Holmes Center for the Arts to present ‘The Music Man’
John Harris, in brown, is helping direct the upcoming musical version of Meredith Willson’s “The Music Man” while also tackling the starring role of Professor Harold Hill. The musical, presented by Holmes Center for the Arts, will take place June 30 and July 1 at the Ohio Star Theater in Sugarcreek.
Next stop River City, where Harold Hill is turning a tiny Iowa town upside down as he ushers in a scheme to create a boys’ band, falls head over heels with the lovely librarian Marian, irks Mayor Shinn and in general creates all kinds of mischief as the best-laid plans don’t go as expected.
Holley Johnson, director of the Holmes Center for the Arts, is ready to start stirring up some trouble with a capital “T,” but that is a very good thing.
Coming June 30 and July 1, the Holmes Center for the Arts is branching out into new territory as the company sets its sights on performing one of the most beloved musicals ever, Meredith Willson’s “The Music Man.”
In taking on a musical in such a wonderful venue as the Ohio Star Theater in Sugarcreek, this marks a new endeavor for the center as it continues to branch out and include all forms of performing arts.
While Johnson is usually heavily involved in all aspects of the center’s productions, this one is different because she has brought in several talented directors to oversee various aspects of the production. Included in that cast of directors is former Hiland High School music director John Harris and singing teacher Jaime White. In addition the show will be choreographed by professional dancer Lydia Fedor, who is fresh off a stint with Walt Disney.
All of the directors involved have myriad experience in the world of preparing for musicals, and Harris himself has put on “The Music Man” twice during his tenure at Hiland.
However, little did he know that when the intense casting call would finally be over, he would be the person filling the rather large shoes of Harold Hill.
After going one full week longer than expected to fill all of the roles, the directors felt Harris would be the ideal man to fill the lead role of Hill, and Harris said he is having a blast, despite the hectic pace of directing and starring in the musical.
“It is so much fun, and it is a dream role I have always wanted to play, but I will never do this again,” Harris said with a laugh. “It is very difficult to stay on top of everything, but it all seems to be coming together well.”
Starring opposite of Harris’ Professor Harold as Marian is Laurie Cerniglia, a theater major of whom Harris said has an immense amount of talent.
“She is amazing,” Harris said of Cerniglia. “She is going to blow people away with her musical and acting talent.”
Dennis Hostetler will tackle the role of blustery Mayor Shinn while an old, familiar face in Shane Byler will return to play the role of Marcellus, Hill’s old confidence man who is trying to settle into a normal life in River City.
“When Shane came on as Marcellus, it really solidified our cast,” Harris said.
The role of young Winthrop is played by Chase Coblentz while Harris said the men’s quartet that is featured in several famous songs like “Lida Rose” is going to be amazing.
“All the pieces are in place, and we are excited to be able to present such a fantastic musical in such a wonderful venue,” Harris said.
With a large cast of adults and children, “The Music Man” will provide opportunities for both young and old to enjoy flexing their acting and singing chops.
Johnson said she has enjoyed giving the leeway for each of the directors to put their own unique spin on the show, and she said she feels confident the show will be a crowd-pleaser.
“Having such skilled directors and having a nice mix of adults and children to fill the appropriate roles really adds to the authenticity,” Johnson said. “I have no fears as we prepare for the shows. This group really comes ready to put the time in to get better and to perfect their roles. They have all been very eager to learn and get themselves ready.”
The fact that the show also will be aided by the professional lighting and sound crew at Ohio Star Theater is going to add a great deal to the production.
Johnson went on to say that the experience has been very positive, and that music seems to bring the community together like nothing else can.
The Holmes Center for the Arts began in March of 2015. Since that time the company has put on many various forms of arts and entertainment, and Johnson said that while they had big dreams when they first began, seeing all of the success come to fruition goes beyond their wildest dreams.
“When you dive into something like this, you have all of these big dreams and visions, and it is nice to see that we really have done it,” Johnson said. “But what really excites us the most is that we have provided an avenue for the people of Holmes County and the surrounding area with a place to be creative and share their gifts and talents. It has been a real blessing.”
The performances will take place Saturday, June 30 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and on Sunday, July 1 at 2 p.m.
Get ready for River City, Iowa to come to life and enjoy this timeless classic with upbeat tunes, fun characters and plenty of laughs. Tickets may be purchased by logging on to the Holmes Center for the Arts at www.holmescenterforthearts.org, by calling the center at 330-473-2879 or tickets may be purchased at the Ohio Star Theater at the time of each show.
“The Music Man” is being made possible through the generous support of the Commercial and Savings Bank with additional support from Dutchman Hospitality, Guggisberg Cheese, Kauffman Lawn Furniture and Holmes Lumber.