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Clay kids prove they are cool “Cats”

Kenneth Detwyler Jr.
Posted 7/20/16

JACKSONVILLE – When the lights dim and the curtains come up in the Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts at Florida State College this weekend, three Clay County teens will be on the stage for an …

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Clay kids prove they are cool “Cats”


Posted

JACKSONVILLE – When the lights dim and the curtains come up in the Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts at Florida State College this weekend, three Clay County teens will be on the stage for an upcoming production of “Cats.”

FSCJ has opened doors for many young talented performers to participate in a theater production on a much larger scale than they are used to, for some it is a first major step toward a professional resume. The Summer Musical Theatre Experience provides the opportunity for students to work hands-on with some of the highest recognized local theatre professionals.

“The Jellicle Cats come out to play on one special night of the year – the night of the Jellicle Ball,” the shows description reads. “One by one they tell their stories for the amusement of Old Deuteronomy, their wise and benevolent leader, who must choose one of the Cats to ascend to The Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a whole new Jellicle life.”

Many young performers auditioned to be a part of the upcoming theatrical event, and of the few that made the cut, three hailed from drama programs in Clay County schools.

“This is my third year at SMTE, I’m really excited and it’s been great so far,” said Caitlin Couch, 14, a student at Fleming Island High School. “Seeing new faces is really refreshing.”

“I was pumped when they called me, I was literally jumping up and down,” said Jeremy Ferri, 15, a Clay High School student who was selected to be in the production.

“I’m best friends with Caitlin Couch, and she had done this in past years, she told me ‘hey you should come audition for Cats with me,” said Gannon Thomas, 16, also a student at Fleming Island High School. “I came in with a big smile on my face, and I got Skimbleshanks [show character]”

The opportunity to perform with FSCJ is a valuable one and also requires a lot of hard work. The performers rehearse most evenings, very late at night. Their work comes at a time when their classmates are probably enjoying their summer off. However, the performers in “Cats” are confident that all of their hard work will be worth it in the long run.

“It’s going to be crazy,” said Ferri, referring to opening night. “It’s definitely going to be different being in that costume, it’s very tight and I’ve never been in anything that tight before. All around it’s a very different experience and I’m looking forward to it.”

Based on author T.S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats,” the play opened in London’s West End in 1981 and then with the same talented cast and crew on Broadway in 1982. At one point, “Cats” was described as the fourth longest-running show in Broadway history.

“I think people are generally going to enjoy it, because this version of Cats is a new one,” Couch said. “We’re focusing more on the story, which a lot of productions might not do.”

As the show’s opening night draws near, the performers are reminded everyday of why they do what they do on the stage. For them, this is more than just a show it’s a part of who they are.

“Musical theater is my heart and soul all-together, without it, I would be nothing. It’s all I’m ever going to have,” Thomas said. “Everyone’s hope and dream is to make it to Broadway, musical theater has so many possibilities and I hope to get the best.”

FSCJ’s Cats opens on July 22 and runs through July 31. Evening performances are at 7:30 p.m., while weekend matinees are at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $15 for students and can be purchased by calling (904) 646-2222.