Heartwood’s annual winter middle school production will hit the stage Jan. 30, as an enthusiastic group of 4th-8th grade Midcoast youths present an adaptation of “Jack and the Beanstalk.” This delightful piece features more than 20 students in a familiar children’s story set in Appalachia, with cast songs, lots of humor, a fast-paced story telling style, and GIANTS!
 
Students auditioned for directors Griff Braley and Teralyn Reiter in December. As school resumed in January, students dove into four weeks of focused rehearsals, which will culminate in school-day and evening public performances in the Poe Theater, at Lincoln Academy.
 
Four school performances will be filled with elementary and middle school students and teachers bused in from numerous Midcoast schools on Jan. 30 and 31.  Each year, many students arrive as first-time audience members, wide-eyed and new to the inside of a theater; returning students enter with a knowing air of expectation and excitement, recounting memories from previous productions.  Together, they share in the special thrill, when the lights go down and the magic of live theater begins.

Cast  members are:  Natalie Hodgdon, Gwyn Fraser, Octavia Aurora, Elijah Braley, Finn Sullivan, Schuyler Brazwell, Aura Jones and River Brazwell, Nora Ballard, Ames Boulet, Parker Snyder, River Snyder, Lilah Braley, Nora Otterman and Aubree Otterman, Heron Kypragoras, Aysel Fraser, Grace Walker, Lori Greenleaf, Phoebe Smith and Ananda Smith. 
 
Teralyn Reiter, new to this program, is definitely not new to theater or working with students. Assisting in casting and directing the show, Teralyn adds a strong resource for actors, bringing her strong passion for theater into the process.  According to Braley, “Teralyn is doing excellent work with warm ups, actor coaching, staging and adds an all-around positive outlook.”

Costuming, including fun specialty pieces, is again in the excellent hands of Heidi Kopishke. Technical elements and light design are under the guidance of Tech Director Ryan Kohnert, with set and prop assistance from Annalise Garnett and a number of Lincoln Academy students.
 
Director Griff Braley says of this group, “They arrived in January, memorized and ready to dig into a month of deep learning and dedication to the material.  This group has worked hard for the first two weeks, laying the foundation for a solid performance. As they learn to see beyond their own lines, to be aware of others onstage, and to create true ensemble, they experience the best aspects of live performance for an actor. This really prepares them for next steps in summer camp, high school or performances anywhere."  

Two public performances are scheduled in the Poe Theater at Lincoln Academy at 7 p.m. Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.  Tickets are $5/student and $10/adult. 

Reservations available by contacting Heartwood:  info@heartwoodtheater.org OR 563-1373.
 
This program is made possible, in part, by: Heartwood’s Season Sponsor, Bath Savings Institution; Season Youth Sponsor, Damariscotta Hardware; and Education Sponsor, First National Bank.  Student tickets are available for $5 for every show this season, through the generosity of Moody’s Diner and First National Wealth Management.