By David Vitrano
L’Observateur

By David Vitrano
L’Observateur
RESERVE – The stage at St. John Theatre has been playing host to the celebrity dreams of local children this week as they prepare to present Disney’s “Aristocats” to the community while learning a thing or two about live theater in the process.
About 35 children are participating in this year’s children’s workshop, which started Monday and will conclude Friday with a 7:30 p.m. performance. The workshop runs from 9 a.m. until noon each day.
For this year’s workshop, which is helmed by Greer Millet, the children are broken up into three groups to work on different aspects of the production, including singing, choreography, acting and making set pieces and invitations.
St. John Theatre Managing Director Cary Berthelot said this experience is different from being involved in a regular production in many ways but still offers the young thespians the thrill of appearing on stage.
“This is all young people. Hopefully it will encourage them,” she said, adding, “It’s also a shorter time commitment.”
Still the experience offers enough of a taste of what participating in live theater is like to whet the appetite of those so inclined.
“It is definitely a learning experience,” said Berthelot.
The Friday performance of “Aristocats” is open to the public. Ticket will be available at the box office prior to the performance.
St. John Theatre is located at 115 W. Fourth St. in Reserve.