Many thanks to the young people from Tarheel ChalleNGe who helped us with a spring cleanup day recently. They were much appreciated as they assisted us in moving some heavy articles from the backstage to a less cluttered area along with a myriad of smaller tasks.

“Beauty And The Beast” is in its last week of full rehearsal as the show opens next Friday May 1 at 8 p.m. Advance tickets are available at Matthews Drugs and may also be purchased at the theater box office beginning this Saturday, May 25, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and Monday-Thursday from 7 p.m. to 9p.m. A tea party called “Cupcakes With Belle”is also planned but this exclusive event will have limited admission and tickets will be pre-sold at the box office at the times listed above only. Belle will be in costume and will sign autographs and interact with the children there. Call 592-8653 or 379-8737 if more information is needed.

The Sampson Community Theatre relies heavily on the individuals that do a lot of behind-the-scene activities. One of those individuals is Peggy Caddis who is a native Sampsonian and lives in the Keener area. She has been helping to paint backdrops since our production of “The King And I” which was more than a few years ago. Peggy got her start by taking some art courses at Sampson Community College and has found painting backdrop scenes on the large canvuses are perfect for her artistic talents and she enjoys her efforts very much. What she doesn’t like is the fact that she has to do her painting on a very large ladder and is always glad when the top part of the scene is finished. Thank you Peggy and all of you other artists who help us bring the outside inside.

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.

Upcoming Events:

“Beauty and the Beast” is currently in rehearsal. The show opens with 8 p.m. performances on Friday, May 1, Saturday, May 2, Friday May 8, Saturday May 9, and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 3 and Sunday, May 10.

“Dogs” auditions will be Sunday, May 17, at 1p.m. Show dates are July 10-12, 17-19.

“High School Musical 2” auditions will be July 26 at 4 p.m. Show dates will be Sept. 11-13 and 18-20 2009.

Fourth annual theater workshop will be July 27-31. IT will be directed by Angela Martin.

“Radio T.B.S.” auditions will be Sept. 12 at 10 a.m. Show dates Oct. 16-18 and 23-25.

“Rocky Horror Picture Show” will be on Halloween.

“Babes In Toyland” auditions will be Oct. 24, 12 p.m. Show dates will be the first two weekends of December.

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

Thoughts until

next week:

Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans.

Most elderly people know what it is to be young and ignorant; but not a single young person knows what it is to be old and wise.

No person was ever wise by chance.