Marion youth drama production draws 350 over two nights

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN TOM STOPPEL
The Children’s Summer Theater performed “Kokonut Island” Friday and Saturday at the Marion City Auditorium.

About 350 people attended the shows over the two nights, according to Margo Yates, director of the Marion-Florence Recreation Commission, which sponsored the event.

“This was a good turnout for late July as a lot of folks go on vacation before school starts,” Yates said. “Folks who come to these productions always enjoy themselves.”

Directed by Cathy Whitaker and Michael Brookens, the comical production was set on an island off the coast of Florida.

Members of the cast included: Isaac Baldwin, Kara Druse, Olivia Dicks, Brady Hudson, Annie Whitaker, Brenna Blackketter, Kristen Geis, Adam Svoboda, Emily Hett, Chelsea Voth, Ryan Nelson, Nicole Herzet, Emily Meador, Dylan Goebel, Jacob Baldwin, James Svoboda, Ericka Herzet, Erin Meierhoff, Danae Edwards, Kitty Collett, Jacob Spachek, Monica Spachek, Josiah Meador, Seth Snelling, Tristen Snelling, Jennifer Fruechting, Kristen, Herzet, Rachel Neil, Madison Chamberland and Madison Dicks.

Money generated from the gate goes toward royalty fees, play books, batteries for the wireless microphones, paint for the set and other production costs.

Yates commended the cast, and numerous other volunteers who helped with set design and construction, props, costumes, make-up, sound, lighting, publicity and choreography.

“You can’t help but be proud of the kids on stage,” she said. “It’s obvious how hard they have worked on the play, yet everyone is having a great time performing.

“The volunteers who work for weeks to bring this production together get all the credit for making it happen for the kids.

“We’re very lucky to have such volunteers because without them, our kids would not have such a wonderful opportunity to experience theater production.”

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