‘Beauty & the Beast Jr.’ comes to Center Theatre

Denise Buzzelli

Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce Executive Director

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Some of Piscataquis’ County’s most talented young actors, ages 6-19, come together for a spectacular portrayal of the classic tale under the direction of a very talented 17-year-old student from Dover- Foxcroft.

A theatrical performance is no small endeavor. From paying for rights to the story, to raising funds to cover expenses, to casting, stage production, design and build, costume design, six weeks of rehearsals, one week of tech,  lighting, props and marketing, an entire team of talented people is typically needed. That is, of course, unless you are Mitchell Chasse. This young man fell in love with theater at the age of 6 when he attended a performance of  Cinderella at Foxcroft Academy. Less than two years later, he starred in his first show. His love for the stage began with acting, and grew from there, until Mitchell became skilled in every area of theater and some might argue, a young “expert” in what it takes to run a successful show. So much so that Mitchell formed his own production company in 2012, Mitchell Chasse Productions.

Today, Mitchell is 17 and is in production for what will be his 35th show “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” Mitchell hand-picked and cast each actor/actress, is the director, stage manager, light designer, choreographer and costume designer/builder  (yes, he actually created the costumes, 70 of them to be exact), and also carries the responsibility of promoting the show. As a side-note, though Mitchell gleaned his experience from years of being on stage, he is very quick to name Rhonda Kirkpatrick as his mentor and teacher for costume design and creation, who made it possible for Mitchell to intern at the Western Stage, an acclaimed regional theater in Salinas, Calif. in 2014. She continues to work with Mitchell when he needs help on a costume or a design.

The budget for this production is $10,000 which covers the rights to the show, the rental of the theater, the costumes and the marketing. The budget is met by using proceeds from prior shows and through the generosity of local sponsors. Mitchell is deeply thankful for businesses and organizations who have made this possible.

“My dad (Kevin Chasse)  does so much to bring in the sponsorships, I am so thankful for him,” Chasse said. “My mom Linmarie Goulette is also very supportive, decorating and preparing the lobby and assisting with ticket sales, and my step-dad Barry (Goulette’s IGA) helps as set builder. I could not do this without them.”

Growing up in a small community like Dover-Foxcroft has given Mitchell opportunities he would not have otherwise had in larger cities. Center Theatre, an iconic, community centered nonprofit, opens its doors affectionately to young talent. Local businesses support the arts. Even in this rural community, everyone comes together to invest in young lives that love the stage,  and make it possible for this local student to gain all the experience he needs to follow his dreams, perhaps all the way to Broadway.

“Beauty and the Beast Jr.” show times are July 30-31 7 p.m., Aug. 1 2 and 7 p.m., Aug. 7 7 p.m. and Aug. 8 2 and 7 p.m. To purchase tickets visit www.centertheatre.org/events or call 564-8943.