Chatterton students bring ‘The Big One-Oh’ to the stage

Students in Chatterton School’s upper grades have been working for months to bring this year’s after-school theater production, “The Big One-Oh”, to life.

Fifth- and sixth-grade cast members prepared for their roles through September auditions and have been rehearsing twice a week since. Chatterton On Stage, the school’s self-sustaining annual theater program, presented three performances of the show.

The production, adapted from the book by Dean Pitchford, Oscar-winning songwriter of hits including “Footloose”, “Fame”, “Holding Out for a Hero” and “After All”, is a heartfelt and comedic story celebrating friendship, growing up and milestone moments.

Before performing, the cast had the opportunity to speak with Pitchford via Zoom. The conversation offered students insight into the writing process and inspiration behind the story and characters.

The production was supported by parent volunteers, student helpers from Sanford H. Calhoun High School’s On Tour Co., and Shira Voulgarakis, Chatterton’s reading teacher and director of Chatterton On Stage.