A Cary youth performance group called Applause! hit the stage at the Cary Arts Center on Saturday night (February 18th) in honor of Black History Month for a show called Celebrating Our Heroes (directed by Flora Bare, Lauren Singleton, and Janet Wise-Thomas.
Everette Edwards is the Production Coordinate and he set the stage for the evening saying, “We will celebrate heroes, stories and songs rooted in the African-American experience.”
Members of the youth theater read about historic figures in African-American history and then the Cary Triangle Aquatic Center Cardio Dummers took the stage, 15-members deep.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to share with stage with the youth of Applause!,” said Janet Wise-Thomas of the Cary Triangle Center’s Cardio Drumming team.
The Cardio Drummers entertained the crowd and partnered with members of the youth theater.
“I love drumming,” said 69-year-old Maryann. “I feel like I’m working my mind and body.”
The night was rounded out by a live story performance from the youth of the Storybook Theater, bringing to life the West African folktales featuring Anasi the spider.
Acting Intensive performed Devised Theater, a collaborative piece inspired by the question, “what does it mean to be a hero?”
All-in-all it was another fantastic night showcasing local talent and a community committed making programs fully accessible to all people and cultures.