Bringing the funny has always been a specialty for Sarah Thomas, who has had some of the best roles in the Community Theatre of Howell’s musical comedies in recent years. Among these were turns as Mrs. Paroo in “The Music Man” and Muriel Eubanks in “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.” She was also a standout in the CTH comedy play “Dearly Beloved,” starring as Honey Raye Futrelle.
She’s back on the CTH stage this month playing one of the best roles in Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” – Mrs. Potts, the leader of the enchanted servants who help the imprisoned Belle.
“The role of Mrs Potts has been on my bucket list for a while so I was so thrilled and honored to be cast,” said Thomas, who lives in Brighton and works as a nurse anesthetist at the VA Hospital in Ann Arbor. “Besides, who wouldn’t love living in an enchanted castle and being a magical, singing, teapot who is mom to such an adorable Chip?”
CTH’s “Beauty and the Beast” takes the stage Nov. 11-13 and 18-20 at the Howell High School Freshman Campus.
The Community Theatre of Howell is a family affair for Thomas, who lists her favorite role as being the mom to a “theater kid” – her daughter, Rebecca.
“I got involved with CTH when Rebecca was in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ in 2005 as a munchkin,” she said. “We really liked both the people and the professionalism of this group so we just stayed, and the whole family got involved.
“I love having a theater kid,” Thomas added. “I love being around theater kids and their families. Theater teaches young people so many wonderful things – how to be a team player, how to speak in front of people, how to be responsible for yourself and how to lead others. And it’s not just the kids who learn; the adults learn, too. You get to be family.”
Thomas said it’s been a blast bringing Mrs. Potts to life, and she can’t wait to unveil it all on opening night for the audience.
“This ‘Beauty and the Beast’ experience has been such a pleasure,” she said. “Meeting so many folks that are new to CTH and of course being with these fun and enthusiastic kids. I also love being married to ‘the lighting guy.’ It’s so nice to be enjoying this show with my husband.
“My favorite thing about this show is this working with this cast and crew,” Thomas added. “Both on stage and behind the scenes they are a unique and wonderful group of very hard-working people. They are talented, funny and kind and are all fully engaged in supporting the director’s creative vision for this beautiful musical.”
Performances of “Beauty and the Beast” are Nov. 11-13 and 18-20 at the Howell High School Freshman Campus, with showtimes at 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for students and seniors, available online at cththeatre.org. Tickets are also available at Kahuna Coffee and Finding Roots in Howell; Big Acre in Brighton; Ed Bock Feed and Stuff in Pinckney; and Maria’s School of Dance in Fowlerville. You can also order tickets by calling the box office at 517-545-1290.
Photo by Richard Lim Photography. Visit them be clicking here.
