Tennessee Williams’ American classic “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” will be brought to life on the Kelsey Theater stage on weekends from February 6 to 15. The drama examines the web of deceit holding a wealthy Southern family together while threatening to tear them apart. Over the course of one Mississippi night, the characters’ gentility disappears as accusations of greed, sexual desire, and dishonesty appear. A reception with the cast and crew follows the opening night performance on Friday, February 6. Tickets are $18.
Three sixth grade students from Community Middle School portray the children in production. Maya Gunaseelan of Plainsboro portrays Polly, Michaela Meyer of Plainsboro plays Trixie, and Makenna Katz of West Windsor appears as Dixie.
Maya Gunaseelan has studied performing at Kelsey’s Tomato Patch Acting Workshop and McCarter Theater’s Improvisation Exploration Camp. She plays tenor saxophone in the band and the jazz band at CMS. She also enjoys debate, dance, and swimming.
Makenna Katz has previously appeared on the Kelsey stage as Agnes Smith in “Meet Me In St. Louis,” a lost boy in “ Peter Pan,” a clown in “Miracle on 34th Street,” and Billie Wittleby in “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” She also appeared in the ensemble at New York City’s iTheatrics “Magic Tree House.” She plays lacrosse when she’s not on stage.
Michaela Meyer has been attending JW Actor’s Studio in Plainsboro for the past several years. She and two friends are in the process of launching “Cue the Lights,” a teen talk show, on Princeton TV.
The wealthy Southern family come together when Big Daddy is unwell. Jealousies, suspicious on greed, unspoken sexual desires, and lies are brought up during one evening. Ruth Markoe, founder of Theater To Go, directs the show.
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Kelsey Theater, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. Drama by Tennessee Williams about a Southern family in crisis presented by Pierrot Productions and Theater to Go. For mature audiences. $18. 609-570-3333. www.kelseytheatre.net.
