‘MADAGASCAR’

Students to present ‘a musical adventure’ at HVRHS March 31-April 2

FALLS VILLAGE » The Falls Village Children’s Theater’s 12th annual spring production is “Madagascar, A Musical Adventure,” based on DreamWork’s wildly popular animated movie by the same name.

Three free performances will be held at Housatonic Valley Regional High School on Friday, March 31 at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 1 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 2 at 2 p.m. Donations are accepted, and concession snacks will be available for sale and a 50/50 raffle.

Join Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo as they escape, with penguin help from Rico and the gang, from New York’s Central Zoo to Madagascar, an island inhabited by the madcap lemur King Julian, his lemur subjects and their arch enemies, the foosas.

Directed and choreographed by Becky Sawicki and with Musical Direction by Dan Porri, Madagascar is filled with outlandish characters, adventure galore and an upbeat score.

For information, call 860-201-7701, email fvctco@gmail.com, or visit www.FVCT.org.

The children’s theater group is described by its founder, Denise M. Cohn: “In 2006, the tiny town of Falls Village (population 1,300) located in the northwestern corner of Litchfield County, Connecticut, embraced the notion of coming together to put on a professionally directed and choreographed production of The Wizard of Oz by the youth of Falls Village. Thirtysix youth, ages 5 -18, numerous adult volunteers and hired professionals participated. Fundraisers were held, funding was sought, and admission was free with donations accepted. The overwhelmingly positive response was inspirational. Thus, the Falls Village Children’s Theater (FVCT) was founded and an enthusiastic volunteer Board of Directors was gathered.

“We continue with this model today of professionally produced Spring productions of Disney and Junior versions of musical theater by the youth of Falls Village along with fee-based year round showcases, workshops and mini productions open to all youth from our surrounding tri-state area. With many thanks to the community, the Town of Canaan, the State of Connecticut and to countless friends and volunteers, The Center on Main, located in the heart of Falls Village, is open for rehearsal space, classes and other community uses.”

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS - FALLS VILLAGE CHILDREN’S THEATER “Madagascar” cast members, from left, are Marguerite Bickford, Jordan Haggard, Gus Dekker (rear), Hoyt Boyden, Gavin Mechare, Madeline Mechare, Ellanor Karcheski, Elaine Dekker and Leah Drislane. The children are rehearsing for the musical’s weekend of...

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS - FALLS VILLAGE CHILDREN’S THEATER Musical director Dan Porri leads Falls Village Children’s Theater members in a rehearsal for “Madagascar.”

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS - FALLS VILLAGE CHILDREN’S THEATER Artist Beth Miller paints Maguerite Bickford’s face in preparation for “Madagascar,” which is being presented by Falls Village Children’s Theater March 31-April 2.