Fast, funny family entertainment opens on Heartwood’s stage this weekend, as students present two performances of “Scapino!” in the Poe Theater at Lincoln Academy.  Open seating is available (no reservations) on Friday,July 14 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, July 15 at 2 p.m.  Doors open for general seating 30 minutes prior to show time. Tickets are $5/students and $10/adults. “Scapino” delivers frivolity and laughter for all ages! (No infants or young toddlers, please.)

Students have spent three weeks preparing, with dancing, singing, acting, working on pratfalls, learning comic styles, writing improvisational bits, and generally have a ball. Camp days have included workshops with varied, competent instructors: Liz Giles-Brown, focusing on juggling; Michelle Bruckner, developing the opening tap dance number; Ray Huth and Stephen Shore teaching the art of pratfalls and comic physicality; scene work, the history of comedy and show rehearsals, with Griff Braley.

Students are divided into two groups, each of which has devised a six-minute opener for the show (including tap dancing) and developed the characters within the script.  Each “performance” will include back-to-back runs of “Scapino,” with each group doing one opening routine and one actual run-through of the script, thereby offering more stage time and diverse experiences.  There will be a brief intermission with treats, between the two runs.

Adapted by Jim Dale and Frank Dunlop, this rollicking performance of Commedia dell'arte is based on the classic Italian comedy character, made most famous by Moliere in his play, “Scapin.”   

No reservations, unless easy access or close seating is needed.  Questions can be directed to Joy Braley at 563-1373 or info@heartwoodtheater.org

Heartwood’s Summer Camp is sponsored by several generous Midcoast businesses:  Bath Savings Institution and Chesterfield Associates, Inc. (Season Sponsors), Damariscotta Hardware (Youth Sponsor), First National Bank (Education Sponsor), J. Edward Knight Ins. (Camp Sponsor).   Many scholarships were provided to students, with the help of Colby and Gale, The Cheney Financial Group and Bath Savings Institution.  Heartwood is grateful to these businesses, along with anonymous grantors and many individuals who help make youth programming possible.