The Neverending Story (Atreyu and the Great Quest)
Adapted by David S. Craig. Based upon the novel by Michael Ende.
Art by Amy Teh
April 5 - 28, 2024 in Maddy’s Theatre
Location Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine’s Maddy’s Theatre
Tickets | $16
The Theatre lobby opens 30 minutes prior to each show, and the doors to the theatre open 20 minutes prior to showtime. Tickets to theatre shows are non-refundable and transferable pending space and availability in other performances.
Production Note
This production depicts children embarking on a perilous journey. It deals with bullying and themes of death and dying. This is presented in a way that is appropriate for children’s theatre and children’s literature. Best enjoyed by ages 6+.
About
Hop aboard for an awe-inspiring classic adventure as young hero Bastian enters a curiously magical book and discovers the courage within himself. With captivating characters like Falkor the Luck Dragon, the Childlike Empress, and Atreyu, theatre-goers journey along as Bastian and Atreyu as they confront the menacing Nothing, and learn the power of imagination and the importance of believing in one's own story. This thrilling play celebrates the boundless depths of imagination and the transformative power of storytelling and reminds us that our own journeys have the ability to shape the world around us. Get ready to be transported to a realm where dreams come alive and embrace the magic that lies within "Neverending Story (Atreyu and the Great Quest)."
Show Dates & Times Below
Theatre Information
Dates and times are subject to change.
Doors to the theatre open 15 minutes prior to showtime.
Late seating is permitted.
Performance Details
Member Discount: Members can attend any show in Maddy’s Theatre for a 10% discount. Find out how to become a member today.
ASL-Interpreted Performance: CMTM is offering two dates of ASL-Interpreted performances through the generous support of the Margaret E. Burnham Charitable Foundation.
ASL dates are:
Saturday, April 13 @ 11
Saturday, April 27 @ 11
Accessibility
We are committed to making Maddy's Theatre as welcoming as possible. If you have questions about accommodations or would like to reserve an accommodation, please email boxoffice@kitetails.org.
Wider Seat (most of our seats are 18-20 inches wide; we also offer seats that are 23 inches wide
Dedicated wheelchair and companion seats
A seat with a lift arm for easier access
Hearing assistance necklace that helps amplify the sound to your hearing aids
Hearing assistance headset with headphones
Are you looking to book a museum visit to play in the exhibits? Your theatre tickets will stay in your cart for an hour while you reserve other tickets!
CAST + PRODUCTION TEAM
Cast:
Lucy Diminick …………… Bastian Balthazar Bux
Sloan Willows …………… Bastian Balthazar Bux
Matthew Butcher ……. Bastian’s Father / Ensemble
Schuyler White …………. Understudy: Bastian’s Father / Ensemble
Sararose Willey …………. Bookseller / Ensemble
Keyla Alston-Griffin …. Understudy: Bookseller / Ensemble
Alice Cummings ………… Atreyu of the Great Plains
Ruthie Zaninelli ………….. Atreyu of the Great Plains
Aurora Butcher …………. Artax
Annabelle Beam ……….. Artax
Ash Foster …………………… Artax
Amelie Bolduc ………….. Falkor, a Luck Dragon
Vita Garrett ………………… Falkor, a Luck Dragon
Rachel Corinne Gallagher ……… Gmork, a Werewolf
Rae Murrell …………………. Ensemble 1
Brixton Torrieri ………… Ensemble 1
Hollis Murrell ……………… Ensemble 2 / The Childlike Empress
Elizabeth Lutjens ……… Ensemble 2 / The Childlike Empress
River Charlett …………….. Ensemble 3
Scout Torrieri ……………. Ensemble 3
Una Mayor …………………… Ensemble 3
Maya Williams ……………. Caretaker / Ensemble
Sophia Bella Diaz …………………. Caretaker / Ensemble
Ross Patten ………………… Puppeteer / understudy: Gmork
Production Team:
Nathan Speckman …………… Director
Caleb Eugley ……………………….. Stage Manager
Merritt Holman …………………. Assistant Stage Manager
Emily M. Dixon …………………… Production Manager / Scenic Design
Rey Hankinson …………………… Theatre Production Intern
Phoebe Little ……………………… Costume Design
Danny Gay ……………………………. Lighting Design
Ryan McGowan …………………. Original Composition & Sound Design
Dana Hopkins …………………….. Props Design
Elliot Nye ………………………………. Puppet Design
M.E.V. Franasiak …………………. Falkor Puppet Design
Sage Bartlett ………………………. Puppet Support / Scenic Painting
Front of House: Jacob Hufstader, Katelyn Laverdiere, Bella Toomey, Marie Boynton, Keyla Alston-Griffin, Schuyler White
Lucy Diminick plays Bastian Balthazar Bux
Lucy (she/they) is pumped to be part of Maddy’s Theatre’s Centennial Season!! She recently performed in “Make Way for Ducklings”, her first Maddy’s Theatre production. Off-stage she enjoys reading, writing, skiing, and walking her dogs. Lucy is excited to be in “The Neverending Story” and hopes you enjoy the show.
