By Dr. Bruce Caldwell

SCT

In less than two weeks “Hairspray” will open on the big stage of the Sampson Community Theatre where the large cast, who have been rehearsing since the early part of December, will entertain you with their exhibitions of talent that has become the hallmark of SCT.

This show is probably the largest cast we have had that have demonstrated so much untapped talent and Angela Martin, the director, is to be commended for getting this group together and spending many hours rehearsing and outlining the choreography with them.

In addition to some of the most energetic young adults in the county, there is a group of older actors who have trod our boards for several years in the cast. With the likes of Kathy Day, Felesia Buczynski, Guy Padgett, Nick Owen, Aaron Batts, Erica Miller, Jerred Yaw and Ursula Herring in the cast, you know you will be entertained for several hours in our comforable seats, so mosey on down to Matthews Drugs or Inkspot and pick the ticket you want because you will have to choose between 10 dates and some of the tickets will go fast.

Aaron Batts, who recently got married, plays the part of Mrs. Turnblad in “Hairspray,” and since he will be in drag it was necessary to find the correct costume for him (John Travolta played this part in the movie). Aaron , his bride, Brenda Martin and Angela Martin traveled all the way to Asheville where the theater there had a costime for rent. They would not rent it until they were sure it would fit so it was imperative that Aaron and the director make the 300 mile trip to complete the costuming for the show. Many thanks to these dedicated individuals for action above and beyond the call of duty.

Advance tickets for “Hairspray” may be obtained at Matthews Drugs or Inkspot until the show opens, or at the theater during rehearsals 7-9 p.m Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and Saturday, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., and 2-5 p.m. on Sundays.

Our 2013 Patron Sponsor tickets are now available and may be purchased from any Board Member. We have an ambitious array of shows planned for the coming year and a Patron Sponsor ticket gives you two admissions to every show we produce plus you get your name or business listed in every program. Call 592-8653 or 214-2444 for further info. Since programs are printed before a performance you must get your Patron Sponsor ticket ASAP to be included in the first show of our new season.

The granite blocks under the theater’s marquee may be purchased as an honorarium, a memorial or to advertise your business. The blocks are cemented into the sidewalk and should be there into the next century or more. Contact us by calling 592-8653 and leave us a message for more information.

The Sampson Community Theater is on the website Facebook and you may read about some of our ongoing activities by going to www.facebook.com/SampsonCommunityTheater and becoming our friend or at least ‘like’ us.

Upcoming events

“Hairspray,” directed by Angela Martin. Rehearsals ongoing. Sponsored by Kosterman Chiropractic Clinic and a Grassroots Grant from the Sampson Arts Council. Performances: Jan. 31, Feb. 1-3 and 7-10, 2013. A patron sponsored event.

2013 Season

(assuming we can obtain rights),

Hairspray: Feb. 1-3 and Feb. 8-10

Crimes of the Heart: Oct. 4-6 and Oct. 11-13

Oklahoma: Aug. 23-25 and Aug. 30-Sept. 1

SCT Children’s Theater Workshop

The Wizard of Oz: June 20-23 and June 27-30

Lost on the Fourth of July: April 5-7 and 12-14, sponsored by Clinton Appliance and Furniture

It’s a Wonderful Life: Dec. 6-8 and Dec. 13-15

Thoughts until next week

• Wealth amounts in not having great possessions but in having few wants.

• When nothing is sure, anything is possible.

• Life Mathematics: Add your friends, subtract your enemies, multiply your joys, divide your sorrows, and draw a circle with God in the center and love as radius