Heartwood’s annual winter middle school production will hit the stage soon, as an enthusiastic group of 4th-8th grade Midcoast youths present an adaptation of “Treasure Island.” A cast of 28 will bring this delightful spin on Rober Louis Stevenson’s classic novel to life for school peers Jan. 29 and 30. Public performances are Jan. 30 and 31.

Students auditioned for directors Griff Braley and Teralyn Reiter in December. As school resumed in January, students entered into four weeks of focused rehearsals, which will culminate in school-day and public performances in the Poe Theater, at Lincoln Academy.

Hundreds of Midcoast elementary and middle school students and staff will attend four school day performances, bused in from numerous Midcoast schools Jan. 29 and 30.  Each year, many students arrive at their first “real theater experience,” with wide eyed anticipation; returning students enter with a knowing air of expectation and excitement, built on previous productions.  Together, they share in the special thrill, when the lights go down and the magic of live theater begins. 

Directors Teralyn Reiter and Griff Braley bring their teaching experience, passion for live theater, and expectations for work and success to the students in this annual no-fee  program. Costuming, including some fun specialty pieces (it’s a pirate show, after all), is in the capable hands of Heidi Kopishke, an integral member of this midwinter drama adventure for many years; lighting provided by Ryan Kohnert, also a long time member of the production team at Heartwood. 

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.  They’ve worked well 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 a 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."  

“This annual Winter Drama Adventure is a unique and exciting opportunity for middle school students,” notes Joy Braley, Heartwood’s executive director. “Performing in the Poe Theater, where many of them will attend in later years, to hundreds of their own peers as well as the public, is quite thrilling. Committing to the process, to one another, and to a shared ambitious goal, yields joy and satisfaction, when the curtain closes.”

Two public performances are scheduled in the Poe Theater, 81 Academy Hill Road, Newcastle on Friday, Jan. 30 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 31 at 3 p.m. 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, thanks to sponsors Moody’s Diner and First National Wealth Management.