By Terri Riggle

Rehearsals are winding down and nerves are revving up at the Kent Theatre as actors and stagehands work feverishly to bring the latest Scott Phillips play to life. It’s a unique opportunity for the 15 people who portray the characters in Phillips’ new musical comedy, “Burr: The One Who Won,” in that it allows them to be in a role and play a character that makes their appearance for the very first time in this production.

“It’s a lot of fun to create this character my way,” said Mandy Casebolt who plays Theodosia Burr, wife of historical figure Aaron Burr, who shot and killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel. Casebolt, a newcomer to the Cedar Springs Community Players, has been acting for the better part of her life. She has been a professional actor and worked with multiple theater companies as she was growing up in California. After taking a break to have her children, she said she was able to take a role in “Annie” presented by Stage GR which is located at Cornerstone University.  

Along with Casebolt, new actors working with the Players for the first time are Frank VanPelt and Jacob Hoekzema both from Grand Rapids. “I heard about the play and decided that it sounded like a lot of fun,” VanPelt said. He likes that there are original songs to perform as well. VanPelt has worked with area directors to perform occasionally in plays, citing that work keeps him busy and prevents him from every play that he could audition for.  Hoekzema is not only new to the Players but this is the first time he as acted in a play. “I have been singing for years but this is my first time doing a play,” he said. VanPelt and Hoekzema also have the additional challenge of playing two different characters in the show. 

“Burr: The One Who Won,” will open on the Kent Theatre stage on May 17 with additional performances on May 18-19; and May 24-25. Performances start at 7:30, with the exception of a matinee on Sunday, May 19, which has a 3 p.m. start time. The box office is open 30 minutes before each performance and tickets may be purchased at that time for $15 for adults and $6 for children under 18. You may also purchase tickets at the Cedar Springs Public Library in advance for $12 for adults and $6 for children under 18. 

CTA Elementary students share their works of art.

CTA Creates took advantage of the great weather to take their lesson outdoors.

For the month of October, the CTA Creates art classes will be studying Henri Matisse, who used cut paper to create amazing works of art. The students will be cutting and designing their very own artwork using a similar method to that which Matisse used. The students also will be working on a collaborative project later in the month which will represent all CTA students.

CTA Creates is a 100 percent volunteer-run program in its third year, which is run by a group of parents who work together to bring art to the students of CTA. They study different artists every month and let the kids try many different art processes and use different mediums. Students, teachers and parent volunteers all love Art Thursdays!

Ally Ladd "Mr. Pumpkin" and Lauren Sherburn "The Puffball Place"

Jacob Wilson "Tiger"

Inspired by the Artprize activities that were taking place in Grand Rapids, Mrs. Gebhardt’s 1st Grade classroom at Cedar Trails Elementary had 90 minutes to construct a piece of art work.
With a limited amount of time and supplies, these students worked extremely hard and used their imaginations and creativity to produce brilliant art pieces. What an amazing job they did!  A few other 1st Grade teachers and Mr. Secor, one of our Principals, helped judge the art pieces. A winner could not be determined because they all were so incredibly made. Great job on your creativity and quick thinking!!

Reegan Glyshaw "Christina"

Kaden MacDonald