Musical ‘Emma’ to open at The Little Theatre
Rylan Pettay, left, Ellie Zumbach, Alison Foutz and Conner Limbaugh rehearse a scene from the musical comedy “Emma” at the Little Theatre of Tuscarawas County.
Theater Director Jared Sparks-Lee loves Jane Austen, so the musical “Emma,” which will open in The Little Theatre of Tuscarawas County Friday, Feb. 21, is right up his alley. Sparks-Lee said he chose the show based on Austin’s novel of the same name because of his love for her work and the music.
Musical numbers stretch from the ‘60s to today and feature the songs of such celebrities as Shania Twain, Whitney Houston, Katie Perry, Cyndi Lauper, the Supremes and more.
Austen’s love story is brought to life by Tony-nominated composer Paul Gordon as a romantic comedy musical. The story revolves around Emma, a well-meaning but disaster-prone matchmaker who ignores her own romantic feelings while setting out to find a suitor for her friend Harriet. Her efforts go awry, of course, leading to comic complications.
“This is a wonderful show for the whole family, ages 4 and up,” Sparks-Lee said.
The Canton native is a graduate of Perry High School and Kent State and Walsh universities, with degrees in psychology and mental health counseling. He works as a therapist in Green, Ohio.
“I’ve been on stage since I was 10 and directing since I was 18,” Sparks-Lee said. “When I look back at my time spent in the theater, I believe my favorite part in a play so far is Mr. Collins in ‘Pride and Prejudice,’ and my favorite show I have directed is ‘The Laramie Project.’ Now I am really looking forward to ‘Emma.’”
Sparks-Lee has chosen the following as his cast: Alison Foutz as Emma Woodhouse; Ellie Zumbach, Harriet Smith; Conner Limbaugh, Jeff Knightly; Joseph Sheridan, Frankie Churchill; Therese Burnham, Jane Fairfax; Jaxon Burdette, Philip Elton; Rylan Pettay, Martin; Chelsea Rhodes, Ashley; Erika Swinderman, Miss Bates; Kait Gallagher-Wilsterman, Miss Taylor/pit singer; Chester Boffo, Mr. Weston/pit singer; Allison Carlisle, Welcoming Committee; Anna Zurcher, Welcoming Committee; Emilyn Feller, Welcoming Committee; Zoe McConaha, ensemble; Will Hammerstrom, ensemble; Simon Cannizzaro, ensemble; Max Cooley, ensemble; Hayley McPeek, ensemble; Taylor Brogan, ensemble; Whitney Lawrence, ensemble; Stella Tompkins, ensemble; Elysse Rome, ensemble; Delaney Nottingham, ensemble; April Bonvechio, pit singer; Francis Brogan, pit singer; Garin Gingerich, pit singer; Larry Sams, pit singer; Megan Sams, pit singer; and Shavonne McMillan, pit singer.
Members of his staff include Garret Davis, assistant director; Zac Rusk, musical director; Sarah Jane Toy, choreographer; Seth Rhodes, stage manager; Brad Waugh, assistant stage manager; Linda Alexander-Radak, set design; Joe Compton and Matt Spies, set construction; Joe Compton, lights; Jay Cochran, props; and Mary Maxwell, costumes.
Sponsors are Mike and Elizabeth Lauber and NAPA Sugarcreek.
Tuscarawas County Public Library will provide a pop-up library featuring a Jane Austen romance theme on opening night. Copies of Austen’s books will be available for checkout, and a raffle will be held.
“Emma” will run Friday, Feb. 21 through Sunday, March 9, with evening performances at 7:30 p.m. and matinees at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children and students and may be purchased at the Kent State University Performing Arts Center Box Office, by calling 330-343-4012 or at the Little Theatre before any performance.
“We are planning for this show to be a huge musical party for the audience and the actors,” Sparks-Lee said. “There are both old and new faces on stage and old and new music for everyone. We know the audience is going to love it.”
The Little Theatre is located at 466 Carrie Ave. NW in New Philadelphia.