Interview: THE MUSIC MAN Marches Into Old Opera House This Christmas

"Seventy-Six Trombones" are leading the big parade right into Charles Town, West Virginia as The Music Man opens at the Old Opera House just in time for Christmas!

With direction by Steven Brewer, musical direction by Ross and Cara Semler and Jonas Dawson and choreography by Ashley Snow, The Music Man is a classic musical featuring over forty local adult and child actors. When traveling salesman (and con man), Harold Hill, comes to visit River City, he promises to form a marching band for the children of River City and sell them all the musical instruments and training they need....... despite the fact he cannot read music and has no musical training what so ever! Hill must avoid inquires from the nosy mayor, the mayor's wife and school board members, all while beginning to fall in love with Marian, the town librarian and an educated musician who wants to expose Hill as a fraud.

The Music Man features both familiar faces and new talents at the Old Opera House. The theater traditionally presents a large musical production for the Christmas season and a clear camaraderie quickly formed among the cast.

"The experience at the Old Opera House has been amazing and it opened up an opportunity to meet some wonderful new people in a really special, creative, collaborative environment" said Theresa Apple, who plays Mrs. Paroo. "I loved being able to work with this fun cast, as well as being able to work in a quartet again" added Ed Conn, who plays Jacey Squires

"Working with this fabulous cast and crew, the talent and years of experience are plenty. And our newcomers bring a level of excitement that is a wonder to see. With both old and new friends working on this production, it is truly a pleasure. It's the type of fun that is infectious and will make an audience have an even greater time watching!" said Charlie Perkins, who plays Mayor Shinn.

"The Christmas show at the Old Opera House is always special. It's a big cast, lots of family involvement, and it's a chance to work with theatre friends from past shows. It's a big show, so it takes a lot to make it happen, and that creates a special energy in the place. It really gets you in the holiday mood" said Christine Brewer, who plays Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn.

However, a large cast and grand-scale production comes with its own set of unique challenges.

"We have over forty people to costume and move on stage, and that can get tricky. Keeping all those kids under control can try one's patience sometimes. But they are good kids and it works out in the end" said Brewer

"I am playing double duty as an actor and also the set designer; however, I enjoy doing both in a production because this gives me an interesting insight to what the director and production needs first hand. Having just done this [same] part this summer it is fun exploring a new aspect to the role and finding different nuances of the character. It has been fun finding new aspects with a new cast and production team" said Lee Hebb on playing Marcellus Washburn.

"The most challenging part of this production for me was talking at a slower pace in an Irish brogue" said Apple. "As a quartet member, the most challenging part was to finesse our voices with each other and make sure we kept the blend and intonation as well as keeping the text alive" said Conn

The cast is ready to present this classic musical to audience members and continue another Christmas tradition.

"A quality Christmas show produced and performed at the Old Opera House in Charles Town, West Virginia has always been a staple for the holidays. The Music Man is no different, so please come and enjoy the show!" said Perkins

"The Music Man is a classic, and many people have seen the movie, but this is our version, and I think the Old Opera House has brought a beautiful show for the community to see!" said Conn. "It is a valentine to the simplicity and wonder of yesteryear. The music is just catchy and these characters are hard not to fall in love with" said Hebb.

"It is a fun family show that I think everyone will enjoy. It has a sweet love story and really fun songs. The cast is top notch and I know they will capture the audience's hearts. Even if you've seen it before this version and cast makes it something special you won't want to miss" said Brewer.

The Music Man cast also features Kevin Tester as Charlie Cowell, Steven Brewer as the Conductor/ Constable Locke, Rennes Carbaugh as Harold Hill, Jaymie Price as Ewart Dunlop, Dan Cheston and Steve Cairns as Oliver Hix, Peter Jackson as Olin Britt, Adam Venham-Carter as Tommy Djilas, Shannen Banzhoff as Marian Paroo, Ciara Talbot as Amaryllis, Hagen McGowan as Winthrop Paroo, Grace Ashley as Zanetta Shinn, Irina Price as Alma Hix, Katie Kennedy as Maud Dunlop, Kelly Pannill as Ethel Toffelmier, Renee Farabaugh as Mrs. Squires, Caroline Brewer as Gracie Shinn, Holly Blevins, Jen George, Emily Gross, Julie Smith and Meg Peterson as Pick-a-Little Ladies and Ellie Blevins, Charles Casey, Sydney Clark, Audrey Davis, Cavin Davis, Rowen Davis, Aiden Farabaugh, Amethyst Franklin, Ryan George, Sean Keim, Emily Kennedy, Jenna Kennedy, Amelia Marino, Anghus McGowan, Erin McGowan, Madeleine Pitcher, Joey Quilliam, Madeline Tester and Eli Viands as River City Youth.

The Music Man will run December 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13 at the Old Opera House, located at 204 N. George Street, Charles Town, WV. The Thursday night performance is at 7:30 PM, Friday and Saturday performances are at 8:00 PM and Sunday matinee performances are at 2:30 PM.. Tickets are $19 for adults at Friday and Saturday evening performances, $17 for adults at Sunday matinees, $15 for adults at the Thursday evening performance and $12 for students at all performances. Please call 304-725-4420 or visit www.oldoperahouse.org to make reservations.

Photo Credit: Adam Blackstock, courtesy of Old Opera House

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