Opening night for “Mary Poppins” at the Sampson Community Theater is at 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 10, which is only a mere three weeks of rehearsal time left for the cast to learn a ton of lyrics and two tons of dance steps before the curtains part to reveal a stage full of enthusiastic youngsters eager to entertain you with songs such as “A Spoonful of Sugar”, “Supercalifragiliciousexplialidocious” and “Let’s Go Fly A Kite”.

Rehearsals are going well and there has been no loss of enthusiasm. Many thanks to the Sampson Arts Council for their sponsorship along with a N.C. Grassroots Grant. Since this show is so popular you may want to get your tickets before the show opens. Tickets are available at Matthew’s Gifts and Inkspot if you are interested.

One of the more demanding roles in “Mary Poppins” is that of Bert being played by Logan Best and Carlin Odom. Carlin is a 17-year-old senior at Clinton High School where he was in the cast of “Elf” last year but this is his first appearance on our stage. Carlin is an avid gamer and a writer and his favorite subjects in school are English and Theater. He has no siblings but he does have four dogs to make up for not having any brothers or sisters. Carlin has made himself comfortable on the big stage and you can expect a good performance from him.

2017 Patron tickets are currently available by calling Brenda Martin at 990-4510. Patron tickets give two people admissions to every show we produce in 2017 with a reduced rate.

Upcoming events

Mary Poppins — Directed by Dr. L. J. Carr. Rehearsals ongoing. Eight Performances Feb. 10-19 with matinees on Saturday and Sunday. Presold tickets are available by calling Dr. L. J. Carr at 910-336-1111 or at Matthew’s Gifts and Inkspot.

2017 Season:

Les Miserables (School Edition) in May. Directed by Angela Martin.

Fiddler on the Roof in July. Directed by Dr. L. J. Carr.

Seussical the Musical in September. Directed by Angela Martin.

The Odd Couple (Female Version). October. Directed by Tom Wilbur

Elf the Christmas Show. First two weekends of December. Directed by Angela Martin.

Thoughts until next week:

A recent study has found women who carry a little extra weight live longer than men who mention it.

Just remember, once you’re over the hill you begin to pick up speed.

My goal for 2016 was to lose just 10 pounds … only 15 to go …

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By Bruce Caldwell

Contributing columnist