There are only two weeks left before “Cats” opens at the Sampson Community Theater on Thursday, June 16, at 8 p.m.

The cast is rehearsing in cat costumes and some are even eating cat food to get ready for presenting this Tony winning, long running musical that features great song lyrics and complex dancing. Some of the cast have a family member as a fellow cat. For example, Marcelle Powell, a regular on our stage, having had roles in “Annie,” “South Pacific” and “Oklahoma” to name a few, is an eighth grade math teacher at Hobbton Middle School who has been acting since her high school days.

She is cast as Grizzabella in “Cats” for the first weekend, where she will get to sing her favorite song in this musical, “Memory.” She gave her daughter, Caitlin Joyner, her love of performing gene with the result that Caitlin grew up on our stage and is now a senior at Western Carolina University studying music education.

Caitlin is very excited to be cast as Jemima and to perform with her mother and two cousins (Sarah Daughtry and Lola Grace Warren). Another family enjoying being in “Cats” is Phyllis Brown and her three children who have been very active in their hometown at Center Stage Theater in Goldsboro. Phyllis is cast as Griddlebone and her children are kittens. You will be impressed by how dedicated the cast is as they perform their parts but even more , you will be impressed by the variety of talent available in our rural county. Make your plans now to be entertained by some of our finest talents.

We are honored to have the sponsorship of “Cats” by Sampson Salvage Co. Inc. and Star Communications. We thank them for helping to keep the live arts alive in our county.

Angela Martin will be busy again this summer and next Saturday, June 11, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, June 12, at 3 p.m. she will be directing the All-County (high school students) Musical “Legally Blonde” at Hobbton High School. Then she will be holding auditions for “The Lion King, Jr.” at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 18, and Saturday, June 25, and once again have her very popular Summer Theater camp Aug. 8-11. See contact info below.

It is recommended that you get your tickets for “Cats” early because we expect some sellouts. Tickets are available at Inkspot, Matthews Gifts and at the box office during rehearsals.

Upcoming events

Cats — Currently in rehearsals. Performances June 16-19 and June 23-26.

Community Theater Summer Camp — Angela Martin is directing. August 8-11, 9 a.m. – noon each day. Contact Angela if interested to secure a spot for your child at 910-379-8737 or by email at [email protected].

By Bruce Caldwell

Contributing columnist

Shannon Marshall is experimenting with makeup on Phyllis Brown, who portrays Griddlebone in the upcoming production of ‘Cats.’
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_Cats1-1.jpgShannon Marshall is experimenting with makeup on Phyllis Brown, who portrays Griddlebone in the upcoming production of ‘Cats.’

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_Dr.-Bruce-Caldwell-1.jpg