12.06.2008

Kids Coop Theater Presents "Believe"

We went to see the Kids Coop Theater production of the Christmas play, "Believe," this afternoon. I'm always impressed by how early kids develop talent and care about giving back to their community! It's definitely inspiring. Here's the Derry News article about the play, written by my once-colleague, Julie Huss.


A season to 'Believe' in Kids Coop
by Julie Huss, Derry News

More often than not, this time of year puts much talent on the local stages, not only showcasing the sights and sounds of the holidays in dance, song or theatre, but also giving the audiences and supporters of the arts a chance to reach out and do something good for those in need.

One local youth theatre group, Kids Coop Theatre, continues its mission of bringing quality theatre to the stage and kicks in a bit of holiday spirit, too.

The group's holiday show, "Believe," is being presented on Dec. 5 at 7 p.m., Dec. 6 at 1 and 7 p.m., and Dec. 7 at 1 p.m. at the Adams Memorial Opera House in downtown Derry.

In addition to presenting the show, Kids Coop will give back to the community for all who have supported Kids Coop through the years.

"We decided to do two productions this fall, because of the huge interest in our show," said Bridget Detollenaere, Kids Coop board of directors member. "'Believe' was added to our schedule as an age-alternative to our recent teen production of 'Oklahoma.'"

"Believe" producer is Ken Neu, who said the show was meant to be a lower budget, easier set production to put on the stage, but it has become so much more than that.

"It has become a great way for the KCT kids to give back to the community that has been so supportive of Kids Coop Theatre," he said.

Neu and his production team have planned ways to help this holiday season, including a giving tree to benefit the Love Makeover Ministry and a free performance on Dec. 4 for families and individuals who are unable to buy tickets. A bookfair event was held at Barnes and Noble book store on Nov. 9 to benefit the Sonshine Soup Kitchen and First Baptist Church food pantry. All who attend this weekend's performances of "Believe" are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the soup kitchen and food pantry.

"There are lots of surprises, laughter and joy," Neu said. "Christmas songs you all remember, some you may have forgotten and some performed with a whole new twist."

Performances of "Believe" are this weekend, Dec. 5, 6 and 7 at the Opera House. Tickets at $8 are available at Daren's Music in Derry, Allen Motors in Derry, or online at www.kids-coop-theatre.org. The show is sponsored by Allen Motors.

Julie Huss is a staff writer for the Derry News. Her column focusing on the local arts scene appears weekly. To contact her, call 421-3847 or send an e-mail to jhuss@derrynews.com.

3 comments:

Kara said...

Very nice. If this doesn't get you into the Christmas spirit, then we need to check your heart and shoe sizes- they may be too small. ; )

Nora said...

what Kara said... seriously!

Melanie said...

Settle down, girls. I'm "there."