THE NEVERENDING STORY OPENS JAN 30

HEARTWOOD /AOS93 PRESENT “THE NEVERENDING STORY”

“The Neverending Story” will begin – and end – this weekend, as thirty Midcoast students, grades 3 to 8, present this fantasy tale, based on the novel by Michael Ende, adapted by David S. Craig. 

In a world where youths may doubt their potential to make any difference, this inspiring story whispers, “Yes!  Yes, you can!”  But to do so requires belief and commitment to a cause greater than self. 

For these 30 students, selected from 50 students who auditioned in early December, belief and commitment are key ingredients to their individual and corporate success, in this program.

This production is dedicated to the Midcoast’s longtime theater supporter, Sue Ghoreyeb, who passed away last fall.  Through many years of work in the theater (in many capacities), Sue worked with hundreds and hundreds of students in youth productions. Her legacy continues, and “The Neverending Story” is presented in her honor.

Leading the way in this second annual Heartwood/AOS93 collaboration are Co-Directors Griff Braley (Heartwood Artistic Director) and Heidi Kopishke (Great Salt Bay Teacher), and Letitia Munson, (Heartwood Technical Director).  

The spotlight of this program focuses on education and development of character in students, while creating a quality performance of which they can feel proud.   Embedded in the production process is an emphasis on ensemble, personal responsibility and the necessity of giving - to the script and the author’s intent, to others on stage and ultimately, to the audience. 

Many students are returning from last year’s production of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.”  Braley notes, “These students returned with some foundational skills from their experience last year, and we were able to quickly build from there.  They’re learning to begin with the literature, address subtext and intent and find the dramatic moment in a scene, along with the routine lessons of punctuality, learning lines, entries and exits, and remembering costume pieces and props.  This is a great group of kids, with some really exciting potential.”

The rewards of time and energy commitment of students and their parents and families will be evident in this 45 minute tale of adventure, being presented for one weekend only.   For a show synopsis, cast list and performance details visit www.heartwoodtheater.org.

The entire Great Salt Bay student body is scheduled to enjoy school-time performances in the Parker B. Poe Theater at Lincoln Academy, on January 30 and 31, with funding from the GSB PTO. 

Three public performances will wind up this adventure on January 30 and 31 at 7:00pm and January 31 at 2:00pm.  If cancellations become necessary due to snow, info will be posted on the Heartwood website and available at the box office number.  Please check, if you are in doubt (see below). Reservations are strongly recommended by contacting Heartwood at

563-1373 OR boxoffice@heartwoodtheater.org OR from the website: www.heartwoodtheater.org.   Tickets are $5/students and $8/adults.  Seating is unreserved.

This program is made possible, in part, by Heartwood's season sponsor, Bath Savings Institution, and youth programming sponsor, Bath Savings Institution, and youth programming sponsors: Damariscotta Hardware, Newcastle Square Realty, The First and Cheney Insurance.

Produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois.