'Terabithia' Young
They are building more than a bridge over at the Butler Little Theatre as the cast and crew bring the words of Katherine Paterson to life.
Fifteen actors ages 8 to 20 under the direction of student director Shannon Donovan are learning their lines and lyrics for this powerful adaptation of the classic piece of children's literature.
This version of the story focuses on the humor, warmth and emotional intensity of Paterson's John Newbery Medal-winning novel.
Jesse, played by Christian Cendrowski of Clinton Township, is the young boy from Virginia who dreams of becoming something really special.
“I enjoy the happiness of the character and his shyness, but I am pretty good at acting in a sad scene,” said the 15-year-old.
Christian recently played Dick Foster in the Sing Hosanna! production of “Give My Regards to Broadway.”
Jesse's life changes when Leslie comes to town.
Leslie, played by Malia Kennedy, 13, of Brady Township, is the new girl from the city who catches the attention of Jesse.
She opens a world of imagination for him and they create Terabithia.
“We are two kids that are different from everyone else and make a place just for us where we can escape from the real world,” said Malia.
“Leslie is adventurous and imaginative, and I am learning how to be even more so,” she said.
“Because I sing in this show, this role has taught me not to be as self-conscious to my singing,” said the veteran of three BLT shows.
Little Naomi Eberle, 8, of Butler plays May Belle, Jesse's younger sister.
“I am young and I am energetic,” said Naomi, who said she is very much enjoying her first opportunity on stage.
She does admit she is having a tough time trying not to smile while she is playing the annoying little sister.
“My dad finished up a show right before the auditions for this show and it sounded like fun,” she said.
The stage novice said this is her first time memorizing lines, but she is enjoying her time with the cast and her character. “May Belle and I are very similar so it hasn't been much of a stretch,” said Naomi.
While the book is terribly serious much of the time, all the members of the cast were quick to point out the humor in the stage version.
The show runs July 24 to 27 and looks to be a good pick for all ages.
<B>WHAT: </B>Butler Little Theatre’s summer youth production of “Bridge to Terabithia,” a play with music by Katherine Paterson, Stephanie S. Tolan and Steve Liebman<B>WHEN: </B>7:30 p.m. July 24 to 26 and 2:30 p.m. July 27<B>WHERE: </B>One Howard St.<B>TICKETS:</B> $10, available at May’s Music Shoppe<B>INFO:</B> www.bltgroup.org
