Windham Center Stage Theater reopens with Edges: A Song Cycle

Cast members of Windham Center Stage Theater's production 
of Edges: A Song Cycle rehearse for their upcoming shows on
Aug. 6, 7 and 8 at Windham Town Hall.
PHOTO BY JOCELYN FRENCH

By Elizabeth Richards

The stage lights will come up at the Windham Town Hall for the first time in over a year when Windham Center Stage Theater presents Edges: A Song Cycle on Aug. 6, 7 and 8.

Edges is the first live show WCST has performed since they closed their children’s show, Pinocchio, in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  In early July, Edges ran for a weekend at the Gendron Franco Center in Lewiston. Now, WCST is bringing it home.

Pinocchio ran for one weekend before they made the difficult decision to close.

“We put everything on pause,” said Laurie Shepard, co-chair of the WCST board, who was also the director for that show.  “It was hard for the community, the kids who had worked so hard…but safety came first.”

Although they couldn’t reopen the show as they’d hoped they might, they did hold a drive-by awards ceremony where Shepard took the time to thank each child and celebrate the work that they had put in.

While closed, WCST held a virtual Winter Wonderland performance, something they’d never done before.  Shepard said there was a learning curve, and they had to really step back and change their thought process a little. 

As they open their season, they are still thinking outside the box, and trying to do whatever they can to offer great theater to the community, she said.

Because WCST performs at the Windham Town Hall, they did not have a building to sustain through the pandemic. That allowed them to concentrate on providing whatever theater experience they could during the pandemic, Shepard said. 

“We did the virtual production, and it was just about serving the community, not about ticket sales,” she said. 

Rachel Scala-Bolduc, music director for Edges, said that was one thing that WCST was really fortunate for.

“We didn’t really have to worry about maintaining our own space and not having any revenue,” she said.

“Like everybody else, we’re charting a very different way of looking at things,” Shepard said. “We’re just plugging away and excited to be back on our home base stage.”

Director Darnell Stuart said that originally, the group had talked about streaming Edges online.

“Things started changing with Covid, and we were able to change our direction and be able to put it on the stage, which has been a great, great experience for all of us,” she said. “All of us are seasoned theater people, so it was a great thing to be able to come back and do something we all love so much.”

The show is quite different from a typical WCST production said Scala, who is also one of the four-member cast. Part of the appeal was the small cast, she said.

“From the very beginning safety was our number one concern, so just the fact that it’s a small cast and it’s just singing felt very safe to us,” she said.

Her husband, Jon Bolduc, her brother, Matt Scala, and Bryanne Miller, make up the remainder of the cast. 

Scala-Bolduc said the close relationships that already existed between much of the cast also helped them feel safe performing together.

The show is unique in that it’s a song cycle, not a traditional musical.  There’s no dialogue, but instead a continuous sequence of songs, and cast members don’t play just one character throughout the show.

“Each song is a different vignette,” Scala-Bolduc said.

Scala-Bolduc said Edges is a fun show, meant for an adult audience, written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, well known for their work on Dear Evan Hansen, La La Land, and The Greatest Showman. 

Though Edges is not a well-known song cycle, she said, it’s one of the first things written by those famous writers, and the audience may hear a familiar sound in the music. 

Stuart said the show is centered around college students and the choices and decisions they have to make upon leaving school.

“It’s about commitment, love, the meaning of relationships…” she said. 

Although the show was written about coming of age, Stuart said, “When I first started listening to the music, and really delving into the lyrics, I realized that we are all at point in our lives, with coming out of Covid. We are all struggling with commitments, and identifying ourselves, and the meaning of things…the expectations of life as it has changed in the last year and a half.

“For me a big part of this production was saying we’re at a starting point again in our lives and now we’re taking this journey,” she said. “It’s just been a really incredible journey and we are so excited to be back on our little stage in Windham,” she added. “We have a wonderful theater community, and we want to get back in the game and do what we love doing the most, and that’s theater.”

The remainder of the season for WCST will include the Great American Trailer Park (also meant for more mature audiences), the children’s show, Madagascar, in March, and Steel Magnolias to end the season in the spring.

“We’re very excited to start our children’s show back up,” Shepard said. “We’re excited to get that program up and running again serving youth in not just Windham but surrounding communities.”

Tickets for Edges: A Song Cycle can be purchased on the WCST website (www.windhamtheater.org) or at the door.  Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors/students.

Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m. The Sunday performance is at 2 p.m. <

Windham Center Stage delights audience with “Annie”

Grace (Kristen Ciampa) introduces Annie (Meghan Rivard)
to Oliver Warbucks (Randy Hunt)

By Elizabeth Richards

           

Windham Center Stage Theater’s (WCST) production of “Annie” was enthusiastically received by a full house on opening night, Friday, October 18^th. 

