Source: Marci Maullar, 785-532-6878, marcima@k-state.edu
Website:http://www.k-state.edu/theatre
Hometown connection: Atchinson, Council Grove, Derby, Dodge City, Hutchinson, Inman, Lakin, Larned, Lawrence, Lenexa, Lindsborg, Manhattan, Overland Park, Paola, Salina, Shawnee, Topeka, Wamego and Wichita, Kan.; Tustin, Calif.; Davenport and Pocahontas, Iowa; and Comstock, Neb.
News release prepared by: Darrah Tinkler, 785-532-2535, media@k-state.edu
Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012
76 trombones, a con man and a prim librarian: School of Music, Theatre, and Dance presents 'The Music Man' Nov. 8-11
MANHATTAN -- The classic Broadway musical "The Music Man" will be presented Nov. 8-11 by Kansas State University’s School of Music, Theatre, and Dance at McCain Auditorium. Show times are 7 p.m. Nov. 8-10 and a 2:30 p.m. matinee on Nov. 11.
The "Music Man" is about con man Harold Hill who poses as a boys' band organizer and leader, selling band instruments and uniforms to naive townsfolk before skipping town with the cash. In River City, Iowa, prim librarian and piano teacher Marian Paroo sees through him, but when Hill helps her younger brother overcome his fear of social interactions due to his lisp, Marian begins to fall in love with Harold. In turn, Harold, falling for Marian, risks being caught to win her.
Audiences will enjoy such memorable songs as "76 Trombones," "Ya Got Trouble (Right Here in River City)," "Shipoopi" and "Gary, Indiana."
The cast of 50 includes university theatre, music and dance majors, local grade school and middle school students in the children's roles, and even a few faculty members. The K-State Orchestra, led by musical director Paul Hunt, professor of music, will accompany the production.
Tickets cost $10 to $16, which includes discounts for students, seniors and military families. Tickets are available at the McCain box office from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, by calling the box office at 785-532-6428 during box office hours, or online at http://www.k-state.edu/theatre. Group discounts are also available by calling Marci Maullar at 785-532-6878.
The play is directed by Jennifer Vellenga, assistant professor of theatre, with choreography by David Ollington, associate professor of dance. Vocal direction is by Amy Rosine, associate professor of music. Scenic designer is Kathy Voecks, associate professor of theatre, with costume design by Dana Pinkston, associate professor of theatre. Lighting is by Darren Levin and sound design by Kyle McGuffin, both McCain Auditorium staffers. Technical direction is by Ben Stark, assistant professor of theatre. Scene shop foreman is George Matthews, and costume shop manager is Melissa Salvatore, both instructors with the School of Music, Theatre and Dance.
Kansas State University students in the cast and crew for "Music Man" and their roles include:
Karis Dolenz, freshman in music education, Atchison, Female Ensemble member; Mary Byram, senior in life sciences, Council Grove, Female Ensemble member; Eric Lutz, senior in kinesiology, as Constable Locke and the Conductor, and Chris Zimmerman, senior in music education, as Marcellus Washburn, both from Derby; Danielle Jones, sophomore in applied music, Dodge City, as Maud Dunlop.
From Greater Kansas City: Drew Szczesny, senior in electrical engineering, Lenexa, as Ewart Dunlop; Nate Hixon, junior in music, accompanist, and Elise Poehling, freshman in applied music, asMarian Paroo, both from Overland Park; and Kirsten Hyde, senior in applied music, Shawnee, Female Ensemble member.
Alex Spence, senior in music education, Hutchinson, as Jacey Squires; Staci Horton, doctoral student in curriculum and instruction, Inman, as Mrs. Paroo; Eryka Stabel, senior in theatre, Lakin, Female Ensemble member; David Burdett, junior in theatre, Larned, Male Ensemble member; Derrick Weishaar, junior in fine arts, Lawrence, as Charlie Cowell; Kody Lynn, senior in marketing, Lindsborg, Male Ensemble member.
From Manhattan: Bella Alonso, junior in theatre, as Mrs. Squires; Logan Barnes, freshman in theatre, Male Ensemble member; DJ Davis, senior in applied music, as Mayor George Shinn; Rachel Hunt, freshman in applied music, as Alma Hix; Meredith Olds, junior in theatre, Female Ensemble member; Bethany Parker, senior in theatre, as Zaneeta Shinn; Kelsey Sheff, freshman in theatre, assistant lighting designer; Jonathan Strom, freshman in applied music, as Olin Britt; and Alex Zolnerowich, sophomore in theatre, as Tommy Djilas.
Shannon Moore, sophomore in music, Female Ensemble member, and Nahshon Ruffin, senior in theatre, as Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn, both from Paola; Joey Boos, junior in theatre, Salina, as Harold Hill.
From Topeka: LeAnn Meyer, master's student in theatre, marketing; Randy Rhoten, sophomore in theatre, Male Ensemble member; and Emily White, sophomore in theatre, assistant state manager
Hannah Conroy-Philbrook, freshman in music education, Wamego, Female Ensemble member.
From Wichita: Logan Jones, freshman in theatre, assistant stage manager; Cody LaCrone, freshman in theatre, Male Ensemble member; Dylan Rogerson, junior in theatre, stage manager; and Spencer Rotolo-Utz, freshman in theatre, Male Ensemble member.
From out of state: Laura Vallejo, senior in theatre, Tustin, Calif., Female Ensemble member; Courtney Hall, freshman in theatre, Davenport, Iowa, as Gracie Shinn; Sarah Stoulil, senior in applied music, Pocahontas, Iowa,as Ethel Toffelmier; Robert Roth, master's student in music, Comstock, Neb., as Oliver Hix; and Shanon Smith, senior in theatre, Katy, Texas, properties master.
