Theater for young people in Brewer is certainly alive and well as a recent communication from Brewer Middle School coordinator Rich Kimball so aptly points out.

Not only are the Brewer Youth Theatre’s productions regularly sold out, but when BYT hosted an appearance by singer-songwriter Livingston Taylor recently, that performance sold out as well.

And now it’s time for the first production of the year by the BYT, and it’s a sure thing this show will be equally well-received.

The musical comedy “Pippin” opens at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, with performance at the same time Friday, Nov. 9, and Saturday, Nov. 10, at the Brewer Middle School auditorium, 5 Somerset St.

Kimball is co-directing the show with Clayton Smith.

“Pippin,” written by Stephen Schwartz and Roger Hirson, is the musical that won a Tony Award for actor Ben Vereen in the late-1970s, Kimball wrote.

“The story is based on the life of Pippin, the son of Charlemagne, but really involved a young man’s search for fulfillment in his life,” Kimball said.

BHS senior Chris Rodway plays the title role, and senior Cory Deshane is the Leading Player in the role made famous by Vereen.

Sophomore Paul Morrow is Charlemagne; junior Shelley Karnas is Pippin’s grandmother; freshman Abbie Armstrong is his stepmother and freshman Trevor Senter is his stepbrother.

The cast and crew are 45 high school and middle school students “who have been rehearsing since early September,” Kimball wrote.

Michelle Syphers choreographs the play, and Don Stanhope is building the set. Sandy Hodgins is in charge of costumes, and David Kroehler is the sound specialist.

The responsibilities of the technical director are in the capable hands of BHS senior Josh Luce.

“And we’ve been fortunate to have the help of area magician Bruce Johnson, who has worked closely with our cast to bring some magic to the show,” Kimball added.

Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students and will be available at the door.

If you wish more information about this production or the BYT, call the middle school at 989-8640.

Here’s a reminder that everyone should exercise their civic rights and responsibilities and get out to vote today, which is Election Day in Maine.

If you’re in Willimantic, not only can you vote, but you may also purchase items at a food sale at the Willimantic Town Hall from 10 a.m. until the food is gone.

The event benefits the Willimantic Civic Association.

Jayne Wixon, co-chairwoman of the Hancock Unit of the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer fund-raiser, has written the NEWS to thank the walkers and volunteers who participated and helped make the Ellsworth-area event a success.

Wixon wrote that the event raised more than $1,500 in pledges “for vital breast cancer research and programs.”

Nationally, the more than $30 million raised through such events help fund education, research, advocacy and patient services for those affected by breast cancer.

“Thanks to all of you – individual walkers, team captains, sponsors, businesses, organizations and the media, ” Wixon wrote.

“Your generous support is very much appreciated.

“We are, indeed, making strides to make breast cancer a thing of the past.

“I look forward to seeing you at next year’s Making Strides event.”

Tom Peaco, executive director of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine, was in Bangor last Friday to accept a donation from associates of the Bangor Wal-Mart.

On behalf of the Camden-based nonprofit organization that grants wishes to seriously ill Maine children, Peaco accepted a check for more than $13,500 raised by Bangor Wal-Mart associates since Sept. 1.

Through a number of fund-raisers that included public cookouts and bake sales, dress-down days, 50-50 raffles, donation jars and other events, the associates are making it possible for the organization to grant the wishes of two Maine children, since the average cost of each wish is $5,500.

Bangor Wal-Mart associates have a very special connection with this organization. One associate is the mother of a wish child, and another associate is the grandmother of a wish child.

Wal-Mart associates will be acknowledged by Make-a-Wish when those wishes are granted.

If you have questions about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, or know someone who could benefit from its work, call (800) 491-3171.

If you’re making a list of fall fairs to visit this weekend, don’t forget the Newburgh Elementary School annual holiday fair from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, at the school at 2220 Western Ave. in Newburgh.

Sponsored by the NES Parents, Teachers and Friends group, all proceeds will benefit NES pupils.

Among the items for sale will be crafts, handmade items, baked goods and books. The event also features entertainment, raffles and face painting.

The NESPTF is dedicated to the enrichment and education of youngsters attending this school.

If you have questions about the event, call Cindy Carlisle, 234-2342, or the school, 234-2781.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.