Power outage can’t darken ‘Jungle Book’

    DOVER-FOXCROFT — When the power blinked off on Sunday afternoon most people didn’t think about it too much. This was not the case for the cast and crew at the Center Theatre performing “The Jungle Book” for a matinee audience. While the power was off for just a moment or two, it was long enough to shut down all the stage lights, leaving the cast in the dark.
    “It can be very disorienting to be on stage when the power goes out,” said Patrick Myers with the Center Theatre, “but the kids didn’t panic or break character.” The cast stayed in their places while Haley Bergeron, a student a PCHS and the show’s lighting designer, brought the lights back up.

    “Once the lights came back on, the kids picked up right where they had left off and continued the play.” Myers said. “They conducted themselves very professionally. Everyone was proud of how well they did . . .  and very happy that the power came back on.”
    While the power outage was certainly unexpected, what wasn’t surprising was how much people enjoyed the performance. “This was our third show,” said Director Bobby Keniston. “and the audiences have loved each one. These kids have worked hard and it shows.” The kids’ performances are complimented by an evocative set. Keniston reports that they designed a minimal set and scenery so that the audience’s imagination would fill in the gaps.
    The play follows the Rudyard Kipling story of Mowgli the “man-cub” who is raised in the jungle by several colorful animal-characters and who eventually has to confront Shere Kahn the tiger. The animals are brought to life by the kids’ acting as well as imaginative and enjoyable costumes and makeup.
    “The animals each have their own ‘look,’” said Wendy Voter, stage manager for the production. “We worked hard to make sure each child was an individual with makeup that helped them express their character. We also had lots of help with the costumes from Belinda Hobbs, a professional costume designer, dedicated parents, and volunteers. The result is a wonderful collection of characters that both children and adults can enjoy.”
    The last chances for the public to see “The Jungle Book” will be Friday the 17th at 7 p.m. and Saturday the 18th at 2 and 7 p.m. For tickets and more information call the theatre box office at 564-8943 or stop in 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday. The Center Theatre is a non-profit performing arts center dedicated to making the arts a part of life in the Maine Highlands.

Photo courtesy of Center Theatre
    IT’S A JUNGLE UP THERE — Diana Voter as Mowgli, left, faces off against Bettina Oms as Shere Kahn in the SOCP Kids production of the “Jungle Book” at the Center Theatre in Dover-Foxcroft.