Gorilla players

PCT has had a long-standing relationship with Pitt State's theatre and music departments. Gorillas frequently perform on stage, behind the scenes, and in the pit orchestra, which senior theatre major Megan Reed says gives them opportunities beyond the campus.

"You meet such a wide variety of people from different walks of life, from across our community, that we probably wouldn't meet on campus in shows," said Reed, whose first PCT production was "Clue" in 2014.

She also performed in "Evita" last summer.

"It has definitely made me feel more connected to the community doing this," she said. "I think that's the neat thing about the relationship of Pitt with the rest of the town."

Among the 68-member cast are her fellow Pitt State students Robert Bustamante, Krista Hightower, Breezi Hancock, Steve Reida, Cat Duncan, Abbi Epperson, Jaley Hoyt, Lindsey Viets, and Amanda Longpine, all of whom, like Reed, are veteran performers or crew members with experience in high school, Pitt State, Midwest Regional Ballet, and PCT productions. Also in the cast is Joey Pogue, an associate professor in the Pitt State Department of Communication.

The 17-member pit orchestra, which includes numerous Pitt State graduates, also includes current Pitt State students Jacob Caffrey and Justin Crossman.

Directing "Gypsy" is Linden Little, Pitt State Theatre technical director/instructor and a Pitt State graduate. Lisa Quinteros, a staff member in the Department of Communication who specializes in costuming and also is a Pitt State graduate, is directing the costuming for "Gypsy." Pianist is Barbara York, a rehearsal accompanist in Pitt State's Department of Music.

Don't miss seeing these Gorillas on stage in "Gypsy" July 28-31; tickets are on sale now at www.memorialauditorium.org and at the box office at 503 N. Pine, 620-231-7827.