'LIFE WITH FATHER' TO HELP LOCAL DARE PROGRAM

North Star show set for March 10

The North Star Theatre in Mandeville is partnering with the Mandeville
Police Department to provide family entertainment while raising money
to educate youths about drug abuse.

North Star will present the play "Life with Father" on March 10 at 8
p.m. Tickets are $25 each and proceeds will benefit the Drug Abuse
Resistance Education (DARE) program in Mandeville.

Every year the theater does a benefit," said Mandeville police officer
Charlene Frosch. "They set aside a special night for us."

Officer James Kinler, coordinator for the event, has recruited area
restaurants to provide food for patrons to sample starting when the
doors open at 6 p.m.

"It's really a fantastic deal," Frosch said.

DARE is a national prevention program that was established in 1983 and
has been utilized in Mandeville schools for more than 10 years.

"It's aimed at keeping kids drug-free and alcohol-free through
education," Frosch said.

DARE officers are trained as coaches to help youths resist abusing
drugs and alcohol within high-stakes, peer pressure
environments.

DARE students also are able to see for themselves, via stunning brain
imagery, tangible proof of how drug and alcohol abuse can diminish
mental and physical activity.

Mock courtroom exercises define the social and legal consequences of
drug use and violence.

Money raised at the play will be used to buy DARE program supplies and
T-shirts.

Frosch said "Life with Father" will provide entertainment for all
ages.

"It's a real family-oriented play," she said. "It's an old
comedy."

The North Star Theatre is located at 347 Gerard St. in
Mandeville.

For tickets, call Kinler at 624-3111 or contact any DARE
officer.

The cast of 'Life With Father,' pictured with Mandeville Police DARE
officers Anton Schwartz, Charles Sullivan and James Kinler.

Actors are, from left, Rebecca Riisness, Mack Maginnis, Janine
Manguno, Craig Paretti, Rafe Whalen, Linda Wendle, Rex Badeaux, Earl
Mylie, Joe Giorlando, Taffy Maginnis, Andrew Shindi and Kathryn Talbot
and Casey Fitzmaurice (in straw hat).