On stage, Jarrett Bennett and Kathy Day are having a good time bringing the 1950s to 2019 with a show filled with laughter, fun and rock ‘n’ roll.

With connections to Sampson County, the performers were also thrilled to see students from Sampson County sitting in the audience. For several days, the Cape Fear Regional Theatre (CRFT) is bringing “Memphis,” a four-time Tony Award-winning musical, to Fayetteville. The show opened May and will continue through May 26.

Angela Martin, director of the Drama Club and Theatre Arts at Hobbton High School, took more than 40 students to see a preview performance of the show. She said it was a wonderful show and enjoyed seeing Day and Bennett, who served in the Drama Club during his years at the school.

“The show is a must-see and the performers were fantastic,” Martin said.

Based on actual events, the story follows a white DJ in the 1950s with a mission to change the world and black club singer ready for a big break. It also shows a love story between when a relationship was forbidden because of segregation.

Cast members spoke with the students after the show, for a segment know as talkbacks, giving participants a chance to discuss the production. Day and Bennett said it was a wonderful experience.

“I love having the opportunity to speak with them,” Day said about meeting with students involved in different aspects of theater, such as working backstage. “All of those jobs are necessary to put on a production. It’s great to see the enthusiasm of those kids that Angela teaches. To come see a production and know there’s a couple of people from our small county who are doing professional theater gives them some inspiration.”

Day is playing Gladys Calhoun, the mother of the DJ.

“I’ve always loved acting and performing,” the New York native said.

She moved to Sampson County in 2001 after her husband, Derek, accepted a job teaching music at Union High School. He now teaches at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Day starred in productions with the Sampson Community Theatre. After her daughters went to college, she started to do a lot more in the field at locations such as the Raleigh Little Theatre, the North Carolina Theatre and the Sierra Repertory Theatre in Sonora, Calif.

“I love performing and I love to sing,” Day said. “I’ve always been involved in theatre, even when the girls were growing up. I kept my hand in it through the Sampson Community Theatre and did a lot of shows with them.”

Bennett is staring as Wailin’ Joe and is happy to be with cast members

“When you’re involved in the cast, you’re there for one goal and that’s to put on the best production,” Bennett said. “So it’s really a team effort and I’m a big people person, so I work very easily with people.”

Bennett grew up in Roseboro and went to Hobbton High School, where he was a member of the school’s marching band for four years. He got involved with theatre arts during his junior and senior years. At Hobbton, he was in the production of “Dreamgirls.” He enjoyed the movie and it was something that got him interested in musical theatre.

After graduation, he earned a degree in theatre arts from William Peace University in Raleigh. With several years of experience performing at different venues, he is planning to continue his journey when he moves to New York, near the end of June. Other recent works include “Big River,” “Annie,” and “Mamma Mia!” For Bennett it was humbling experience to see students from Sampson County, an area he believes does not offer enough theater opportunities.

“When they came and saw the show, they actually loved it and were very responsive,” Bennett said. “They were very responsive and with us from the opening of the show to the closing.”

He also offered words of advice for people wanting to take a journey within the field.

“You have to really be comfortable with who you are because you meet different individuals every show,” Bennett said. “Every show is different and with the lifestyle of musical theater, you have to learn how to take criticism and you have to have thick skin.”

“Memphis” also stars Shonica Gooden from Broadway’s company of “Hamilton.” It’s directed by Suzanne Agins, with music and lyrics by David Bryan and book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro. The show is choreographed by Ellenore Scott, associate choreographer of Broadway’s “King Kong” and “Head Over Heels,” with music direction by Sarah Wussow.

CFRT is the first company in the show’s history to get permission from the writers to change the gender of the role of Delray from male (Felicia’s brother) to female (Felicia’s sister) in order to create more opportunities for women in theater. The role of Delray will be played by Charlotte-based actress Dani Burke. The cast also features Matthew Mucha as Huey, David Robbins as Bobby, Gerard Williams as Gator and Bill Saunders as Mr. Simmons.

Hobbton High School’s visit was made possible with a grant through Simple Gifts, which gives teachers and students the opportunity to have experiences beyond the classroom. It was one of many trips to theaters for HHS students.

“Sampson County is so lucky to have Angela Martin, who always go the extra mile to expose her students to many different theater experiences,” said Margaret Turlington, coordinator for Simple Gifts.

Anthony Bennett, a native of Roseboro and Hobbton High School graduate, performs during ‘Memphis.’
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/web1_Memphis_2.jpgAnthony Bennett, a native of Roseboro and Hobbton High School graduate, performs during ‘Memphis.’ Courtesy Photo | Raul F. Rubiera

Kathy Day stars as Gladys Calhoun in the production of ‘Memphis.’ Day starred in productions with the Sampson Community Theatre.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/web1_Memphis_3.jpgKathy Day stars as Gladys Calhoun in the production of ‘Memphis.’ Day starred in productions with the Sampson Community Theatre. Courtesy Photo | Raul F. Rubiera

‘Memphis’ is being performed at the Cape Fear Regional Theatre. It involves two cast members who previously starred in local productions.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/web1_Memphis_1.jpg‘Memphis’ is being performed at the Cape Fear Regional Theatre. It involves two cast members who previously starred in local productions. Courtesy Photo | Raul F. Rubiera
Students visit production, cast with county ties

By Chase Jordan

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‘Memphis’ runs through Sunday, May 26, at the Cape Fear Regional Theatre. The performance schedule is Wednesday through Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sundays at 2 p.m.. Tickets are $32. As a Blue Star Theater, CFRT offers military discounts for all performances.

For tickets and information, visit cfrt.org or call the box office at 910-323-4233.

Reach Chase Jordan at 910-592-8137. Follow us on Twitter at @SampsonInd and like us on Facebook.