“Annie” hit the movie theaters when I was a pre-teen, and my friends and I were instantly obsessed with both the movie and the soundtrack. Hours were spent acting out the plight of the little orphan and her friends, each of us taking a turn as the notorious Miss Hannigan. More than 35 years later, I can still sing every word to every song.

It’s risky seeing a production of such a beloved show – you run the risk of being severely disappointed if the cast doesn’t bring it to life in the way you envision it. But that was not the case at WCST last week. The talented cast created lively, engaging scenes that pulled me in and made me forget everything except what was happening on stage – exactly the way a live production should.

The show centers around Annie, a girl of 11 raised in an orphanage who believes with all her heart that her parents will be coming back for her someday. The orphanage, run by drunk, harried, nasty Miss Hannigan, is a dismal place, which Annie escapes temporarily by running away. The police bring her back, but in a lucky break, she is spotted by the secretary of wealthy Oliver Warbucks, who wants to host an orphan for the holiday season. 

Annie and Warbucks hit it off so well that he wants to adopt her, but before he can tell her, she tells him how much she wants to find her parents, and he vows to do everything he can to help. Hannigan, her con artist brother and his girlfriend cook up a scheme to pose as her long-lost parents and take the money Warbucks has offered if they are located. It looks as though they might succeed – until Warbucks’ resources uncover the truth.

Ultimately, this show is about hope and optimism, and the idea that dreams can come true – even if it’s not quite the way you think they will. WCST had a large, diverse cast that conveyed these themes well.

All the characters, big and small, were brought to life with perfect details interspersed throughout the production. Annie was portrayed perfectly by Meghan Rivard, a young girl with a powerful voice and just the right blend of optimism, mischief, and grit. Randy Hunt convincingly transformed Warbucks from “all business” to a caring man who would do anything for the young girl who stole his heart.

“It’s a Hard Knock Life” and “Easy Street” were particularly fun to watch, but all the musical numbers were lively, engaging, and entertaining. “Annie” at Windham Center Stage is a show well worth seeing.

The show runs through November 3^rd, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.windhamtheater.org or at the door.

             

Windham Center Stage production of “Willy Wonka Jr.” delightfully whimsical by Elizabeth Richards

At the box office I was handed a golden ticket, which I took as a sign that the Windham Center Stage performance of “Willy Wonka Jr.” would be a fun and engaging experience from beginning to end. I was not disappointed. 

Willy Wonka played by Maggie Hancock

My experience wouldn’t have been complete without a visit to the concession stand, which was laid out like an amazing sweet shop displaying a wide range of Willy Wonka style treats. This elaborate set up was a preview of good things to come - the sets throughout the show displayed the same whimsy and attention to detail.  

The first act moved quickly through the familiar story, introducing Charlie and his family, along with each golden ticket winner. Each character was portrayed in a way that highlighted their unique personalities and allowed the audience to fully understand them. The costumes and props nicely enhanced each scene, and the energy from each performer made up for the fact that at times it was somewhat difficult to hear from my position in the back. 

After intermission, Act Two launched into the tour of the chocolate factory, moving from scene to scene with seemingly effortless set changes. The scenery showed great attention to detail, evoking the excitement and wonder that the tour participants were feeling - and the message each received when disobeying the rules. The show stays true to the original story while moving swiftly through each child’s challenges.  

The choreography was complex enough to be engaging and fun to watch, but simple enough to be well executed by the ensemble. The hard work and dedication of each and every cast member - as well as the adults who worked with them - was evident throughout the show.

“Willy Wonka Jr.” is an ambitious production and the Windham Center Stage didn’t disappoint! The show will run on weekends through Sunday, March 25^th, with performances on Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.  Ticket prices are $10 adults, $8 students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased online at www.windhamtheater.org or at the door.

“The Addams Family”: An unusual musical about life and love by Elizabeth Richards

"The Addams Family” isn’t your typical musical, but anyone familiar with the characters and television show it’s based on wouldn’t expect it to be. The themes explored are universal - family relationships, misunderstandings, reluctance to accept change and the conflicting feelings that arise as children grow and develop into their own people - especially when who they become departs from what is expected. The cast of odd characters highlights the emotions that arise from these themes in an amusing - and sometimes twisted way.
 

The Addams are not a “normal” family. They embrace darkness, misery, torture and death in a way unlike most - and that’s a lot for a wide-eyed family from Ohio to process when they arrive for dinner. Love itself is an odd concept for Wednesday Addams to process, and she, along with most of her family, has a hard time with the idea. Uncle Fester, however, embraces the idea of love and works with a large cast of dead ancestors to keep the two young people together. 

