More than 30 local actors will take the stage Saturday for the local debut of “Cats” directed by Joey Marion, who said the play is geared toward getting children to read and to get locals interested in the arts.

Written by Andrew Lloyd Weber based on a book by T.S. Eliot, called “An Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats,” the Broadway version of the musical is the second longest-running show in Broadway history and the fourth longest-running show in musical theater history.

Directed and choreographed by Marion and musical direction by Jane Tesh, the Surry Arts Players will be putting their own spin on this musical.

Although Marion knew trying to put on a production of “Cats” would be ambitious, he is thrilled with all of the local talent that has emerged to put on the production.

“The story line goes — that a special tribe of cats called the Jellicle cats meet once a year and their leader appears and gives them the name of one cat who can be reborn to a new life each year. The play takes place on the eve of the Jellicle ball, when the cats are waiting for their leader to appear. While they are waiting for him, they are kind of guessing who it’s going to be,” said Marion.

Marion’s directing debut was last year with “Beauty and the Beast.” He wanted to do something different this year. “Cats” was chosen for its complexity and to encourage reading.

“We wanted to encourage families to read that book together then come see it brought to life.”

Auditions for the show were held in May. Marion said 86 hopefuls came to fill 31 spots in the cast.

“It was a very hard casting process,” said Marion. “We got a lot of veterans from the Andy Griffith Playhouse stage who have a lot of experience and then we also have some people who are completely new to the stage. It’s a neat mix,” he said.

Marion said a lot of people doubted the musical could be produced locally.

“It is a difficult show. It’s been very tricky. We spent a lot of time in pre-production looking at sets and costumes. It’s been trial and error process — a huge undertaking,” said Marion. He said at least 50 people are involved in the production.

“I know it’s tough economic times, but we really want to encourage people to contribute to our local artists. We have homegrown artists from this area and the talent is amazing. We really want the arts to be out there. We want to do new things to bring people to the theater and keep them involved in this outlet, because we really do have an amazing group of people who work in this community theater,” Marion said.

Marion started out as an actor on the stage at the Andy Griffith Playhouse when he was 16 years-old. He attended East Carolina University to study in dance and education.

The local cast features Alice Rogers as Jennyanydots, Amanda Wilson as Electra, Amber France as Cassandra, Ana Shew as Clio, Bailey Atkins as Polyhymnia, Bailey Bell as Calliope, Brack Llewellyn as Asparagus, Cassie Boyd as Victoria, Coleman Craddock as Erato, Cory Arnett as Admetus, Elise Hayes as Euterpe, Elizabeth Barr as Grizabella, Emily Edwards as Melpomene, Erin Barile as Urania, Farron Barneycastle as Tantomile, James Bell as Bustopher Jones, Josh Wilmoth as Coricopat, Katlin Sias as Carbuckety, Kayla Fowler as Terpsichore, Laura Shumate as Rumpleteazer, Lore Tetrick as Hypnotica, Melissa Lawrence as Demeter, Marena Scott as Bombalurina, Payton Moledor as Thalia, Peyton Marion as Jemima, Sarah Lawrence as Etcetera, Scott Carpenter as Munkustrap, Tanner King as Skimbleshanks, Tom Beckom as Old Deuteronomy, Will Bryant as Rum Tum Tugger and Zach Barth as Mungojerrie.

Allen Nichols, Pam Parker and Levi Schmidt will play for the orchestra. Jody Crawford and Scott Needham are lighting designers; Jasmine Hagwood and Jessica Llewellyn are production managers.

Performances are on Saturday at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m. and Monday at 7:30 p.m. at the Andy Griffith Playhouse, 218 Rockford St.

Tickets are $10 or free with the SAC Season Pass. Call 786-7998 or visit www.surryarts.org to purchase tickets in advance or for more information.