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  • Providence High School actor Joseph Fernandez portrays Bustopher Jones during rehearsal of the school's production of "Cats" Wednesday evening. The play will be performed in the school's new performing arts center.

    Cats 1

  • The play will be performed inside the Sam and Paula Robinson Performing Arts Center which features a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system.

    Cats 2

  • Actors Allie Huber, left, and Alli Storms walk through a hallway off the gymnasium toward the new stage door prior to the start of dress rehearsals Wednesday evening.

    Cats 3

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April 21, 2006

Curtain Claws

Providence opens theater with ‘Cats’

By CHRIS MORRIS

Dale Durham has been involved in 16 spring musicals at Providence High School. But in many ways, this year he is starting over.

For the first time in school history, Durham will be directing a play in a performing arts center instead of a gymnasium. Like his students, he is learning on the job.

“It’s little things we are learning as we go through rehearsals,” Durham said. “It’s pretty exciting.”

Durham is not alone. The entire Providence community is excited about tonight’s opening of “Cats” in the new Sam and Paula Robinson Performing Arts Center. The annual gala — which will be held under a large tent on the front parking lot of the school — will open the theater tonight with more than 400 guests.

“It looks pretty festive around here right now,” said Director of Development Ray Day, who started the musical programs at Providence in 1971 and taught at the school for 34 years. “There is quite a buzz.”

Day said everything will be done that needs to be done for opening night. He said work crews will put the finishing touches on the theater following “Cats,” runs through April 30.

Ground was broken on Providence’s $2.5 million west wing renovation, which included the new theater, Aug. 31. The performing arts center became possible after the school received a $1.5 million gift from Paula Robinson. Sam Robinson died two years ago.

Day said it has been extra special to be involved in the planning and overseeing the construction process. He also said many of the contractors have ties to Providence and are determined to complete the job on time.

“This is all about the kids,” Day said.

Durham said this show has many challenges — besides making sure the theater would be completed in time.

“It’s extremely time consuming with the costumes and makeup,” Durham said. “All of our costumes were made from scratch and kids were responsible for their own.”

Kerry Jones, who serves as assistant principal at the school and musical makeup director, said the cast has done a “remarkable job with makeup.”

“I have required all of them to do their own, helping them get into character as they do it,” Jones said. “An almost overwhelming task for some, they all came through.

“We had a “Cats” makeup marathon one Saturday which allowed cast members to experiment with makeup application. They have gone to great lengths to match colors and designs of their makeup with their wigs and costumes.”



If you go

Sunday, April 23 — Brunch at 12:30 p.m., show at 2 p.m., Cost $30; show only, $13.

Thursday, April 27 — Show at 8 p.m.; cost $13

Friday, April 28 — Dinner buffet, 6:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m., cost $30; show only, $13

Saturday, April 29 — Show at 8 p.m.; cost $13

Sunday, April 30 — Show at 8 p.m.; cost $13

For tickets, call 812-945-2538, ext. 120 or go to www.providencehigh.net

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