CHESTERVILLE — When Michael Cooper presented his one-man show “Doc Cooper — A Son Recalls” at the University of Maine in January, it turned out to be too much of a good thing.

There were so many people turned away that night that Cooper agreed to perform it again at the newly renovated Meeting House in the center of Chesterville, Doc and Joan’s hometown, on Friday, April 20.

The performance is a second chance for people to help celebrate the life and times, and 60-year career, of western Maine’s legendary large animal veterinarian. Every story and song, and every breathtaking mask was carefully crafted by Michael to honor his late father, and the passion he had for the rural life and all the creatures who populate it.

It’s a labor of love,” Michael said, “that would not have been possible without my 40-year career on the stage, honing the crafts of storytelling and visual theater in front of thousands of audiences across the country and around the world.

“Dad, as well as Mum, were my best friends, and have always been my greatest inspirations in life, so in the wake of their passing it’s no surprise this has become my favorite show to perform,” he said. “My goal is to do them both proud as I tell the remarkable story of lives so well spent, tenderly caring for each other and for the endless parade of family, friends and animals that passed their way.”

The performance at the Chesterville Meeting House will start at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 20 — Doc’s birthday. The first two rows will be reserved for all those who couldn’t get into the Farmington show.

Michael Cooper

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