By Jaci Conrad-Pearson
Black Hills Pioneer
LEAD -- Their efforts are humbling, their perseverance impressive. Meredith Wilson's “The Music Man” opens at the Historic Homestake Opera House in Lead Friday.
The opportunity to experience the rich results of the directors, cast and crew of this production is well worth the $8, $10 or $12 admission price.
Two volunteer co-directors, Dave Scherer and Sarah Carlson, both of Lead, a volunteer cast of more than 60, and an orchestra of less than 10, will soon formally present the fruits of their labors.
A little bit of direction, here
Scherer has gone from playing the leading role of Tvye in last spring's Opera House production of “Fiddler on the Roof,” to co-directing “The Music Man” this spring. “Directing is way more work than being the lead,” said Scherer, who estimates that he and Carlson have devoted more than 350 hours to the production. While neither have ever directed before, both bring their own brand of extensive stage experience to the table. Scherer even had his own stint in a high school production of “The Music Man,” playing a salesman in the train scene.
They began planning the musical at the end of January, held auditions in February and held their first rehearsal in March. Why “The Music Man?”
“We had a lengthy discussion on which musical we should choose and I was very adamant that we do one that enabled us to include people of all ages,” Scherer said. “'Music Man' does that. It accommodates a broad section of the community.”
But why such dedication? Why such a show of support? Why the willingness to commit to grueling hours and relentless rehearsals? “It's that,” says Scherer emphatically, motioning at the full cast and crew in full costume, singing in full volume on the stage. “That's the true meaning of community theater. That's what this is meant to be. Those are 60 people from across the Northern Hills who didn't know each other before. I mean, we have an 80-year-old couple who came just to be a part of this. They thought it would be fun. The little boy who plays Winthrop is from Belle Fourche. Our lead is a local. Marcellus is from Rapid City. These people are from all walks of life, all age groups, from across the community.”
With a demonstrated commitment to keeping the community theater element, Scherer explained his stance on why they retained more than 60 cast and crew members from the original auditioning number of 80. “That is to the joy of us!” Scherer said. “Part of our success is that we're young enough and small enough that if you want to be in the play, you can. This is probably the first night we've ever had everyone together at rehearsal. And that's fine. We work around that.”
Scherer's favorite “Music Man” scene is the library scene. His favorite song is “My White Knight.”
Carlson, who moved to the area only one year ago, shares the same affinity for the tune. “My White Knight” is also her favorite. And although adores the musical's opening train scene, as it sets up what transpires in the rest of the musical, her favorite is the romantic interlude between Marian and Harold.
She attributes the strong show of singing and acting support to the success of “Fiddler on the Roof.”
“We're going off of last year and the success of that performance, the enthusiasm that was displayed after that show, which sparked talk of what the next show should be.”
Why does Carlson show so much commitment? “We're showing Lead that they have the talent to do this every year if they want to. It's up to them. The enthusiasm and talent are there. It goes hand in hand with the ongoing revitalization of Lead. It's up to no one else but ourselves now to make this happen,” Carlson said. “Nothing great can be achieved without enthusiasm.”
And now a word from our sponsors
“I'm really glad to see the commitment the community has made back to the Opera House,” said Historic Homestake Opera House director Jim O'Grady. “What people saw with 'Fiddler on the Roof' was what they thought was a one-time success. But I think what they'll see with 'The Music Man' is that everything just keeps getting bigger and better.”
O'Grady believes that the enormous amount of interest in the opera house, as well as “The Music Man” is due in large part to a culturally hungry society nationwide, which is reflected locally. “The biggest reason that there is so much involvement is that people want this. It's affording them that opportunity to use their talents. It's amazing how people just keep coming. It goes along with the reason the Opera House was restored. There is a hunger for culture to return,” O'Grady said.
During his many hours of running sound and lights for the show, O'Grady has even had a potential brush with the Phantom of the Opera, possibly hungry for the culture “The Music Man” affords, as well. “This was kind of funny. Chris Ross volunteered to run follow spot on the main while I did the light boards and sound. We'd dim all the lights, but number seven kept coming back on by itself. We'd try again - same thing,” O'Grady said. So look out for light number seven.
Apparently, involvement in “The Music Man” is irresistible, as Historic Deadwood-Lead Arts Council Executive Director Karen Everett simply planned on filling in as a Pickalittle lady for two shows, but instead found herself a full-fledged member of the cast. “We're funny. We're gorgeous out there. If we don't get some serious hootin' and hollerin' goin' on during our Grecian urn scene �- We're actually supposed to be serious Iowans, we're not supposed to be funny,” Everett said.
She described the move from last year's “Fiddler on the Roof” to this year's “Music Man” as a logical progression that mirrors the town of Lead.
