By Melissa Wagoner
“If you could have any superpower, what superpower would you choose?”
That was the question students in Doug Ousterhout’s theater program asked a group of fourth graders in 2010.
“One kid said, ‘to find the remote control,’” Ousterhout said, recalling how that answer went on to influence that year’s Children’s Theater Show titled, Captain Remote, which toured the district’s elementary schools before being relegated to his archives.
Then, last summer, as Ousterhout began contemplating the performance run for the coming year, something about that old script spoke to him.
He dusted it off, freshened it up and turned it into a musical by adding a soundtrack based on the music of the well-known band Queen.
“I’ve always liked Freddie Mercury, his voice and his music,” Ousterhout said of the choice. “And the music is still applicable now.”
As is the story, which features a superhero, Captain Remote, trying to stop the villainous Comcastinator from taking over the world.
“The show is especially designed for families,” Ousterhout said. “And it’ll especially appeal to the younger elementary age.”
From the nostalgic lyrics – sung by a cast and ensemble of 30 – to the dance choreography Captain Remote is all about fun.
“We have a president and secret service agents and minions,” Ousterhout listed. “We have silly fights… and the most beautiful voices.”
In other words, the show is a real must-see event.
Captain Remote
An original musical by SHS theater directorDoug Ousterhout
Silverton High School Auditorium 1456 Pine St.
Friday, Feb. 16, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 17, p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 18, 2 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 24, 7 p.m.
