CARIBOU — The tale of an Irish family will be told this Friday and Saturday at the Caribou Performing Arts Center. On May 1 and 2 at 7 p.m. join Caribou High School students and members of the community as they bring you “Echoes of Ireland.”
The play will include a series of monologues and Irish Gaelic songs. Proceeds from the performance will benefit the Hope and Justice Project, which helps those affected by domestic abuse and violence. A portion of the funds will also go to assist in the purchase of new electronic sign for Caribou High School.
For the past two years Caribou High School drama club mentor, Pat Karpen, has produced plays that involve the community and in turn raises funds for a good cause. Last year the CPAC put on “The Guys,” a play about 9/11, and raised funds for fire, rescue, and police services.
“I think it’s important to take people out of their space and realize there’s just so much more out there,” Karpen said. “Every year we send out reminders that this world exists beyond our noses. I think there’s a terrible risk of becoming a selfish people in this world today.”
Before each monologue, trained vocalist Stephanie Plourde will sing an Irish tune. She will be accompanied by retired music teacher, Margaret Cyr, on the piano and RSU 39 music instructor, Andrew Sullivan, on the violin. Sullivan will also act out two of the monologues, and the remaining two will be perfumed by Caribou High School senior Albany McCabe.
“I love to sing,” Plourde said. “A good foundation to anything is being able to give your talent and give your time for worthy causes.”
“Echoes of Ireland” is a story about survival and takes you from Ireland in 1860 to modern day New York. The survival aspect ties in with the benefit for the Hope and Justice project, “In order to care for everybody and everything I think we all need reminders of what’s going on,” Karpen said.
Cyr, Sullivan and Plourde have worked together in the past. You can hear Cyr play at the Gray Memorial United Methodist Church in Caribou.
When Plourde isn’t busy with her family you can hear her sing at numerous musical events around The County such as the annual Summer Musicale at the Grant Memorial United Methodist Church.
Sullivan hails from New Jersey, but has spent most of his life in Caribou. With 14 years of playing the violin under his belt he uses his talents to teach music in both Caribou and Limestone.
McCabe will be graduating later this spring and dreams of becoming a renowned author and would love to move to Ireland.
Tickets to Friday’s and Saturday’s performances can be purchased for $8 at the door
