1982-1986

Pouncey is enjoying lead role As a second semester freshman at East Central Junior College, Amy Pouncey of Decatur never imagined she would get the lead female role of "Dolly Levi" in the college's upcoming spring musical "Hello Dolly."

ly, one of the most famous characters on stage. Dolly's character is very self-confident and "sure of herself," and Pouncey said these qualities in the character help her to be more confident about her acting. "I've learned a lot from being involv– ed with the musical -- especially how to discipline myself and how to get along with all types of people," she said. Practicing five days a week for two hours each day, the leading actress said the toughest part is learning the dances. "Ovid Vickers does an excellent job with the choreography, but it is hard try– ing to sing the right notes while also try– ing to remember what steps to take," she added. Other ECJC students cast by musical director Bruce Peterson are Susan Haralson and Brandon Herd, both of Decatur; Michael Miller of Newton; Renee Thaggard and Tammie Cov– ington, both of Philadelphia; and Gem Harrison and Marshall Watkins, both of Carthage. When asked if "Dolly gets her man" at the end of the play, Pouncey replied, ''Everyone will just have to come watch and find out." The production, based on Thorton Wilder's book "The Matchmaker," will be performed March 25-28 at 7:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center Auditorium. Tickets go on sale March 18, and the price will be $5 for the general admis– sion seats. Reservations can be made by calling 635-2126.

"As a matter of fact, I wasn't even go– ing to try out for that part, but then decided to after I got to the auditions," she said. Pouncey added that it was her vocal range which probably won her the lead role because an ability to sing some "ex– tremely high notes" was needed. She also gives credit to her early childhood acting experience in East Cen– tral 's 1978 production of "The Sound of Music" as boosting her morale dur– ing this year's auditions held in January. Pouncey also participated in the college's fall Dinner Theatre play " Director's Dilemma." This year's spring production of "Hello Dolly" centers around Dolly' s efforts to marry "Horace Vandergelder" played by Boyd Germany of Jackson. Dolly also plays matchmaker for "the young and beautiful Widow Maloy" played by Doreen Ryals of Philadelphia and Vandergelder 's head clerk "Cor– nelius Hackl" played by Chuck Hinson of Decatur. . Performed for the first time on Broad– way in 1964, "Hello Dolly" is a lively and entertaining musical with glamorous costumes and eye-catching scenery brought to life by the personality of Doi-

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Amy Pouncey

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