Children participate in Readers Theatre
GRAND RAPIDS -- The Grand Rapids Players presented "Glaskoop, the Everything Maker, or How Bear Got His Sharp Teeth and Claws, or Why Loon Still Sings His Sad, Sad, Song," written by Roy C. Booth of Bovey, at the monthly Readers Theatre series last week.
Caleb Grossman as Glaskoop started out by having his hoppy assistant Frog (Dave Litchke) and graceful Loon (Barb Thompson) go into the audience to bring children onto the stage. The kids were then transformed into forest animals with masks before returning to their seats.
Shane Troumbly lumbered onto the scene as Bear, followed by an enthusiastic Cynthia Booth as Rabbit and Toni Moore as the extravagant Owl.
Each child who became a creature got to take the mask home. "The kids really enjoyed it," said Christy Lasin, "and these masks will be wonderful in another month for Halloween."
Children starring from the audience were Autumn and Kassandra Gordon, Riordon Booth, Andrew Dokken, Jenice Clairmont, Hannah Grossman and Mathew, Jacob, Rachel and Megan Lessin. The production crew that crafted the animal masks and helping behind the scenes included Connie Lefler, Susan Wass, Barb Thompson and Erin Peterson.
The audience included the playwright, Louise Bottrell of Brainerd. She is a co-author of "The Glover's Mange Cure Caper," which the Players will perform in October.
The Grand Rapids Players' next Readers Theatre will be 7:01 p.m. Nov. 14 at the MacRostie. Anyone who would like to participate as a reader/actor is invited to attend the rehearsal at 6 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Playhouse. For directions or more info call (218) 328-5375 or info@grplayers.com.