When the curtain comes down on the Thomasville Music & Drama Troupe’s 44th annual Spring Show Friday night, the group of singing teenaged entertainers will be saying goodbye to 24 graduating seniors, several of whom took a break from long rehearsals this week to reflect on what Troupe involvement has meant to them.

Katie Wise, who will graduate from Thomasville High Scholars Academy later this month, called the Thomasville Music & Drama Troupe “such an influential part of my life!”

“It has taught me so many important lessons such as self-discipline, team work and leadership,” she explained. 

“Troupe not only helped me grow musically but also helped me overcome the shy side of my personality,” said Lydia Mobley, a senior at Cairo High School. “I’m overcome with sadness that I’m leaving some of my best friends but happy that we’re all moving on to bigger and better things.”

“Troupe has been really important for me, as I have been able to make friends and connect with people from other schools and towns with whom I would never have come in contact,” said Christopher Watt, a senior at Brookwood School.

“Along with the ballet, Center for the Arts and other organizations, Troupe allows young people to be exposed to arts and performance in a way that I believe is unparalleled in other towns like Thomasville,” he added.

Thomasville High Scholars Academy senior Jacob Cone, the fifth and last of his siblings to experience the Troupe program, agreed.

“Looking back on my time in Troupe, there is no organization in any community quite like it,” Cone said.  “I’m grateful to have had the time and fun I’ve had making memories throughout Troupe week and Troupe shows.”

Thomas County Central senior Annabeth Raffield said she feels “very lucky to have been a part of the Troupe experience.”

“I really enjoy Troupe,” Raffield said.  “It has made me a better musician and given me the opportunity of a lifetime to work with so many talented people and do so many fantastic performances.”

“Going into my last show, I am feeling so many mixed emotions,” Wise added.  “I’m proud of all the hard work we have put in but sad to leave this chapter of my life.”

As for what the graduating seniors are looking forward to this weekend, Watt said he is “super excited” about the group’s 44th spring show.

“We have worked really hard this spring, and I believe it will all pay off on stage,” Watt said, noting “some really fun dance numbers, as well as other songs the audience will really get into.”

“I feel like this show is going to be the best one yet … really spectacular,” Raffield said. “Mrs. Stephanie (Hart) has done a great job getting us ready and implementing new ideas this year.”

Said Wise, “I am most excited about performing with my peers one last time!”

“Preparing for my last Troupe show ever is bittersweet,” Cone admitted. “We’ve prepared hard to showcase the immeasurable talent my fellow Troupe members have, and it’s going to be one of the best!”

As for Mobley, “I’m most excited to get to share my last spring show singing a duet with my twin sister.”

“I feel blessed to be able to be a part of such a group with so many other students, whose talent is mind blowing, and to be directed by professionals like Mrs. Stephanie, Mr. Tom (Whiddon) and, of course, Raymond Hughes,” Watt said.

This year’s show features showstoppers from both Broadway and Hollywood, including numbers from recent hits “Hamilton” and “La La Land,” plus a variety of pop and rock hits from the past. In addition to a number of solos and small group ensembles spotlighting Troupe’s student performers, the repertoire also promises many full group production numbers, lively choreography and energetic dancers.

The entire roster of Troupe seniors will take the stage together in a poignant ensemble feature entitled “Thank You for the Music.”

Tickets for the one-night-only performance are currently being sold online at www.thomasvillemusicanddramatroupe.com, with both reserved and general admission seating available at the Thomasville Municipal Auditorium. A limited number of tickets will also be available at the auditorium box office on show night as well.

If you go:Thomasville Music & Drama Troupe’s 44th annual Spring Show

Friday, May 5, 8 p.m.

Municipal Auditorium

Tickets available online

or at the box office Friday 

Info: 229-977-2008