Kinston resident shares talent for drama

Former English teacher Geraldyne E. McCray will share her drama talents with the community in "An Evening of Dramatic Interpretations" at 7 p.m. Saturday at St. John Free Will Baptist Church.

During her high school years, McCray nurtured her interest in the theater by participating in competitions sponsored by the International Thespian Society and the National Forensic League.

In Los Angeles, she competed as a national finalist in the area of dramatic declamation. She presented a one-woman show in her hometown of Middletown, Ohio, before entering Howard University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in drama.

She performed in a variety of roles during her college years, from Greek tragedy to Shakespearean comedy.

As coordinator of the Performing Arts Program for 14 years at Ossining High School, Ossining, N.Y., she directed student and faculty musicals, including "The King and I," "West Side Story," "The Sound of Music," Mame" and "The Music Man."

As an English teacher at Kinston High School, McCray directed "The Amen Corner" and the musical, "Bye-Bye, Birdie." For New Voices/New Visions, she directed "A Raisin in the Sun."

Her performance Saturday, in the church's multipurpose building on Blount Street, will include poetry readings, monologues and dramatizations. It is sponsored by the church's State of Ohio Committee.

Donations are $5 at the door. For more information, call (252) 523-9134.