Marissa Perry to Guest Star at IN THE SPOTLIGHT Cabaret, 7/20

Marissa Perry (HAIRSPRAY, SISTER ACT) will be the special guest performer when youngsters from small-town Pottsville, Pennsylvania take the stage at Stage 72 at the Triad for the cabaret IN THE SPOTLIGHT to be held this Sunday, July 20 at 3:00 p.m.

Produced by Time To Shine, the show will feature 25 youngsters from the "Spotlight Kidz program at the Pottsville Gymnastics & Theatrical Center, Inc which is under the direction of Sandy Kost-Sterner. Musical Director for this show is Bruce Marianelli.

Having Perry as the guest performer at the event is a special one for the youngsters involved. Perry had did a Masterclass in NYC for the Pottsville GTC program last summer.

"After doing a masterclass with some of the young people from Pottsville GTC, I eagerly accepted the opportunity to perform alongside them! They are truly passionate and talented!" said Perry.

One of the Spotlight Kidz, Reiley Lonergan (MUSICVILLE), is no stranger to the NYC stage. Lonergan, 15, was part of the New York City Musical Theater Festival for Children and has been seen in several cabarets on the NYC circuit. Lonergan has also participated in Perry's masterclass for Pottsville GTC.

Leorah Haberfield- director of Time to Shine- is excited to bring Pottsville GTC to a New York City Stage. "Summer is the time when I produce cabarets for camp groups or theater schools. It's always a thrill to give young aspiring artists their own stage. Performing in a NYC venue is a really big deal for them. It's something they dream about. My goal is to make that dream a reality and bring their music to life." said Haberfield.

Perry echos that excitement. "I love and appreciate talent. I am always the first person to stand during curtain call. I am just excited to watch some of these kids perform. It's inspiring to me and a good reminder of how much I love what I do", said Perry. "As a performer and a teacher, there is nothing more exciting than witnessing the talent of the future, to know I had a part in helping them learn and it keeps me on my game as the years go by. The more and more talented the kids get, the harder I have to work and I love that!"

Tickets are $20.00 plus a two-drink minimum. For information, call 570-449-1293.