The Sampson Community Theatre was honored to present the final four performances of “Annie” over this past weekend to multiple citizens from all over Eastern North Carolina and one mother who brought her two children all the way from Charleston, S.C. The large cast was spearheaded by the two Annies (Danielle Johnson and Isabelle Moore), Daddy Warbucks (Bill Johnson), Miss Hannigan (Kathy Day), Rooster (Geoffrey Tart), Lily St. Regis (Emma Moore), Grace (Melanie Christensen-Lubinsky), Garrett Whipkey who had four different roles, the double casts of Orphans and the 12 actors who had triple roles in this lovable musical that included songs such as “It’s A Hard Knock Life”, “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile”, “NYC”, “Easy Street”, and “Little Girls”. Thanks to the cast for their dedication to the rehearsal schedule, to the set builders, to the backdrop painters and a special thanks to the parents who saw that the kids made it to rehearsal and in their spare time baked goodies for the concession stand. We appreciate the public turning out to see and enjoy this production and we hope to see more of you as the year goes along. We thank the Clinton Rotary Club for their sponsorship of “Annie” and their presence during the performances.

Angela Martin greeted her 52 students and 5 adult assistants this past Monday as the 5th Annual Theater Workshop began a full week of instruction to students desiring to learn more about acting and performing. This Friday, July 23 at 7 p.m. a free to the public show will be performed by the students so they can demonstrate some of the things they learned during the week.

On Saturday, July 24 at 10 a.m. auditions for “Alladin Jr.” wiil be held at the theater. Actors aged 4-15 are encouraged to audition for the many roles available.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Theater Summer Workshop-July 19-23 directed by Angela Martin.

• “Alladin Jr."-Auditions July 24, 10 am to noon. Performances Aug. 27-29, Sept. 3-5.

• “12 Angry Men” auditions Saturday July 24 at 10am. Performances Sept. 16-18 and 23-25.

• “A Christmas Carol"(musical version), performances Dec. 3-5 and Dec. 10-12

Other activities at the theater:

• Standup comedy Night: Friday August 6 with 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. shows

• “Rent” : Auditions Saturday, Nov. 27, 2-8 p.m. Shows Jan.14-23, 2011.

THOUGHTS UNTIL NEXT WEEK:

— You can preach a better sermon with your life than with your lips.

— If everyone knew what others said about them, there would not be four friends in the world.

— Everybody’s friend is nobody’s.