Chatteron 5th Graders Shine in "Hank and Gretchen"

Chatterton-on-Stage has consistently performed talented elementary productions since the spring of 1995. 

Last week, three nights of "Hank and Gretchen", a children's story written by Stacy Davidowitz, featured 56 Chatterton 5th graders, one of the largest casts the theater group has seen since it's start.

This year's spring choice was one that has never been performed before – not only at Chatteron, but in all of theater. 

"Stacey [Davidowitz] is the daughter of the Chatterton principal and I did theater with her growing up," said Shira Stein, co-director. "She told us she wrote a kids show, and with such a large cast this year, we knew it would be a good group to give it a shot."

"Hank and Gretchen" depicts a world where candy is money and money is candy, but candy is harmfully addictive. When Hank and Gretchen are forced to visit their wicked step-grandmother, Baba Yaga, they come to learn they just may be made into the most dangerous candy to date. Their fate is left in the hands of their stepmother, Barbie Yaga, who is under a wicked spell, and their loyal friend Sally Soda Pop.

As an original performance, it was a challenge for directors Shira and Loni Stein, but luckily, the Merrick natives are no strangers to the stage. The Stein family worked with the school to bring Chatterton-on-Stage to life 16 years ago.

"We have never seen this performed before, so it was difficult," Loni said. "There's usually a CD the kids can listen to or a movie they can rent from the library. We really set the tone for what this show will be, and the kids really developed the characters."

Shira added, "This group was very enthusiastic and motivated. They really wanted to shine. [Friday] was their best performance yet."

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