SOUTH OTSELIC – This weekend, students at Otselic Valley will perform their spring musical, and this year, instead of doing the same recycled play, the students are putting on a show like never before.

Otselic Valley students will perform Andrew Lloyd Webber’s smash Broadway hit, “Cats.” Based on T. S. Eliot’s “Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats,” the play is full of dancing and musical numbers, as the cats prepare for the Jellicle Ball where they’ll hear which cat has been chosen to go to Heavyside Layer.

For the first year, music teacher Winnie Sortman is filling the position of director and musical director. She picked the play because of her love for the Broadway show, and because of the talent of the students in the cast.

“We have so many kids to spotlight, and this play allows a lot of kids to shine,” Sortman said. With a large cast of performers, ranging from seventh graders to seniors, preparing to perform “Cats” has required the students to put in longer hours at rehearsals and has given them more freedom in their performances.

Seven seniors have contributed to the play, from the construction to the production. Shawn Hillman will be in charge of lighting and sound. Nicole Liuzzo and Kim Lewis will head up the stage crew. Dana Williams performed set construction. Rachel Perry will sit in the orchestra pit, playing saxophone, flute and clarinet. Megan Knickerbocker will play Grizzabella, Jack Conway will play Deuteronomy and Aaron Wood will play the police cat.