As you might imagine, there’s plenty of room for misunderstanding, deception, frustration and upset, which plays out in a series of scenes featuring members of the bewildered Beineke family, the Addams family and the young lovers. 

At the Sunday matinee on October 15, a large crowd gathered at Windham Center Stage Theater to support the community production. While the first act felt a bit disjointed, and the musical accompaniment often overpowered the performers’ voices, the second act brought everything back into focus. The band was quieter after intermission making the story much easier to follow. The action really picks up in the second act, and scenes move quickly toward the final resolution. 

Although only ten of the thirty roles were speaking parts - the ensemble of dead ancestors added a lively element to the show, and the full company numbers were engaging and entertaining. The amazing costumes highlight each ancestor’s unique personality, and the movements and expression of these cast members added interest and diversity to the show.  

The show is peppered with hilarious one-liners that sometimes take a moment or two to catch, particularly with the intentionally unexpressive tone the Addams family favors. The cast did a great job conveying the personalities and conflicting emotions of each character. 

A few members of the cast stood out. Rob Hatch as Uncle Fester brought great energy to the stage, a beacon of light in gloomy surroundings. Ali Gordon as Grandma added a great touch of humor to her scenes. John Ulmer as Pugsley convincingly conveyed the sense of jealousy and loss that comes from the prospect of a sibling leaving. And Ed Haibon as Lurch, though mainly silent, filled the stage with his presence.

This show is about family, and though the Addams and the Beinekes couldn’t be more different, both families face the same challenge - accepting the changes and transitions of life as children grow up - and adults grow apart. Each family has underlying issues that come to light, pushing the young couple apart in the process. Will love prevail? You’ll have to attend a show next weekend to see for yourself!

Upcoming performances of “The Addams Family” are on Friday, October 20 and Saturday, October 21 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, October 22 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 adults, $10 students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased online at www.windhamtheater.org or at the door.

“Break-a-leg” carries literal meaning for star in Windham Center Stage’s “Wizard of Oz” by Walter Lunt

No one expresses those classic theatrical words of encouragement, “break-a-leg” to Olivia Elder who plays the leading role of Dorothy Gale in Windham Center Stage’s “Wizard of Oz”. She already did.

Olivia, 13, had secured one of two cast roles of Dorothy and had learned her lines when she helped her brother clear snow from a high deck at their home. When they finished, both jumped off into the pile of snow.

“He landed okay, but I hit where the snow was soft and my leg broke in two places,” she stated.

It was just before the start of rehearsals for “The Wizard of Oz”, Young Performers Edition - when director Diane Hancock got the call from Olivia’s mom.

“Olivia was devastated and assumed she would have to give up the role”, said Hancock. But not so fast - If Olivia was willing, the production staff, the cast and the family would all pull together to “make it work.”

“I learned a lot about myself,” said Olivia, “I never had a leading role before (so) I had to push myself. Mostly, I was worried that I would let down my cast.”

As it turned out, she didn’t. The performance was reblocked (stage maneuvers) to support Olivia’s crutches. And the 39 other cast members, second through eighth graders, stepped forward to accommodate; giving special meaning to the phrase “supporting cast.”

“Oz, For Young Performers” is the adaptation of the classic 1939 musical drama about young Dorothy of Kansas who dreams of what’s over the rainbow.  Her adventures begin when a twister carries her and her dog, Toto, off to see the wizard via the yellow brick road. In her dream world, she meets: Scarecrow (If I only had a brain), the Tinman (If I only had a heart), the Cowardly Lion (If I only had the nerve) and, of course, the Wicked Witch.

“These kids sing beautifully,” says Hancock, “and it’s because of the music teachers in the school system and the directors of area music venues, who foster excitement and passion about m

Cast A

usic.”

“Oz” is performed by two separate casts (distinguished by cast A and cast B), each consisting of 40 young performers, ages 7 to 13. There are 12 performances on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from March 10 (Opening Night) to March 26.

“We had lots of new kids auditioning this year.” said Hancock, “Kids from Greely, Waynflete, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, Gorham, as well as Windham and Raymond; and more boys than usual. I think that’s because this isn’t a ‘princess show’. It’s a classic from our childhood.”

Annika Mocciola, who plays Dorothy in cast A, said she let out a scream of joy upon learning she had landed the leading role.

“My friends called me out of a music lesson at school and we all danced (in celebration).”

The angelic voices of both Dorothy’s give a smooth and stirring rendition of the show’s famous, “Over the Rainbow”.

Cast A’s Wicked Witch is played by Lucy Hatch, 12. “I just finished playing a villain in another play - now I’m a villain again. They loved my cackle (during the audition).”

