Trending
COLUMBIANA -- The Columbiana Arts Theater is producing its first ever musical independently.
Also known as the CAT, the Columbiana Arts Theater located in the town square along Main Street has been gifted enough funding to produce the popular "1776" musical that is being locally directed by retired Columbiana County Municipal Court Judge Mark Frost.
Frost and CAT Chief Theater Director Shawn Theis visited Columbiana Council on Aug. 18 to discuss the upcoming musical and also share updates about the CAT.
They shared that as of Aug. 1 the CAT is totally under the control of Elevate Columbiana Foundation, a 501c3 charitable foundation.
"The ownership has been deeded from Compco Industries. Compco has been wonderful," Frost said.
The "1776" musical will debut on Nov. 12, over Veterans Day weekend. A shorter version for children will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 11.
Frost said he was especially pleased with the city's America 250 Celebration and added that the celebration of the country's history is ongoing.
Frost said the "1776" musical that originally debuted on Broadway and was later made into a film was one of his very first plays to direct and is one of his favorite.
The production tells the story of the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence and is historically accurate, Frost noted.
Auditions began Aug. 31 and Sept. 2, with callbacks scheduled for Sept. 8.
"Oh behalf of the CAT, on behalf of Compco, on behalf of Elevate, we are eternally grateful for the support that Columbiana and all of you have for our dear theater," Shawn Theis said.
More information and the purchase of tickets can be found online atthecat.com.