The Sampson Community Theatre has a relatively empty auditorium during these first days of spring, but the stage is bustling with activity as the cast goes over the lines and songs of “Beauty And The Beast,” preparing for a May 1 opening night. Full information concerning the cast has not been forthcoming, so it is not known whether there are any newcomers or whether the cast is all veterans. As usual, a good guess is that the cast is composed of some veterans and some newcomers which makes for a good mix because newcomers need some guidance if they are to progress in the live arts. With the lineup of shows the community theater has planned it is essential that there be an adequate number of actors to fill all the roles ,and the veteran thespians have no desire to be in every show. The Children’s Theater Workshop held each summer helps to promote a love of performing and has been very successful over the past three years. The theater is always in need of competent local directors which enables us to avoid having to bring in directors from other localities. Currently, we have a good base of directors and actors but new faces are always welcomed to keep a good supply line for the big stage performances. It is hoped that by next week a more in-depth review of the cast of “Beauty And The Beast” can be presented.

When you attend the theater you will see a group of granite plaques on the walkway under the marquee that are to be engraved with advertising and/or commemoratives. If you would like to have someone honored or remembered or your business name in front of a lot of people for a long time, with minimal expense, contact any board member whose name is listed on our website at www.sampsoncommunitytheater.com or call the theater and leave us a message.The proceeds will be used to upgrade our electrical wiring and roof repairs.

Gretta Steffens is in charge of our website which can be found at www.sampsoncommunitytheater.com and includes pictures and more information about our productions.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• “Beauty and the Beast” — Show dates will be on May 1-3, 8-10, 2009.

• “Dogs” — Auditions will be held on Sunday, May 17 at 1 p.m. Show dates are July 10-12, 17-19.

• “High School Musical 2” — Auditions will be held on July 26 at 4 p.m. Show dates are Sept. 11-13 and 18-20 2009.

• The 4th Annual Theater Workshop will be held on July 27-31 and directed by Angela Martin.

• “Radio T.B.S. — Auditions will be held on September 12 at 10 a.m. Show dates Oct. 16-18 and 23-25.

• “Rocky Horror Picture Show” — Halloween.

• “Babes In Toyland” — Auditions will be held on Oct. 24 at noon. Show dates will be in December.

• Coming in 2010: “Driving Miss Daisy”, “Ain’t Misbehaving”, “The Sound Of Music” and “Annie”.

THOUGHTS UNTIL

NEXT WEEK:

— Never approach a bull from the front, a horse from the rear or a fool from any direction.

— Telling a person to get lost and making them do it are two entirely different propositions.

— It takes fewer muscles to smile than to frown ... and fewer still to ignore someone completely.