“While 'Fiddler on the Roof' was about a town that is struggling, 'Music Man' is about a town that is coming to life. It's just the perfect progression for us to go from a town that struggles to a town that is alive and vibrant,” Everett said. “We have an incredible cast, directors, orchestra. A lot of people have been working for three months, so we can't thank them enough for all the time they've donated. The talent is just incredible. Music Man is a huge part and we've got a phenomenal Music Man in Jeremiah Kruse.”
Immediately before taking the stage as one of the musical's Pickalittle ladies, Historic Homestake Opera House Society board member Jacque Fuller took a moment to share her perspective on being involved in “The Music Man.”
“This has truly been a fun learning experience,” Fuller said. “I've done plays and things in the past, but I've never been in a musical. This is my first, so it's really special. Dave and Sarah have been extremely patient. This is really community theater and how wonderful to do it in the Opera House.”
Tickets, please
Hurry, hurry �- Versatile Carpets will sell their first 100 tickets to “The Music Man” at half price, donating the other portion of the purchase price to the Historic Homestake Opera House and the Historic Deadwood-Lead Arts Council.
Meredith Wilson's “The Music Man” will be performed at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday May 8, 9 and 15 and16, as well as at 2 p.m. Sunday May 10 and 17 in the Historic Homestake Opera House.
Tickets purchased in advance are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and children 12 and under. Tickets at the door the day of the show are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and children 12 and under. Doors will open one hour prior to the show times.
Tickets can be purchased at the Historic Deadwood-Lead Arts Council, the Historic Homestake Opera House, ABC Business Supply, the Stampmill, the Belle Fourche Community Center and Versatile Carpets. Tickets can also be purchased by calling 1-800-344-5122 or atdeadwoodleadartscouncil.com and leadoperahouse.org.
This community production is presented as a joint effort between the Historic Homestake Opera House Society, Historic Deadwood Lead Arts Council and the Gold Camp Players. For more information, please call 605-584-1461 or 605-584-2067. The Historic Homestake Opera House is located at 309 West Main in Lead.
“The Music Man” main characters
Professor Harold Hill, Jeremiah Kruse; Marian Paroo, Kristi Gondzar; Mrs. Paroo, Rene' Porter-Stewart; Mayor Shinn, Jeff Snedeker; Mrs. Eulalie Shinn, Sarah Hansen; Winthrop, Miles Amente; Marcellus, Tim Faiman; Tommy, Logan Sulentic; Zaneeta, Miranda Glover; Charlie Cowell, Joel Kline; Amaryllis, Brooke Bialas; Constable, Larry Enright; Gracie Shinn, Olivia Snedeker; Conductor, Pete Squire.
The opportunity to experience the rich results of the directors, cast and crew of this production is well worth the $8, $10 or $12 admission price.
Two volunteer co-directors, Dave Scherer and Sarah Carlson, both of Lead, a volunteer cast of more than 60, and an orchestra of less than 10, will soon formally present the fruits of their labors.
A little bit of direction, here
Scherer has gone from playing the leading role of Tvye in last spring's Opera House production of “Fiddler on the Roof,” to co-directing “The Music Man” this spring. “Directing is way more work than being the lead,” said Scherer, who estimates that he and Carlson have devoted more than 350 hours to the production. While neither have ever directed before, both bring their own brand of extensive stage experience to the table. Scherer even had his own stint in a high school production of “The Music Man,” playing a salesman in the train scene.
They began planning the musical at the end of January, held auditions in February and held their first rehearsal in March. Why “The Music Man?”
“We had a lengthy discussion on which musical we should choose and I was very adamant that we do one that enabled us to include people of all ages,” Scherer said. “'Music Man' does that. It accommodates a broad section of the community.”
But why such dedication? Why such a show of support? Why the willingness to commit to grueling hours and relentless rehearsals? “It's that,” says Scherer emphatically, motioning at the full cast and crew in full costume, singing in full volume on the stage. “That's the true meaning of community theater. That's what this is meant to be. Those are 60 people from across the Northern Hills who didn't know each other before. I mean, we have an 80-year-old couple who came just to be a part of this. They thought it would be fun. The little boy who plays Winthrop is from Belle Fourche. Our lead is a local. Marcellus is from Rapid City. These people are from all walks of life, all age groups, from across the community.”
With a demonstrated commitment to keeping the community theater element, Scherer explained his stance on why they retained more than 60 cast and crew members from the original auditioning number of 80. “That is to the joy of us!” Scherer said. “Part of our success is that we're young enough and small enough that if you want to be in the play, you can. This is probably the first night we've ever had everyone together at rehearsal. And that's fine. We work around that.”
Scherer's favorite “Music Man” scene is the library scene. His favorite song is “My White Knight.”
Carlson, who moved to the area only one year ago, shares the same affinity for the tune. “My White Knight” is also her favorite. And although adores the musical's opening train scene, as it sets up what transpires in the rest of the musical, her favorite is the romantic interlude between Marian and Harold.
