Cast of Tom Sawyer to bring Down the house before the bulldozers!

Craig Godfrey | Nov 08, 2012

Tom Sawyer, The Play, will be an historical event for both North Frontenac Little Theatre as well as Sharbot Lake High School. Since 1979, NFLT with cooperation from administration and staff, have been presenting two plays or musicals per year. Tom Sawyer will be the last theatrical production presented at the existing high school. With on- going construction, and demolition scheduled to occur this summer, there will not be a Spring production there. The cast hopes “To bring the house down”, before the bulldozers bring a sad yet exciting end to an era.

Based on the tales of Mark Twain, Tom Sawyer follows the exploits of a group of children in the 1850s. It was also a time when small pioneer towns were beginning in Central Frontenac. Some refer to it as a “gentler” time, but I don’t think Tom or Huck Finn would agree after getting “a whoopin”!

The cast are busy learning their lines (they say) for the dress rehearsal looming on the near horizon.

This production, a play with some singing, is being directed by NFLT veteran Brian Robertson. Brian had directed this play years ago as a school production but always wanted to put it up with adults in the adult roles. He is excited by the number of new faces making their debut with NFLT.

Making their stage debut with us are 12-year-old Jonny Parks (Tom), Beth Freeland (Aunt Polly), Andrew Hannah( Muff Potter), Ken Fisher (Judge Thatcher), Elyse Henry (Mrs.Thatcher), and Barb Matson as the Widder Douglas. Another new adult to the stage is Marcel Quenneville, playing the grave-robbing doctor. Several new student actors have taken to the stage for this production as well. We welcome new boys; Matthew Stinson, Dalton Hurren, Mason Moore, Cash Matson and Nic Alarcon, as well as new girls Hunter Hannah and Cayleigh Matson.

Returning to the stage to round out the cast are NFLT veterans, Sarah Hale, John Stephen, Noelle Parr, Cody Matson, Johnny and Violet Skuce, Dayna and Delaney Stone, Elle Larocque ,and Taylor Gould.

As producer, it is easy to relax knowing that there is a strong, experienced and talented production team behind me. The stage manager is Karen Steele, who has also directed several NFLT plays. Karen Murphy is line prompter. The set construction is being handled as usual by veteran old saws Peter Platenius assisted by Paddy O’Connor. We have a new lighting director for this show, Michel Alarcon, and appreciate the technical support of Jeff Siamon, Derreck Redmond and Bernie Slavin. Local artisan Donna Larocque is designing and painting scenery with assistance from others such as Sara Hale. Peggy Muldoon is our costume coordinator and has been receiving help from Linda Boulter and Elyse Henry. The actors will look their best under the direction of make-up artists Nina Jenkins and Nancy Moore. You will be greeted at the door by our House Managers Art Holloway and Jan Levitt, eager to take your 50/50/ money. Our parent helpers are Tanya Stone, Karen Skuce, Lauren Stinson, Heather Parks and Rob Moore. The pit band is John Inglis, Gary Giller and Sandy Robertson.

Tickets are on sale but going fast!