Lakeland students revive broadway classic,’Music Man’ - Wilkes Barre Times-Leader
LAKELAND – The great American musical, Meredith Wilson’s “The Music Man,” marches on to the Lakeland Junior-Senior High School Theater stage on Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.. Students from seventh through 12th grades and second- through sixth grades at Lakeland Elementary School have been rehearsing this play since February. Auditions began in January.
The production is directed by Catherine Carter, artistic director of The Drama Club at Lakeland.
Carter was in a production of The Music Man when she attended community theater near Harrisburg, she said.
“When the musical directors and I were beginning to think about what show to perform at Lakeland, several musicals came to mind,” she said. “We decided on Meredith Wilson’s The Music Man because it’s a classic featuring so many great characters. Knowing the type of students at Lakeland, we felt this was the right musical for us.”
Junior Ian Hoyle plays the main character, “Professor Harold Hill,” who is a con man pretending to be a music professor. He convinces the townspeople of River City, Iowa, to give him money for musical equipment for a boy’s band, only to leave town with the money. Junior Alyda Dick plays the town’s librarian and piano teacher, “Marian Paroo,” with whom Hill falls in love. The cast also includes Bob Muncie as Mayor Shinn, Lorianne Zarra, as Mrs. Paroo, and Kyle Carter as Winthrop, Marian’s little brother who befriends Hill.
Musical directors are Bryan Brophy, who directs the singing, and Lakeland band director, Mike Lesnesky, band director.
“This has been an amazing experience for us as first-time directors,” said Brophy. Stage manager is Kristina St. Jean. The sets of the play were built by Paul Dick, parent of current and former Lakeland students. They were painted by Lakeland art teacher Jennifer Piconi. Lakeland graduate and volunteer Pat Massino is lighting and sound director. Lakeland student Mara Rudalavage choreographed the dance number, “Shipoopi.”
“We’ve been blessed with countless volunteers, talented kids, accommodating parents, adults willing to give freely of their time and energy,” Carter said. “I know we could never thank all of them nearly enough for the work and dedication they’ve given to us.”
Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens and may be purchased at the door. Children age 10 and under will be admitted for free.
Proceeds benefit the Lakeland Activity Fund, which helps numerous clubs at Lakeland with operating expenses.
Refreshments will be sold at intermission with proceeds benefiting Lakeland Curtain Club. Lakeland’s Art Club will also exhibit several students’ works of art during the days of performance. The exhibit will take place in the commons area of the high school, outside of the auditorium.
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