She attributes the strong show of singing and acting support to the success of “Fiddler on the Roof.”
“We're going off of last year and the success of that performance, the enthusiasm that was displayed after that show, which sparked talk of what the next show should be.”
Why does Carlson show so much commitment? “We're showing Lead that they have the talent to do this every year if they want to. It's up to them. The enthusiasm and talent are there. It goes hand in hand with the ongoing revitalization of Lead. It's up to no one else but ourselves now to make this happen,” Carlson said. “Nothing great can be achieved without enthusiasm.”
And now a word from our sponsors
“I'm really glad to see the commitment the community has made back to the Opera House,” said Historic Homestake Opera House director Jim O'Grady. “What people saw with 'Fiddler on the Roof' was what they thought was a one-time success. But I think what they'll see with 'The Music Man' is that everything just keeps getting bigger and better.”
O'Grady believes that the enormous amount of interest in the opera house, as well as “The Music Man” is due in large part to a culturally hungry society nationwide, which is reflected locally. “The biggest reason that there is so much involvement is that people want this. It's affording them that opportunity to use their talents. It's amazing how people just keep coming. It goes along with the reason the Opera House was restored. There is a hunger for culture to return,” O'Grady said.
During his many hours of running sound and lights for the show, O'Grady has even had a potential brush with the Phantom of the Opera, possibly hungry for the culture “The Music Man” affords, as well. “This was kind of funny. Chris Ross volunteered to run follow spot on the main while I did the light boards and sound. We'd dim all the lights, but number seven kept coming back on by itself. We'd try again - same thing,” O'Grady said. So look out for light number seven.
Apparently, involvement in “The Music Man” is irresistible, as Historic Deadwood-Lead Arts Council Executive Director Karen Everett simply planned on filling in as a Pickalittle lady for two shows, but instead found herself a full-fledged member of the cast. “We're funny. We're gorgeous out there. If we don't get some serious hootin' and hollerin' goin' on during our Grecian urn scene �- We're actually supposed to be serious Iowans, we're not supposed to be funny,” Everett said.
She described the move from last year's “Fiddler on the Roof” to this year's “Music Man” as a logical progression that mirrors the town of Lead.
“While 'Fiddler on the Roof' was about a town that is struggling, 'Music Man' is about a town that is coming to life. It's just the perfect progression for us to go from a town that struggles to a town that is alive and vibrant,” Everett said. “We have an incredible cast, directors, orchestra. A lot of people have been working for three months, so we can't thank them enough for all the time they've donated. The talent is just incredible. Music Man is a huge part and we've got a phenomenal Music Man in Jeremiah Kruse.”
Immediately before taking the stage as one of the musical's Pickalittle ladies, Historic Homestake Opera House Society board member Jacque Fuller took a moment to share her perspective on being involved in “The Music Man.”
“This has truly been a fun learning experience,” Fuller said. “I've done plays and things in the past, but I've never been in a musical. This is my first, so it's really special. Dave and Sarah have been extremely patient. This is really community theater and how wonderful to do it in the Opera House.”
Tickets, please
Hurry, hurry �- Versatile Carpets will sell their first 100 tickets to “The Music Man” at half price, donating the other portion of the purchase price to the Historic Homestake Opera House and the Historic Deadwood-Lead Arts Council.
Meredith Wilson's “The Music Man” will be performed at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday May 8, 9 and 15 and16, as well as at 2 p.m. Sunday May 10 and 17 in the Historic Homestake Opera House.
Tickets purchased in advance are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and children 12 and under. Tickets at the door the day of the show are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and children 12 and under. Doors will open one hour prior to the show times.
Tickets can be purchased at the Historic Deadwood-Lead Arts Council, the Historic Homestake Opera House, ABC Business Supply, the Stampmill, the Belle Fourche Community Center and Versatile Carpets. Tickets can also be purchased by calling 1-800-344-5122 or atdeadwoodleadartscouncil.com and leadoperahouse.org.
This community production is presented as a joint effort between the Historic Homestake Opera House Society, Historic Deadwood Lead Arts Council and the Gold Camp Players. For more information, please call 605-584-1461 or 605-584-2067. The Historic Homestake Opera House is located at 309 West Main in Lead.
“The Music Man” main characters
Professor Harold Hill, Jeremiah Kruse; Marian Paroo, Kristi Gondzar; Mrs. Paroo, Rene' Porter-Stewart; Mayor Shinn, Jeff Snedeker; Mrs. Eulalie Shinn, Sarah Hansen; Winthrop, Miles Amente; Marcellus, Tim Faiman; Tommy, Logan Sulentic; Zaneeta, Miranda Glover; Charlie Cowell, Joel Kline; Amaryllis, Brooke Bialas; Constable, Larry Enright; Gracie Shinn, Olivia Snedeker; Conductor, Pete Squire.
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