LA GRANGE — North Lenoir High School’s Drama Department, under the direction of Marian Kennedy, has produced 49 Broadway musicals since 1989, including its first, “The Wizard of Oz.”
To celebrate, Kennedy is pulling out all the stops to recreate her first production as her 50th April 18-21.
The school’s Booster Club will sponsor a benefit gala at 6 p.m. March 15 at Walnut Creek Country Club to raise $15,000 for the flying equipment for the “Wizard of Oz” and college scholarships for NLHS Drama Club seniors.
The gala will include a social hour and dinner buffet, assorted beverages and a cash bar; Cabaret show directed by emcee Ray Kennedy, featuring Michelle Braxton, Samantha Holland and Heather Shaw; and a disc jockey.
Live and silent auctions will continue throughout the evening. Conducting the live auction will be Ralph Tyndall of the Sandy Bottom community, who has more than 50 years of auctioneering experience. He also has been recognized nationally as a “top worldwide auctioneer.”
Auction items
Big auction items include: three beach weekends (at the Atlantic Beach home of Dr. and Mrs. Rudy Mintz of Kinston, at the Wrightsville Beach home of Ray Kennedy and at the beach home of Mary Catherine Hardy); a “Weekend in Wilmington” package for two, including two nights at the Blockade Runner, dinner and show tickets at Thalian Hall; a day sailing trip and lunch on Bogue Sound, donated by Lyn and Mary Ellison Turner; a wine tasting for 10, VIP tour and discount at the Duplin Winery; two tickets to the “Wizard of Oz” dinner at the Village Steak House; and two UNC football tickets, donated by Wiley and Mary Anne Dawson.
Also included are: dinner with chef Tessa Denton and Cabaret on Caswell Street for four couples; four rounds of golf at the Falling Creek Country Club; a beer tasting at Mother Earth Brewery; five hours of design service given by Chuck Wade; a Spa package (facial and hair style); Arbonne mother and daughter make-up session given by Alison Merritt; Beauty Control cosmetics, donated by Janet Hines; a tooth whitening package donated by Kinston Dental Associates; three months at the Goldsboro YMCA; and three months Curves membership, donated by Curves of La Grange.
Also featured are: a print of the UNC Old Well, given by Gwen Gobble; a piece of chalk-painted furniture; art donated by Mary Lou Harris and Anne Carol Croom; a “Dance with Me” gift basket donated by Mandy Odom of Mooves; cakes from Sweetie Pies donated by Teresa Eason; a week’s free meals at area restaurants; “We love NLHS Drama Department,” given by merchants of La Grange; photography by Cain Gallery Photography; a bicycle tune-up from Riverside Bikes and Sports, compliments of Bert Statum; an oil change; donation from Stout Family Jewelers; a pair of sunglasses, Dr. Dennis Michels; market tote from Stitches and Stuff; a garter, Sallie’s Bridal; and 25 bales of pine straw, Mary Catherine Hardy.
Area merchants are encouraged to donate auction items for the event. To donate items, for more information or for tickets, $28, call Donna Goodson at 252-566-5119 or Loretta Butts at 919-778-7732.
North Lenoir High School Gala
6 p.m. March 15
Walnut Creek Country Club, Goldsboro
Tickets: $28
Info: Donna Goodson, 252-566-5119; Loretta Butts, 919-778-7732