Sloan Dahl Willows plays Bastian Balthazar Bux
Sloan (she/her) is so excited for her first performance with CMTM, as Bastian in “The Neverending Story (Atreyu and the Great Quest)”! She recently played Oaken in the South Portland Middle School production of “Frozen Jr.”, and is involved in dance, piano, and chorus. When she is not acting, Sloan enjoys drawing, spending time with her incredible friends, and snuggling her dog, Skipper.
Matthew Butcher plays Bastian’s Father / Ensemble (Elder, Sassafranian, Endywook, Yrgamul the Many)
Matthew (he/him) is thrilled to be back on stage with Maddy's Theatre and the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine! Some of his recent performances include "Knuffle Bunny" (Dad) and "Charlotte's Web" (Narrator). He has been fortunate enough to work with amazingly talented artists from Greece, London, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C. and beyond, and is in awe of the performers he's working with here in Portland. When he's not working on a show, he likes to play tabletop games with his friends and fiancé and get wrapped up in different kinds of stories.
Schuyler White is the Bastian’s Father / Ensemble Track Understudy
Schuyler (he/him) is delighted to be part of another show at Maddy's Theatre after appearing in “Don't Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! The Musical!”, “Go Dog Go”, and “Corduroy” over the previous year-and-a-half. He was most recently seen as Jinx in “Forever Plaid” at Biddeford City Theater, and he has a long list of other theater credits throughout Southern Maine, with some of his favorite roles including Enjolras in “Les Miserables”, Uncle Fester in “The Addams Family”, Anthony Hope in “Sweeney Todd”, Dr. Neville Craven in “The Secret Garden”, Tony in “West Side Story”, the Cowardly Lion in “The Wizard of Oz”, Charlie Brown in “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, Paul in “Company”, Captain Phoebus in “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”, Riff Raff in “The Rocky Horror Show”, and Mark Cohen in “Rent”. Schuyler is grateful for the opportunity to share this magical story with audiences of all ages.
Sararose Willey plays The Bookseller / Ensemble (Chairon, Urgl, Uyulala, Ygramul the Many)
Sararose (she/her) feels very, very lucky to be joining Maddy's Theater for the first time in one of her childhood favourites, "The Neverending Story"! Sararose is a Maine grown theatre artist with a passion for new works (and really old ones). Some of her recent credits include Viola in "Twelfth Night: A Holiday Musical" with Fenix Theatre co., Lucy in Resurgence Dance Company's "A Bright Room in a Dark Place" and an anthropomorphic carousel horse named Lucky in "Around We Go" for the 2023 Maine Playwrights Festival.
Keyla Alston-Griffin is the Bookseller / Ensemble Track Understudy
Keyla (she/her) is excited to immerse herself in her first season with CMTM’s Acting Company, previously appearing in “Corduroy” earlier this season. Her professional adventures include a rich journey through entrepreneurship and a graduate degree in social work. This foundation amplifies her passion for storytelling and community engagement on and off the stage. When not under the spotlight, she's the driving force behind the Digital Philanthropy Collective, fervently working to intertwine the realms of business and community. A heartfelt thanks to her family for their support and the beautiful chaos they bring into her life.
Alice Cummings plays Atreyu of the Grassy Plains
Alice (she/her) is very happy to be returning to the Maddy's Theatre stage among some of her favorite actors and theater friends. Alice previously appeared as Aquifer in “Gruff! An Epic Fairy Tale Eco-Musical” and as Sage in “An Unlikely Story”, as part of CMTM's 100th Anniversary celebration. Alice also performed at Lyric Stage in their “Pure Imagination” Broadway revue. She enjoys being a Maddy's Theatre subscriber and never misses a show! When Alice isn't rehearsing or acting, she is an avid field hockey player. She lives in Cape Elizabeth with her parents and her feisty cat, Rollo.
