Local Thespian Makes Good

WALLA WALLA - Like most graduating seniors, Cougar Henderson is look- ing forward to starting a new chapter in his life. But not just yet...Henderson's last weeks of high school will certainly stand out from the rest. He is about to kick off his eighth theatrical production in the past calendar year, in Wa-Hi's production of "Bye Bye Birdie."

A self-proclaimed "sixthgeneration Waitsburgite," Henderson was bitten by the theater bug early. He became determined to be on stage after seeing "The Lion King" in Spokane when he was seven. "We had nose-bleed seats," he says, "But it was great. I couldn't get it off my mind."

Since then, Henderson has accumulated an impressive theatrical resume, from countless local productions at Dayton's Liberty Theater, Ft. Walla Walla Amphithe- ater and Walla Walla High school. He says this was made possible by an amaz- ing support group of family and friends, who have en- couraged his talents and who have been willing to lend a hand. His friends from the summer musicals first ex- posed him to Wa-hi's drama program and convinced him it was something he should become a part of.

Making the decision to attend Walla Walla High School was a difficult one, but Henderson claims it was made easier because of all of the students he had met previously through shows. They accepted him with open arms.

The commute has also meant long days for the young thespian, who typically begins his day at 7 a.m. and does not return home until 11, if at all. He feels fortunate that his parents, Marne and Tony Henderson, were able to pick him up late after play rehearsal or allow him to remain in Walla Walla with friends at times. Henderson says these days he keeps a suitcase full of clothes in the trunk of his car, just in case he needs to crash in town.

This opportunity has given him the chance to be involved in shows like "The Wizard of Oz" and "Get Smart." Not only has he studied acting, but Hen- derson has become familiar with the technical side of the stage, too. He often helps with lighting and sets up microphones when there is an event at the school.

Henderson has also enjoyed studying music, first with band and then through Wa-hi's concert choir and Chamber Singers. Recently, he and his fellow musicians competed at the state level at Central Washington Uni- versity, where Henderson received a superior rating for his performance of an Italian aria.

Presently, Henderson is enjoying the last few days of rehearsal for Wa-hi's pro- duction of "Bye Bye Birdie," in which he plays the lead role, Albert. While he has had many leading roles before, Henderson finds this one to be particularly interesting and challenging because his character is so driven by romance. Gener- ally, Henderson has played comedic roles, and this show has required him to portray realistic love as naturally as possible, and with good chemistry. Luckily, he does so beside his good friend Mary Beth Jones, who is playing Rose.

"I love it," Henderson says, "I get to be on stage with my best friends, and it's fun to be able to feed off of Mary Beth." While not romantically involved with Jones, the first time they kissed on stage, Henderson notes it was no big deal. "We were able to take certain feelings that already existed and apply them to the stage."

Drama teacher and director Brian Senter says that Cougar has always been able to get people's attention. "He has always had a pres- ence," says Senter, "but now there is a maturity. Cougar understands the arch of a character-which is a big deal. All the kids are special, but he has become iconic. When people think about Wa-hi drama, they will think about him."

The show will run May 2,3,4,8,10, and 11th in the auditorium at 7 p.m., with Saturday matinees at 2 p.m.

As far as the future goes, Henderson has hopes of continuing theater studies. He would like to pursue a bachelor's degree of fine arts in musical theater, but he is also interested in politics and law. For now, he is keeping his options open.