A special patriotic flair will be added by the appearance of a pair of SLT’s most popular actors — David Frump and Vertrees Hollingsworth.
The occasion is a fundraiser for the Sandhills Little Theatre, which has been bringing stellar live entertainment to the area for 25 years.
Seven lovely divas will compete for the audience’s votes. As Alice Hollingsworth, co-chairman of the SLT’s board of directors explains, “You have a chance to support the singers of your choice by casting a monetary vote — and all the proceeds go to the Sandhills Little Theatre.”
The victor will be crowned by former HoliDiva winner, Ellen Airs, and Master of Ceremonies Rich Rushforth, of local radio station Star 102.5, will introduce the parade of appealing songstresses.
Musical accompaniment will be provided by a trio of area musicians composed of Ron Huss, Bobby Johnson and Scott Adair.
The contestants have delighted Sandhills Little Theatre audiences in a variety of roles.
Shanon Sheppard, for instance, was the choreographer of the winning SLT production of “Annie Get Your Gun.” However, she is best known as a former Miss Moore County who traveled the globe singing and dancing aboard cruise ships, before returning home to start her own voice studio and work at the family-owned John’s Barbeque and Seafood Restaurant. Sheppard is presently rehearsing for the upcoming Cape Fear Regional Theatre production of “Fame.”
Two of the youngest HoliDivas are high school students. Amber Leigh White, of Carthage, appeared as Winnie Tate in “Annie Get Your Gun.” The other student competitor is Kala Flittner, who portrayed Fantine in last fall’s student production of “Les Miserables.” She wanted to be a HoliDiva because “I wanted to give something back to SLT for offering me the opportunity to be in the show. Being a HoliDiva seemed the perfect fit.”
Another cast member of “Annie Get Your Gun” who is competing is Connie Young. She comes from a traditional Italian family, for whom the term “diva” is a natural part of their vocabulary.
A church soloist for more than 15 years and performer in countless variety shows and reviews in her native New Jersey-New York area before moving to Vass, she has been seen by SLT audiences in “Meshuggah Nuns” and “Private Matters.” Young says, “Like any queen, I’m always interested in a new crown!”
Rounding out the group who made “Annie Get Your Gun” such a hit, is Annie herself — or Alexa Mammolito, as she is known in real life. According to Mammolito, she behaves as diva-like as possible, given the chance. An avid karaoke participant, she also sings with a local rock band
According to Carol Thomas’ mother, Thomas sang before she could talk, and she became a diva when she entered first grade. Thomas has been involved in small vocal ensemble groups, college and community choruses, as well as community theatre.
At Sandhills Little Theatre, she has been seen in “Fiddler On The Roof,” “Life Goes On” and “Private Matters.”
Karen Steelman, fresh from her triumph at the Barn Dinner Theatre in Greensboro, where she wowed audiences as Patsy Cline for eight weeks this winter, is also a diva contender. A SLT favorite for her performances in “Pirates of Penzance,” “Meshuggah Nuns,” and the female version of “The Odd Couple,” Steelman says she has watched the company do so many positive things for so many people, herself included, that she enthusiastically welcomes this chance to participate.
The HoliDivas affair includes wine and hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, a raffle of a diamond bead bracelet from Hawkins and Harkness Jewelers and a great opportunity to hear seven sensational singers as they battle it out for the Queen of the HoliDivas crown.
Tickets may be obtained by calling 944-7853, and are $20 for season subscribers or $25 for the general public.
Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with the music getting underway at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 25, at the Pinehurst Fair Barn.
Mary Elle Hunter is a Pinehurst freelance writer. She may be reached at mehunter10@hotmail.com.
