Rudy and Dr. Christine Gatti, of Whispering Pines, just received the good news that their daughter, Regina Gatti, will be playing the principal role of "Rosie" in the National Tour of "Bye Bye Birdie," which she will be performing in 40 U.S. States and Canada.

Most recently, Gatti was seen in "Show Boat" at North Shore Music Theatre, Beverly, Mass., where she earned her membership to Actors Equity Association, the professional actors' union.

Gatti is a graduate of Union Pines High School, where she began her theater studies under the directorship of Judy Osborne. A 2004 magna cum laude graduate of East Carolina University, Gatti received a bachelor's degree in musical theater. Her career has taken her throughout the U.S. and offered her the opportunity to sail the world, seeing 40 countries and 80 ports of call while aboard Holland America Cruise Line's MS Prinsendam as a singer/dancer.

As Miss Moore County 2002, Gatti promoted her community service platform, "Smiles for Life," Dental Care for the Underserved, and lobbied for funds to support the North Carolina Dental Health Endowment, raising close to $10,000.

Gatti frequently returns to Moore County to guest teach at Terpsichore ... A Moving Experience, Southern Pines, where she studied dance throughout her high school years.