The cast of “Hairspray” has been busy rehearsing over the holidays, and well they should because the show opens in only four weeks at 8 p.m. on Thursday Jan. 31.

The lead role in this musical went to Logan Tart who is a senior at Harrells Chistian Academy. She will be attending William Peace University next fall, majoring in musical theater. She has appeared on the big stage of the Sampson Community Theatre in numerous productions, including “The Music Man,”“Aladdin” and “High School Musical 2. She is a member of Angela’s Musical Troupe and is the current Miss Harrells Christian Academy. Logan plays the part of Tracy Turnblad who has to put up with her mother Edna Turnblad(AAron Batts) and her father Wilbur Turnblad(Guy Padgett) while being chosen to be a member of the Corny Collins(Chad Lewis) Show. Not only does Tracy star in the Corny Collins Show, she attempts to integrate the show, something unheard of in 1960’s Baltimore.

There are many songs and much dancing in “Hairspray” so be prepared to be blown away with all the talent we have in Sampson County. Thanks to Kosterman Chiropractic Clinic for their sponsorship and to the Sampson Arts Council for a Grassroots Grant that enabled us to produce this wonderful musical.

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.

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 Theatre is on the website Facebook and you may read about some of our ongoing activities by going to the site.

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

• Do you, like me, still find each day too short to think all the thoughts you want to think, all the walks you want to take, all the books you want to read, and see all the friends you want to see?

• Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine.

• Nature, time, and patience are three great physicians.