By Elizabeth Connolly
Hometown Weekly Correspondent
Audiences of Walpole Children’s Theatre’s (WCT) performance of Treasure Island were in for a real treat last weekend: an entertaining production with excellent performers, beautiful sets and, as an added bonus in mid-July, an air-conditioned theater.
The ninety-minute production, which includes a fifteen-minute intermission, is by Joseph George Caruso. It is adapted from the story by Robert Louis Stevenson and directed by Patricia Dixon and Paul MacPhee. The cast of seventeen performers range in age from 9 to 18, and many of them have been performing with the group for years.
When asked what her favorite thing about WCT is, Sophie Murray, who plays Auntie Nan, said: “Everyone is super friendly, like a big family.”
Zoe Dutra, who plays Mrs. Posket, echoed the sentiment. “Everyone is really nice. It’s so fun to be a part of this.”
Zoe and her twin brother, Silas, who plays O’Brien the pirate in “Treasure Island”, moved to Walpole when they were in first grade and became interested in auditioning after seeing several performances, their mom Alissa explained. “It’s such a supportive environment,” she commented about the organization. “It pushes them out of their comfort zone and they gain confidence with public speaking. It’s been a wonderful experience”.
Turns out the acting bug often runs in the family, as several groups of relatives were spotted in the program. When asked what it’s like to perform with her sibling, Ruhi Nevatia, who plays Belle Gunn (her bother, Rishu Nevatia, plays Doctor Livesy) answered: “It’s fun. It gives us something to talk about”.
Founded in 1969, Walpole Children’s Theatre is a non-profit, all-volunteer group that produces two shows per year. This news correspondent and her family were fortunate enough to have seen their winter production, “The Wizard’s Crystal”, back In February, which had enthralled our five-year-old so much that he’s been requesting another visit to the theater ever since. “Treasure Island”, with its swashbuckling characters, sword fights, mischievous pirates and hidden treasure, did not disappoint!
Set sail with WCT at one of four remaining performances of “Treasure Island” at the Footlighters Playhouse on Scout Road in East Walpole: Friday, July 22, at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., and Saturday, July 23, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for children and seniors, and can be purchased online at wct.booktix.com or by calling the box office at (508-921-0542).
