Classic 'Music Man' staged at Succop by Sing Hosanna!
The town of River City is taking shape at the Sing Hosanna! production center as cast and crew prepare to stage the award-winning “Music Man,” opening Nov. 9 at Butler County Community College's Succop Theater.
Director Ralph Christy Jr. said he has several reasons why he chose to produce this musical.
“The show falls over Veterans Day weekend and the country desperately needs some positive healing and some good old fashioned Americana,” said Christy.
“At each performance, we will be honoring the veterans in the audience. We will also have a veterans' display in the lobby. We invite veterans to come and enjoy the show,” he added.
The cast involves 60 actors, some experienced and some novice, all of whom are excited about being in this production.
“I was surprised how many people in the community are excited about this old fashioned classic,” Christy said.
Evans City resident Michael Traverson, 25, is playing the charismatic professor Harold Hill.
“He is a con man trying to sell the idea of a kids' band to the townsfolk of River City, Iowa,” Traverson said.
“I think what I enjoy most is the interactions I have with other characters, my character's story arc, and the fun fact that they call him a 'Music Man,' even though he's not supposed to know anything about music. Meanwhile, he sings four songs in the first act alone,” said Traverson, who hasn't done a show with Sing Hosanna! since high school.
Playing Mrs. Paroo, mother to Winthrop, is an actual mother and son, Kellie Langdon of Allegheny Township and her son, Connor.
“My son and I auditioned because we love the Robert Preston movie, and we wanted to be part of a musical,” Langdon said.
“Connor looks a bit like Ronnie Howard who played Winthrop in the Robert Preston version, and I hoped he'd make it as Winthrop,” she said.
Langdon is experiencing her theater debut. The homeschooling mom of three is delighted with the role and the opportunity to act along with her son.
“I enjoy being a spunky Irish lady who's antsy about getting her daughter married,” she said of her role, noting the biggest challenge is the abundant choreography.
“For my role, I need a strong Irish brogue, so I listen for examples everywhere. I've found a few on 'The Great British Baking Show,'” she noted.
Alisha Stephenson of Butler plays Eulalie MacKecknie Shinn.
“She is the mayor's wife and well respected among the ladies of the town. She acts very self-important to the point where it is often humorous,” explained Stephenson, who is enjoying bringing humor out in her character.
“Trying to play an arrogant person is a bit challenging as I am more of a down to earth type,” she said. “This is a fun show that talks about small town life.”
WHO: Sing Hosanna!WHAT: “Music Man”WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9 and 10 and 2 p.m. Nov. 11WHERE: Succop Theater at Butler County Community CollegeTICKETS: $15 per seat, not reserved, available at May’s Music ShoppeINFO: 724-287-8362
