CCT presents world premiere of ‘A.M.’ in Rusk

The staff of a failing A.M. WWJG radio station is desperately searching for a way to save their beloved station, and their solution is to host the biggest, live on-air talent show the county has ever seen.

The play was written by Cherokee County playwright Minette Bryant, who is also filling the role of director. Bryant is no stranger to the stage as she has performed, written and directed multiple times over the years. Serena Bemis, also a season CCT veteran, is producing the production.

“It has been fun and exciting to work along side Minette in yet another one of her original plays,” said Bemis. “A.M. is beautifully written and directed. You do not want to miss this one.”

“Due to some cast changes, I joined the group just a few weeks before opening night,” said Monica Kelley. “It has been a whirlwind and everyone is working hard to ensure we put on a great production.”

Cast members include David Kovacs as Blaze-Hazen; Roger Bryant as Gordon Milbridge; Monica Kelley as Donna McGovern; Madalun Singleton as Bon Bon Bones; Amy McCalister as Disclaimer; Katie Satterwhite as Rudy Rotors; Isaac Belota as Jeremy Laired; Daniel Comeaux as Mayor Josiah Richards; Corey Folmnsbee as Barkers Beans; Caylee Ricketts as Mulrooney’s #1; Isaiah Lozano as Mulroone’s #2; Rex Burks as Jacoby Furniture; Meg Kovacs as Jordan’s Jeweler; Alex Christiansen as Flush; Ryan Petri as Tater-Pickles; Homer Berry as Sock-it-to-me #1; Brended Kinder as Sock-it-to-me #2; Atticus Belota as Contest EmCee; Seth Lord as Country Singer; Aubrey Burks as Jessamy Jamison; Ila Sanchez as Sugar High; and Jacob Comeaux as Marigold the Clown.

Glee singers include Kilaney Breen, Eli Arias, Arik Arias, Katy Sohn, Elijah Belota, Finnian Breen and Vivienne Comeaux. Kim Felt was cast as the Glee Club Director.

Marty Kovas will play Wanda Fonda with Katy Sohn, Elijah Belota, Finnian Breen and Liam Comeaux cast as the Fonda kids.

Additional castings include Dane Trent as Worth Barthels; Nicholas McCalister as Binney Smith; Abigail McCalister as Binney’s entourage; Sage Breen as Public Library; Gwwneth Wilder as Brenda Boone and Eddie Breen as Brenda’s Dad/Agent.

“I’m just thrilled to have the opportunity to direct another original musical at CCT,” Bryant said. “The family that we have become--both across the years and also in this individual show--is an inspiring part of my life, and I’m forever grateful.”

There will even be an appearance of Garth Brooks (a marionette doll made by Bryant). Those attending the show will have an opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win the hand made doll and the ability to carry a piece of the production home with them. The drawing will be held following the final performance of the play.

Will the station be saved? Who will be the next winning celebrity? And is washing out socks really a talent? For the answers to these questions, make sure to attend one of the four shows.

Performance dates are Feb. 23, 24, Mar. 1 and 2. The Friday and Saturday performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. and the Sunday matinee will begin at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at the CCT box office located at 157 W 5th Street in downtown Rusk or by calling (903) 683-2131. All tickets are general seating except for CCT members who may reserve their seats. Memberships are available and more information and details on the benefits of being a CCT member can be obtained on the theater’s website at www.cherokeetheatre.net/membership.php.