‘The Alley Cats’ premiers Oct. 1 at Perry United Methodist

The drama troupe CenterStage for Christ, fashioned after the likes of Perry Players, Theatre Macon and Warner Robins Little Theater, is becoming a poorly kept secret in Perry.

“The Alley Cats” is a 90-minute comedy play, which will be presented on the stage at Perry United Methodist Church on Carroll Street beginning Oct. 1. The show is about two women bowling teams getting ready to square off in a high-stakes bowling tournament.

The show has lots of interesting moments as it features scenes taking place simultaneously as each team prepares to defeat the other. This is the first time CenterStage has ever featured an all-women cast, a cast that could be the who’s who of Community Theater.

Local theater veteran Gale Bryant never hesitates when asked to play a role in front of a CenterStage for Christ audience. In “The Alley Cats” she plays “Whiplash Wanda,” an ambulance chasing lawyer who uses her “power of attorney” to try and sabotage the other team’s chance of winning.

She says, “I love getting the opportunity to make people laugh and CenterStage plays do that very effectively. The actresses are given lots of creative freedom and we have an opportunity to further God’s kingdom in the experience.”

Owner of Seasons Spa, Davida Simpson plays Janelle Snellgrove, a woman who has a painfully ordinary family that causes her to feel extreme jealousy against the other characters. Terrific at slapstick comedy, Davida was a part of the celebrated Northside High School productions of the 1980s. This is her second CenterStage show.

“I love being a part of something so entertaining, as well as altruistic,” says Simpson. “It makes me feel good knowing that all of the ticket proceeds are donated to charity.”

Patrons of Perry Players and Warner Robins Little Theater will recognize comediennes Anita Williams, Kellie Bowen and Diane Kinsley. They are at their comic best in “The Alley Cats.”

Kinsley founded CenterStage for Christ seven years ago. It was her idea that the troupe should stage a show set in a bowling alley.

She says, “I love Southern, trash-talking humor and ‘The Alley Cats’ is full of that. Our audiences are going to have so much fun watching the antics of this bowling league.”

The set itself may be worth the price of admission. Built by contractor Corky Powell, the backdrops are painted by mural artist, Val Elliott. Elliott has made the set appear to be three-dimensional bowling lanes.

The cast is rounded out by Skylar Bratcher, Courtney Jenkins and Avoly Pinkney, who play a motley combination of trailer park rivals and misguided vegetarians. Bratcher, in her third show with CenterStage remarked about her experiences on stage, “The instant chemistry and camaraderie of each cast is amazing! CenterStage really brings out the best in everyone, from the performers to the audience.”

There will be four performances, October 1, 3, 5 and 6 at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $10 and, as is customary at CenterStage plays, a dessert buffet (included with admission) will be offered at the end of the show. Advance $7 tickets can be purchased by calling 987-1852. For group information or general information about CenterStage for Christ, call 318-9696.

You are also invited to peruse cast pictures and keep up with events by following them on Facebook.

HHJ News