The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
What have you seen this season?
So how have those spring musicals been?
This column is a promotional one, meaning when I write about a show it has not happened yet. I often wonder how some of these shows went for the cast, crew, and their audience.
A number of shows have been profiled in this space in the last month. Have you seen any of them? How were they?
If you had a particular experience as an audience member that you would like to share, perhaps when spring musical season winds down I can share some audience feedback. We know that parents and friends of our young thespians are always supportive, but perhaps you simply decided to attend a show as an audience member. What did you think?
As always, you can reach me via e-mail at stevecouch@windstream. net or by joining our “Young Thespians” Facebook group. You can also message me on Twitter @ StevenRCouch.
If you had a positive experience that you would like to share, please feel free to message me. If I get some good responses, I will share them with you in a future column.
In the meantime, spring musical season marches on! It’s been a busy one, with many local schools having already put their spring musicals to bed for this year. But that just means our young thespians are now free to catch a show themselves! There are some big ones still on the horizon.
Here’s one you can catch this weekend:
Perry High School
Director Allen Kellogg at Perry High School messaged me this week that they are almost ready to present their annual spring musical. As Willoughby South did earlier this month, Perry’s show this year will take audience members to “The Oldest Established Permanent Floating Crap Game in New York.”
That can mean only one thing — Nathan Detroit is at it again in another local production of “Guys and Dolls.” This classic musical will be performed in Perry High School’s Goodwin Theatre at 7 p.m. March 30 and 31, and 2 p.m. April 1. Tickets
are $8 for adults and $6 for students and seniors.
The well-known plot — at least well-known to any musical theater fan — revolves around Nathan Detroit trying to get $1,000 to get the place to hold his big game. Throw in Sarah Brown, the mission woman who is short on sinners at the mission she runs, Sky Masterson who gets involved in the shenanigans, and poor Miss Adelaide, who wants Nathan to marry her but can’t compete with the gamblers.
Classic music and lyrics of Frank Loesser features “Fugue for Tinhorns,” “Luck Be a Lady,” and “Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat.”
“The show has a great story with romantic and comedic elements that everyone can enjoy,” says Jaren Hodgson, who plays Sky Masterson. “I enjoyed this show so much. I had a great time getting in to character and singing all of the amazing songs. The whole cast was like clockwork. It is one of the funnest shows I have ever been in.”
While some may think the show is a little dated, Jaren has learned why this somewhat “retro” show perseveres amidst more modern musicals.
“The music was in the style of some of my favorite movies growing up such as ‘Pete’s Dragon’ and ‘Mary Poppins.’” Jaren says. “It was really cool to truly become Sky,
the gambler.
“I’ve had an amazing experience being part of such a great show,” says Ali Wills, who plays Sarah Brown. “Huge thanks to our wonderful directors, Allen Kellogg and Elizabeth Singer, for casting me as Sergeant Sarah Brown. Personally, I feel this role and theater overall has made me more confident and open to new experiences, I have gained lots of valuable friendships that I hope will last a lifetime. Hope to see you there.”
Catch them this weekend out in eastern Lake County.
Fine Arts Association
The Fine Arts Association in Willoughby still has a few performances left of their spring youth production this weekend with performances of the classic musical “Once Upon a Mattress.”
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. March 31 and April 7, and at 2 p.m. April 1, 2, 8 and 9. Tickets are reserved seating and are $17 for adults, $15 for seniors & students 11 years and older, and $10 children for children 10 years and younger.
“Once Upon a Mattress” is directed by Sandy Kosovich Peck with music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer and book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller and Marshall Barer. Call 440-951-7500 for more information.