LOCAL NEWS | Events — The Madagascar franchise revolves around the adventures of four Central Park Zoo animals who unexpectedly find themselves in Madagascar, and must learn to adapt to the wild. Marty the zebra, Alex the lion, Melman the giraffe, Gloria the hippo, and a host of mischievous penguins starred in a 2005 film that was a box office success and spun off numerous sequels.
Beginning Wednesday, November 6, the Motlow State’s Theatre Department will perform their version to thousands of children on the Moore County campus inside Eoff Hall.
“Thousands of students will come from surrounding schools to see Motlow students perform, free of charge, as they have for over 30 years now,” said Emily Seal, assistant professor of speech and theatre at Motlow and director of the production (via release). “We are excited to offer this fun and very entertaining musical production. This is just a great opportunity for everyone involved.”
According to the college, performances for elementary school students will be Nov. 6, 7, 8, and 14 at 9:30 and 10:45 a.m., and 12:30 p.m., and Nov. 15 at 10:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. On the evening of Nov. 15 there will be a performance for the public beginning at 7 p.m., with a reception at 6 p.m.
Motlow theatre students will be featured in the musical, showcasing their acting, singing and musical talents, including the following Motlow student cast members: Marty (Elizabeth Damewood); Alex (Bethany Watkins); Gloria (Sianni McClean); Melman (Zach Smith); Skipper (W.T. Prater); Kowalski (Alex Phillips); Private (Tristan Teal); Rico (Casey Crowe); King Julien (Tyler Plumley); Maurice/Ensemble (Jadon Vanzant); Mason/Mort (Aiden O’Carroll); Zelda/Lynn Lemur/Ensemble (Mangos Campbell); Candy/Lion (Buffy Davis); Zeke/Ship’s Captain/Lion (Leah Swarts); Lion/Foosa (Connie Dodson); Tourist in NYC (Stacey Allison); Police Officer/Lars Lemur (Brianna Blankenship); and Animal Control/Foosa Leader (Jax Golden).
Production supporters are Teresa Brown, musical director; Brenden Taylor, assistant director; Bobbie Spratlin, house manager; and Moore County campus Dean Sid Hill, producer.
“What I love about teaching and working with Motlow theatre students is their energy and passion, along with the talents they possess,” Seal added. “I believe the audience will enjoy the Madagascar performance from start to finish.”
Admission is free but reserved seats are recommended, and all donations appreciated. All donations will benefit the Motlow State Theatre Department. To reserve seats for the public performance on Nov.15, contact Bobbie Spratlin at 931.393.1709 or [email protected].•
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