Kopy Kats returning to Ormond Beach for 28th season

Ormond Beach Observer
Neighbors

The Kopy Kats are coming back to Ormond Beach for their 28th season on Oct. 20-22 at the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center.

This year the performers will put on a two-hour show featuring approximately 40 musical numbers from well-known works like "Aladdin," "Chicago," "Copacabana" and "Sweet Charity." The cast of over 40 Kopy Kats come from cities all around Volusia and Flagler County is comprised of people of all ages, from age 5 to upward of 90.

The cast, under the direction of Jeremy DeVito, has been rehearsing for six to 10 hours a week since January. Devito started South Beach Dance in Daytona Beach and came on board the show about 10 years ago. Chuck Leipham, the show's advertising manager, said joining the Kopy Kats is a commitment and that those wanting to participate also have to be willing to devote time each week to the show.

"Everybody has something in their personality that seeps out and finds the people in the audience that they can identify with and touch their spirits," Kopy Kats Producer Aggie Murphy said.

From a former Dallas cowboy cheerleader to a F-16 pilot, the Kopy Kats cast is diverse on all fronts. Leipham said part of the fun of putting on Kopy Kats is gathering stories from everyone, which his wife Jo Leipham said makes them "one big family."

"We found out a long time ago that we're only as good as the people with whom we surround ourselves," Murphy said. "That's something we've always tried to remember in everything we do."

Leipham said this is the first year where the show has support sponsors. Two of their major sponsors are Halifax Health and Radiology Associates, and he said that matches the active lifestyle they are promoting in the community.

Tickets cost $20.00 and are available online at ormondbeach.org or at the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center box office, located at 399 N. US 1. The box office is open Tuesday-Friday from 12-5 p.m., as well as two hours before the show.

People may also order tickets by calling the box office at 386-676-3375.