playbill vip

When considering this show, I chose the idea of the narrator as a creator, not merely someone who relates a story to the audience.  The idea of a writer/illustrator seemed a logical choice for the narrator, and that provided the direction of the set and characters as the product of drawings and pop up books.

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We are fortunate to have the wonderful talents of Allison Cyphers who took over in Ms. Aguilera’s place as dance teacher here at CATA.  She has been a blessing in helping us with the choreography for our production.

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We are also very fortunate and blessed to have another wonderful individual to join the fold here at CATA.  Marty Gregory stepped in as musical director and chorus teacher after Debbie Watwood died.  My work with Marty actually goes back well over twenty years when we collaborated on the first all-county production in Union County—a precursor to UCPE which Marty founded sixteen years ago.  Marty is as professional as they come, and as loving an individual to the students as was her predecessor.  “Mama G” or Ms. G has been a tremendous stabilizer and important key to the success of this show, and I am forever grateful and in debt to her presence here at CATA.

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In the midst of our grief over the loss of Ms. Watwood came another loss.  Jeff Murdock was an individual who had worked with us throughout the years, either with UCPE or with our musicals here at CATA.  He was a tremendously respected sound engineer throughout the Metrolina area who recently brought us his equipment to use for our production.  Sadly, he passed away as we began our final week of production, and his loss has greatly affected us as well.  He was a tremendously giving individual who took Jason McGuire under his wing during last summer’s run of productions at CPCC and taught him many things about the process of sound design.  Like Ms. Watwood, he too will be missed.

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I am also grateful to two former students who came and offered directing assistance with students in the early stages of the rehearsal process.  Zach Woodard (Greensboro College and ECU alumnus) and Brandon Rogers (a senior at Point Park University) came and worked with students to help them find their motivations and objectives.  Zach also provided design assistance and construction for some of the props.

Thanks

Jon and Michelle McGuire

CATA Administration—Ms. Fisenne, Mr. Pusser, Ms. White, and Mr. Wall

CATA PTSO Performing Arts Committee

Winthrop University for loan of props

Sun Valley Theatre/Lisa Stafford

Jeff Murdock—in memory

Christa Lemmonds for stepping in as rehearsal pianist

Liz Branca, Felicia Howie, Beverly Finnerty, Dawn Randolph, Darren Robinson, Mike Weiss