Ruthie Zaninelli plays Atreyu of the Grassy Plains
Ruthie (she/her) is very excited for her debut in “The Neverending Story (Atreyu and the Great Quest)”. She studied circus arts and theater in Oakland, California before moving to Maine five years ago. Her past productions have been Lord Astor in “Peter Starcatcher”, Pack in “Make Way For Ducklings”, and she was in her school production of “Beauty and the Beast.” She is in her school choir, and has been taking voice lessons for seven years. She also enjoys playing softball and swimming for her school team.
Aurora Butcher plays Artax
Aurora (she/her) is in 5th grade at Reiche Elementary School and so excited to be part of “The Neverending Story!” Her first Maddy’s Theatre production was “Gruff! An Epic Fairytale Eco-Musical” last spring. When not on stage, Aurora likes to read and she hopes you enjoy the show.
Annabelle Beam plays Artax
Annabelle (she/her) is in 7th grade at Lincoln Middle School. She is thrilled to be a part of another play at Maddy's Theatre. She played Saoirse in the” Lost Seal Skin” (CMTM Centennial Weekend), the Harp in “Jack and Phil, Slayers of Giants INC.” and Elliot in” Snow in the Jungle/Nieve en la jungla”. Most recently she was in the ensemble of Portland Stage's “A Christmas Carol”. She enjoys acting, singing, dancing, and reading.
Ash Foster plays Artax
Ash (they/them) is so excited to be performing in their first play in Portland. They are a fifth grader who lives on Peaks Island and have done plays on the island in the past. Ash has attended many CMTM performances featuring their older siblings. They are currently reading Moby Dick.
Rachel Corinne Gallagher plays Gmork, A Werewolf
Rachel (she/they) is ecstatic to be returning to the stage once again! She previously played Pippa in “The Three Little Kittens” at CMTM. Rachel graduated from Emerson College's BFA Acting Studio in 2018 and has been performing since she was nine years old. Some of their favorite roles of all time were Spider in “James and the Giant Peach” (Kidding Around Emerson College), Wendy in “Peter Pan” (The Drama Studio), and General Jinjur in “Marvelous Oz” (Kidding Around Emerson College). Rachel is originally from Chicopee, Massachusetts and is passionate about improvisational movement and children's theater. This is her second year living in Maine and is happy to call this place her home.
Vita Garrett plays Falkor, a Luck Dragon
Vita (she/her) is a youth actor who previously performed in “Gruff: A Fairytale Eco-Musical” at the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine. She is excited to be returning to the stage as Falkor in the “The Neverending Story.” When she's not on stage Vita likes snuggling with her furry friend, Hazel-Cat, hanging out with her best buds, and belting out her favorite songs in the shower.
Amélie Bolduc plays Falkor, a Luck Dragon
Amélie (she/her) is a fifth grade student in Portland and is so excited to be in her first play at CMTM! Her favorite book is The Front Desk. In her free time, Amélie likes playing soccer, drawing, and spending time with her friends and family.
Maya Williams plays the Caretaker / Ensemble (Sassafranina, Morla, Ygramul the Many)
Maya (ey/they/she) is a religious Black multiracial nonbinary suicide survivor who is currently the seventh poet laureate of Portland, Maine. Ey did voiceover work for Maddy's Theatre's production of “Apollo to the Moon”, and understudied the character Mimir in “GRUFF: an Epic Fairytale Eco-Musical”. They have also performed in person and online with companies and organizations such as Bare Portland, Speak About It, Mad Horse Theatre Company, Chimera Theatre Collective, and Portland Stage. They co-directed for the first time with Joshua N Hsu in Mad Horse Theatre Company's production of “White” for their 38th season. You can see her portray Mary Bowser in The Smithsonian Channel's America's Hidden Stories. You can check out her poetry collections, Judas & Suicide and Refused a Second Date, at mayawilliamspoet.com.
