CAT Theatre to cease operations

Chamberlyane Actors Theatre –

more commonly known as CAT Theatre – a community theater group that for 54 years has performed shows in northern Henrico County, will cease operations Oct. 31, theater officials announced today.

Officials blamed the decision on failure to obtain a satisfactory lease for the building at 319 North Wilkinson Road in Henrico in which they've hosted plays since the group's inception.

CAT's final two shows will be Boeing Boeing, which runs Sept. 7-22, and The Poetry Recital and Fancy Hat Society, which plays Sept. 17 at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Season ticketholders will be refunded for all subsequent shows that were scheduled.

CAT began when a group of neighbors met at the North Chamberlayne Civic Association's new building in the 1950s and decided to start a theatrical organization, according to CAT's website.

According to the site, "CAT’s vision is to provide opportunities for community members: professional, amateur, and novices, to learn and to share their knowledge of the various jobs in theatre. We offer this in a professional atmosphere, meeting professional standards. We want to share the development of the artistic process in an atmosphere that is both encouraging and respectful."

In a message posted to CAT's website and e-mailed to supporters, board members thanked patrons who had visited during the theater's life.

"You have made our service to you a joy and a pleasure," they wrote.