‘Terabithia’ bridges into the fantasy world
Some people stress out when life gets tough, but Jesse and Leslie create their own fantasy kingdom.
The Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre is currently playing their second show of their 61st season, “The Bridge to Terabithia” weekends through October.
The play, a stage adaptation of the Newbery Award winning novel by Katherine Paterson, captures all the humor, warmth and emotional intensity of the tremendous story. Jesse Aarons (played by Adam Bakken) is a poor, young farm boy who dreams of becoming an artist. Jesse meets Leslie Burke (Jess Burgum), the new girl, and the two become friends. Together they form an intense bond of friendship, in which they create Terabithia, a fantasy kingdom where they are safe. When tragedy strikes, it is strength gained from Terabithia, which allows Jesse to go forward and share the magic and dreams of their magical land.
“The Bridge to Terabithia is a show that anyone can enjoy. It deals with adult issues from beatings to tragedy, poverty to deep friendships. It is very much an adult show, though there is fun stuff in it as well,” Director Charlene Hudgins said. “The story is a very special one to a lot of people, and we’d like to think we are doing it a great justice, given our limitations.”
“The Bridge to Terabithia” is Hudgins’s 62nd show. Hudgins came to FMCT in 1999, and this play was the first time she has directed
a kid’s show. Hudgins generally only directs adult plays, but said, “It is so rewarding to work with kids, yet incredibly exhausting. I wanted to make it work for them and yet be educational and fun.”
More than 80 kids and 20 adults auditioned for a part in the play. Usually, between 35 and 200 individuals audition for parts in the FMCT’s plays. Twenty lucky individuals were chosen to hold roles for “The Bridge to Terabithia.”
“The whole experience of being up there on stage with the audience watching you is exhilarating. It’s awesome. It really kind of prepares you for life,” Jess said.
Jess is a student at Dakota Montessori and has had theater training for two years at the Prairie Theater Academy. Playing Leslie was Jess’ first leading role.
Adam Bakken, who plays Jesse Aarons is in the fifth grade at Ellen Hopkins Elementary School, and has done theater training at the Prairie Theater Academy and Trollwood’s Art Spark program as well.
“Performing in front of people, you get a big thrill,” Adam said. “My favorite part of the play was probably getting twinkies after the show.”
Ariana Grollman is the youngest cast member and said that the hardest part about the play was her long speech in the beginning of the play. Ariana attends Ellen Hopkins Elementary School in Moorhead. Playing MayBelle was Ariana’s second time on stage.
“The best part about acting is getting to be someone you’re not,” said Amber Young, who plays Janice Avery. Amber attends Westside Elementary School.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, $9 for students 13-college (student rush starts 15 min before the curtain opens and any student with and ID can get in for $5) and $6 for children 3-12 (children under 3 will not be admitted). To buy tickets or for more information on FMCT, call 701-235-6778 or visit www.fmct.org.