Sophia Bella Diaz plays the Caretaker / Ensemble (Sassafranina, Morla, Ygramul the Many)
Sophia (she/her) is so grateful to be involved in another production at CMTM! She had so much fun being part of the cast "Gruff! An Epic Fairytale Eco-Musical" and welcoming Sea Star Ambassadors during this past year's New Year's Eve Beach Party in Maddy's Theatre. When she's not onstage, backstage, or teaching theatre workshops & classes, she loves to spend her free time being active, hanging out with friends, and reading books.
Rae Murrell plays Ensemble 1 (Bully, Buffalo, Sassafranian, Yramul the Many)
This is Rae’s first time being in a play and she is so excited to be in “The Neverending Story (Atreyu and the Great Quest)”! When she is not at rehearsal, she loves reading, being outside, and eating chocolate.
Brixton Torrieri plays Ensemble 1 (Bully, Buffalo, Sassafranian, Yramul the Many)
This is Brixton’s (he/him) first appearance with the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine. He is also playing Charlie Bucket in the spring musical production of “Willy Wonka” at King Middle School. In addition, he was the lighting coordinator of the Breakwater production of “The Lion King” this past summer. Brixton enjoys playing baseball (and watching the Phillies!), going to the beach, and eating tacos.
Hollis Murrell plays Ensemble 2 / The Childlike Empress (Bully, Buffalo, Ygramul the Many)
Hollis (she/her) is in the fourth grade and this is her first time doing a play. She likes drawing, listening to music, and reading. She can’t wait to bring “The Neverending Story (Atreyu and the Great Quest)” to life!
Elizabeth Lutjens plays Ensemble 2 / The Childlike Empress (Bully, Buffalo, Ygramul the Many)
Elizabeth has been in multiple productions, including “Sherlock Holmes, Hound of the Baskervilles” She enjoys lounging out with her bestie Evelina and her brothers. She also likes watching “Stranger Things”, crocheting, and hanging out with her three cats and her hamster Mr. Dumpling.
River Charlett plays Ensemble 3 (Bully, Buffalo, Ygramul the Many)
River (he/they) is very excited to be part of something so magical as “The Neverending Story (Atreyu and the Great Quest)”. He has loved practicing theatre, dance and the arts with Maddy’s Theatre, Bates Youth Arts Program, and The Dance Center. River loves drawing, making art, reading, spending time with his friends, and collecting Pokémon cards.
Scout Torrieri plays Ensemble 3 (Bully, Buffalo, Ygramul the Many)
Scout is in fourth grade and making his Maddy’s Theatre debut. He LOVES monkeys, running, and Maine weather.
Una Mayer plays Ensemble 3 (Bully, Buffalo, Ygramul the Many)
Una is excited to be part of “The Neverending Story (Atreyu and the Great Quest)”. She has been in a few recent plays, her favorite role being Tiny Tim in “A Christmas Carol” at Portland Stage. When not working on a play, Una loves drawing, spending time in nature, and watching “Stranger Things” with her cat.
Ross Patten plays the Teacher / Puppeteer (Eribo, Troll, Sassafranina, Ygramul the Many) / Understudy: Gmork
Ross (they/them) is joining CMTM for their first time in “The Neverending Story!” As a new Portland transplant, they are super excited to be returning to the stage after a 5 year hiatus from the limelight. Some of their favorite roles include The Clown in “The Girl Who” with the American Musical Theatre Project, The Cat in the Hat in “Seussical” with North Country Community Theatre, and The Astronomer in “Ghost Quartet” at Northwestern University. If you find them offstage, they will most likely be welding, singing karaoke, or werqing Congress Street in their Thrifed Fashion.
Nathan Speckman — Director
Nathan (he/him), is an actor/director/sound designer and is over the moon to be directing this production for Maddy's Theatre! This process has been such a joy to be a part of and Nathan has been in awe of the tremendous work done by everyone involved. So many people have put so much into this show, it's incredible. Nathan currently lives in Yarmouth with his partner, Kat, whom he loves and their little nugget, Sir Rufus, who is a good boy.
