Chesterton High School’s Family Theatre celebrated its 25th anniversary this past weekend with a production of Puss ‘N Boots A Tale of Tail.
The show takes the audience on a daring adventure, narrated by three cats. The story begins with Princess Philomena’s pet cat, Fluffkin, who was left to her by her late mother. When Princess Philomena’s nurse kicks Fluffkin out, the beloved cat goes to live with a family at a mill. One son in the family saves Fluffkin when she falls in the water, and then, taking the boy’s hat and boots, is transformed into the famous Puss ‘N Boots.
“I had the most incredible experience in the Family Theatre Play. My role as Puss ‘N Boots really allowed me to be confident and sassy and express so much of my energy that I keep under wraps throughout the day. It was so much fun,” senior Amelia Roser said, “The Family Theatre Production is such a positive environment, it really is a family of people.”
The leading actors in Puss ‘N Boots A Tale of a Tail include Ava Johnson as Princess Philomena, Amelia Roser as Fluffkin/Pus, Giacomo Depasquale as Jacob, Jackson Coppinger as Will, Aaron Uehling as Narrator, Gwendolyn Lester as Whiskers, Phoenix Bridegroom as Tuffy, Destiny Williams-Najzer as Tigger, Elizabeth Navarro as the Miller, Stacey Clark, and Neala Bunker as Royal Pages, Logan Arthur as Snot, King Ferdinand as Oliver Dinkins, Rachel Gallup as Nursie, Taylor Layman as Queen, Elizabeth Uehling, Bailee LaCounte, and Heidi Nittner as the Minions, and Sybilla Vargas as Dr. Broccoli.
“It was a memorable experience and the third graders loved the matinee the student put on for them,” Director Becky Uehling said.
The cast of Puss ‘N Boots A Tale of a Tail brought a whimsical kind of energy to the show. As I viewed the performance, I felt that the cast became their characters- I was no longer watching my friends and peers, but I was a mere observer as the story unfolded. When Logan Arthur appeared as the ogre, Snot, I felt a jolt run through me. I was startled by his intimidating appearance, his skin turned a forest green, and his voice transformed into a low growl as he roared his lines.
“I had such a great time in this play, it was so fun playing a villain for the first time and being silly on stage and making everyone laugh. Everyone in the cast was so amazing…I loved every minute of it. The play is such a fun experience, everyone should try it at least once because you’ll never know what to expect. You don’t have to be an actor to be a part of it and I encourage everyone to do it,” junior Logan Arthur said.
The sets were simplistic but helped draw out the fantastic elements of the plotline. In several scenes, a throne is used for King Ferdinand. On the throne’s platform was a photo of Princess Philomena’s mother, sitting straight, and the overall look of the set piece was unsullied. Yet, when there were scene changes with Snot, the set piece was turned around, showing the audience a throne cluttered with cobwebs, as well as the photo being altered and tilted. The difference in the thrones aided in the representation of the character’s juxtaposition. Similarly, Amelia Roser animated her character, sprinkling spunk and humor into her character’s role. The narrator cats Whiskers (Gwendolyn Lester), Tuffy (Phoenix Bridegroom), and Tigger (Destiny Williams-Najzer) sat on the sides of the stage, playing with balls of yarn throughout the play. I found it interesting how each person sort of melted into their character’s identity and was telling of how close and excited the cast was to perform together.
Each year the Family Theatre Production is a performance that provides deep connections and camaraderie within the community, not only at CHS, but also locally. Third graders eagerly await the matinee, and the high school students work tirelessly to create a show that everyone can enjoy.
