For 35 years, Arlington's Creative Arts Theatre & School has coached thousands of talented students who are now excelling in all walks of life.
Thirty-one of those alumni returned home this week to perform Free to Be...You and Me! at the Mosaic in Arlington as a benefit for the iconic school. Performances are Friday, Jan. 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 4 at 2:30 p.m.
Executive Director Heather Simmons is excited to see many of her former students, all of whom are doing something "pretty amazing."
"We have doctors, lawyers, producers, people who've gone on to get a degree in theatre," said Simmons. "This is a talented group of people."
Arlington native Curt Mega went on to play Nick on the hit show Glee after a stellar career with CATS.
"Curt was in high school when I started working with him," said Simmons. "He was always an energetic, passionate artist. He got to play a lovely role in Macbeth, became an assistant to the technical director...Curt was always a hard working kid."
Simmons highlighted the accomplishments of two more outstanding alumni: Mat Hames, who went on to produce the PBS documentary "When I Rise," and Jason Hillhouse, film editor for the Dark Knight movies.
CATS chose Free to Be...You and Me! because the overall message - anyone, whether boy or girl, can achieve anything - aligns perfectly with the organization's mission.
Directed by longtime CATS friend, Linda Lee, this alumni show is an exercise in modern nostalgia. The production is based on the highly regarded 1972 book by Marlo Thomas and Friends. This classic of children's entertainment features poetry, songs and sketches to encourage values like individuality, tolerance and comfort with one's identity.
Performances: Jan. 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Jan. 4 at 2:30 p.m. at 817 W. Park Row, Arlington. Tickets: $15 for adults; $12 for students, military and seniors (ages 55+). Visit creativeartsarts.org for more information.
Arts & Culture, News