Caleb Eugley - Stage Manager
Caleb (He/Him) is so thrilled to be back with Maddy’s Theatre You may have previously seen Caleb onstage in Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical, as Yellow Dog in Go, Dog. Go!, Wilbur in Charlotte’s Web, or as Frick in Gruff! Most recently he was in White at Mad Horse Theatre Company, and has previously performed with Heartwood Regional Theater Company, River Company, and the Watts Hall Community Players. Caleb completed his Theatre degree at SUNY Plattsburgh, and has received numerous awards for his directing, design, and collaboration work from the Stagecraft Institute of Las Vegas and the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. Many thanks to Joshua, Bob, Sam, the cast and crew, and everyone on the theater team and staff here at CMTM for all of the support, encouragement, and inspiration to keep magic and play in our community. @caleb.v.e
Merritt Holman - Assistant Stage Manager
Merritt (she/her) is a Freshman at Deering High School in Portland, Maine. She has been with CMTM since she was a young child and worked backstage on all mainstage productions over the past year (and then some). Merritt recently appeared as Twinkebell in Sources of Light, one of the many short plays at the Centennial Celebration. She also worked as Assistant Stage Manager or Deck Captain for Blueberries For Sal, Snow in the Jungle, Three Little Kittens, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, Jack and Phil, Slayers of Giants Inc., Gruff, Charlotte’s Web, Make Way for Ducklings, Go Dog Go, Corduroy and Knuffle Bunny at CMTM!
Phoebe Little - Costume Design
Phoebe (she/her) got her start in costume design while working on the Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine's 2012 production of “Sleeping Beauty”. In the years since then, she's designed and sewn costumes for numerous theatres across Maine and Massachusetts including Mad Horse Theatre, Smith College's Department of Theater, Pioneer Valley Ballet, and Maddy's Theatre. Some recent favorite productions include “POTUS” (Mad Horse), “Charlotte’s Web” (Maddy’s Theatre), “Nieve en la jungla/ Snow in the Jungle” (Maddy’s Theatre), and “A Year with Frog and Toad” (Maddy’s Theatre). Outside of the theater, she works as a nonprofit communications specialist. You can see more of her work at phoebelittle.com.
Emily M. Dixon - Set Design
Emily (she/her) spent the past fifteen years working as a teacher, designer, performer, stage manager, camp director, and overall theater enthusiast before finding her home as the Theatre Production Manager at CMTM. She has previously directed Dragons Love Tacos and Gruff! An Epic Fairytale Eco-Musical for Maddy’s Theatre, and numerous set designs and builds.
Danny Gay - Lighting Design
Danny is excited to be on the design team for "The Neverending Story (Atreyu and the Great Quest" at CMTM. This will be his first design at CMTM and what an exciting show to start with. He was last seen at CMTM acting in "The Three Kittens" as Pinwheel. Danny is a theater designer and actor that does most of his work in Central Maine. Most recently, he was seen onstage in "Peter and the Starcatcher" with the Monmouth Community Players as Black Stache, and directing "And Then There Were None" at LA's Community Little Theatre. He hopes that you enjoy the magic of this show and always try to find some wonder in what you do!
Dana Hopkins - Props Design
Dana (she/her) is a Maine-based crafter and artist, specializing in unusual theater props and immersive installations. She received her undergraduate education in fine arts and art history at Bowdoin College. Her two cats, Penny & Finn, are her lifelong muses.
Elliot Nye - Puppet Design
As a longtime fan of the movie adaptation (one of the all time greatest puppet creature features), Elliot (he/them) is jazzed to be on the puppet team at Maddy’s Theater once again.
M.E.V. Franasiak - Falkor Puppet Design
M.E.V. (they/them) is thrilled to construct Falkor for "The Neverending Story (Atreyu and the Great Quest)" at CMTM! They have created costumes at Maddy's Theatre for the dragons in "Dragons Love Tacos" and built puppets for "The Girl Who Swallowed A Cactus". In addition, they have performed on multiple occasions with hand-sewn wearable puppets in the Puppet Slam at Mayo Street Arts. Franasiak's work can be found on their Instagram (@oh_sweet_beast) and website (mevf.me).
Ryan McGowan - Sound Design
Ryan is a musician, audio engineer, and sound designer. He has done sound design and music for productions at Portland Players, The Theater Project, Maddy’s Theater, Mad Horse Theater Company and Portland Museum of Art.
Special Thanks:
Stacey Koloski and Stages Youth Theater, Bowdoin College Department of Theatre, Caroline James, Zach Hindall, Sam Roche, The Maddy’s Theatre Acting Company
Thank You To The Following Organizations and Businesses For Making This Production Possible
Endowment Support
The Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine is supported in part by an American Rescue Plan Act grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to support general operating expenses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
