All the Jellicle cats have left town after giving us eight thrilling performances with outstanding singing, dancing and choreography. Director L.J. Carr and the entire cast of “Cats”are to be congratulated on keeping our audiences spellbound and begging for more as evidenced by the frequent applause.

It is always sad when a show closes and even sadder for the cast as they have done nothing but work on the show for several months and suddenly they don’t have a purpose anymore. Thanks to everyone who helped make “Cats” a success including the mothers who worked in the Green Room and helped clean the theater after each performance. We thank Sampson Salvage and Star Communications for sponsoring this show.

The auditions for “The Lion King, Jr.” had 72 kids show up and all 72 got a part in this musical that will be double cast with rehearsals starting this weekend and probably every day in July since the opening is only a month away on Aug. 4. There will be eight shows and the set will be mostly backdrops because there will be so many kids on stage at one time. Most of the costumes will have to be rented because of the short rehearsal time as well as their complexity. Thanks to Prestage Farms for sponsoring this musical. Tickets will be available at Inkspot and Matthews Gifts.

Sarah Day, a regular on our stage, is at Governor’s School for Drama at Meredith College. We hope to find out what she is learning and will pass it along to you as the Summer winds down.

Upcoming events

Lion King Jr. — Currently in rehearsal. Sponsored by Prestage Farms. Director Angela Martin. Eight shows Aug. 4-7 and Aug. 11-14.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat — Performances first two weekends of October. Auditions TBA.

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying — TBA.

Community Theater Summer Camp — Angela Martin is directing. August 8-11, 9 a.m. – noon each day. Contact Angela if interested to secure a spot for your child at 910-379-8737 or by email at [email protected].

Christmas Show — TBA

Thoughts until next week

You just have to do your own thing, no matter what anyone says, it’s your life.

The most important things in life aren’t things.

Life is a great big canvas and you should throw all the paint on it you can.

Dr. Bruce Caldwell is on the board of directors for Sampson Community Theatre.

By Bruce Caldwell

Contributing columnist

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