Gianna Stevens, the cast B Witch, joked, “I get to be not myself,” adding with a flourish of her arms, “obviously, I’m not wicked.” Stevens worries about her Witch’s laugh. “I practice it all the time and ask people if it sounds okay.”

Emma Chase, 12, describes her role as the Scarecrow in cast A, as “…floppy, clumsy, goofy and happy. A fun role from a movie we grew up with.”

Cast B Scarecrow, Hannah Perfetti, was more introspective, “I’ve been shy my whole life and this allowed me to step out more.”

Maddie Hancock, 12, said her part as the cast A, Lion “…was the one I wanted because it was a challenge. I worked with the staff on voice and delivery so I wasn’t just a middle schooler on stage.”

The Lion in cast B, is Kate Ramseyer, who feels hers is “One of the most fun roles. Lion is whiny, annoying (but) comedic, and I like making people laugh.”

The Tinman posed a challenge for the actors in both casts. Daphne Cyr, 12, in cast A, characterized the role as, “Amazing! It taught me so much about acting (especially) the ‘tin walk.’ I was nervous (because) it’s hard to stay in character all the time.”

 

Cast B

“I had to up my game,” said cast B Tinman, Alex Robbins, a fifth grader. “Before, I just had ensemble or bit parts. I was surprised (to get a leading part); lots a’ lines - kind a’ hard.”

Dorothy’s faithful dog, Toto, is played by Monica Farley (A) and Autumn Wood (B) – both fourth graders. The Toto’s are scrappy, fun and full of stage energy. While most cast members admitted that they hoped for the part of Dorothy (but settled happily for the role they got), Farley said she was going out for the part of Toto; “When they closed the door (at the audition), I dropped to my knees and acted like a dog.”

Wood said she loves playing Toto. “I’ve got two dogs at my house – I watched and studied them (to get into the role).”

“These kids make my job easy,” says Hancock, “they’re talented. They’re excited. We don’t have to push them. And one of the coolest dynamics of all our shows is the social environment. The younger children admire and emulate the older, more experienced kids. Then the younger ones become the mentors to a new generation of performers.”

Dorothy and her friends are complemented by: The Munchkins, Trees, Winkies, Flying Monkeys, Ozians and more. “Oz” is a youthful blend of music and comedy set amidst the classic conflict of good and evil.

“Oz” is directed by Diane Hancock with musical direction by Patrick Martin and choreography by Andrea Levinsky.

Why see it? Hancock says, “Because it’s a classic and the kids are awesome!”

And all the performances promise to “break-a-leg”.

For show times and more information visit: windhamtheater.org/Shows/wizardofoz.htm <

Honk! Jr. takes center stage - By Walter Lunt

Young stars will light up the stage at Windham Town Hall gym in the Windham Center Stage production of Honk! Jr., beginning March 4^th. Sixty-plus lakes region children, ages 7 to 13, will interpret the classic Hans Christian Andersen tale in a modern musical style that’s fun and wholesome for the entire family.
 

Honk! is the stage version of The Ugly Duckling that tells the story of a young duck whose unappealing looks forces him from the flock due to ridicule and taunts. Along the way he is pursued by a hungry cat and a frantic mother. His journey to find love and acceptance is filled with adventure, charm and humor. The story, which teaches tolerance, is told in part through energetic song and dance performances, thanks to musical director Patrick Martin and choreography by Jaydie Allen. The director, Diane Hancock, sings high praise for each cast of about 30 young performers. 

Cast A - Photo by Meg Hatch Photography

“The story is not contemporary,” and the kids are not as familiar with the dialogue and characters as they might with a Disney production. Martin says the harmonies are complex and “not really written for children.” But the casts have risen to the challenge and deliver impressive performances.

Highlights include the opening Poultry Tale, where the actors introduce the story in song and dance. And Look At Him, performed by the entire cast, which is a defining moment when Ugly is singled out by family and neighbors for the way he looks – a number that is reprised in the finale. 

Cast B - Photo by Meg Hatch Photography

The production is enhanced by a brightly colored set: Vivid greens and browns form a comically over-sized pond, created by a team of community volunteers.

Hancock reflected on early rehearsals when the stage experience of the multi-age performers ranged from zero to several years. “Right now,” just days before the opening performance, “it’s hard to tell the difference.” Older, “more experienced” actors willingly serve as mentors. Chloe Cyr who plays Ida, Ugly’s mother, says “I like interacting with the younger kids and helping them in their acting ability. They’re fast learners.” And, she added with a smile, “I like being looked up to.”

Angel Spiller agrees, “This is really fun. We come together like a big family. The older kids helped me when I was little. Now I can give back.”

Honk! is produced by Heidi Doucette and Gail White. It opens March 4 with 12 performances through March 20 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Consult www.windhamtheater.org for times and cast performances.