LCCS’ Music Man is a hit
Junior High School students at Lake Center Christian School (LCCS) shined as they performed “The Music Man” March 13 and 14.
In this musical based on a book by Meredith Willson and Franklin Lacey, the Music Man Harold Hill, played by Steven Kern, learns the real meaning of love while attempting to scam residents in River City, Iowa in 1910.
The con man convinces many in the town to purchase musical instruments for their children, claiming a new pool table in town will cause trouble for their town, while a boys band will keep them out of trouble after school. But Harold ends up falling for the skeptical town librarian Marian Paroo, played by Lindsay Cardy, and instead of skipping town with the money, allows himself to be arrested so he may stay close to Marian.
In turn the townspeople learn how gossip can destroy reputations and lives. The overall message in this performance at LCCS was, “God guides our path.” If we lean on Him, He will direct our lives in the best way for us.
Kern and Cardy were exceptional in their lead roles, taking command of the stage. Brian Foust and Tori Stinson brought some spirit and humor to the stage with their portrayal of Mayor Shinn and his wife, Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn.
Bethany McHugh gave a superb performance as Marian’s mother, bringing out a softer side in Cardy’s character. Fourth grader Caleb Moreen was an exceptional addition as Marian’s little brother, Winthrop, and part of the reason Marian falls for Harold. Miranda Derbyshire was a sweet and talented addition as a young girl taking piano lessons from Marian who is smitten with Winthrop.
Rachel Hohmann and Sarah Battista added more humor with their portrayal of the mayor’s daughters, Zaneeta and Gracie. Nate Raymondi stirred up the crowd as he attempted to court Zaneeta and was often reprimanded by the mayor.
Raymondi, Seth Dugan, David Loughney, Max Rose and Daniel Raines began the play with their portrayal of salesmen on a train who are talking about how anyone can sell anything in Iowa.
Many different talented voices added to the wonderful, and often humorous, choruses by the townspeople, including Bryce Schmidt as Harold’s cohort along with, Logan Carr, Hannah Dean, Danielle Domer, Corie Foraker, Kasie Frasier, Julia Hopkins, Morgen Kyser, Jenae Linville, Michaela Miller, Elizabeth Page, Allison Ryan, Bethany Schroll, Michaela Smith and DeShawna Sommers.
True musical talent was also displayed by the many other students in the performance.The pick-a-little ladies, the town’s gossips, were played by Emily Andrews, Hannah Keller and Hailee Wiseman.
The teen girls were played by Tess Gilbert, Melanie Harvey, Sarah Kurczewski and Morgan Miller. Younger students Jonathan Cardy, Hannah Dixon, Miriam Dixon, George Gilbert, Sarah Kepple and Andrea Wyder performed as the River City Band boys.
Other extras included members of the junior high band, Andrew Baker, Clint Crumley, Amy Hoag, Jacob Horchler, Kaylyn Karmie, Richelle Kelly, Mitch Klamut, Bryce MacTurk, Christian McAndrew, Zach Starcher and Josh Zink.
The show could not have been such a hit without the stage crew, MaryElizabeth Norman, Terry Zook, Nancy Hohmann, Rico Miller, Isaiah Norman, David Shbeeb and Nate Spickard; and the tech crew, Bob Watkins, Daniel Raines, Anthony Wagner and Nick Wagner.
The show was directed by Debbie Cardy. |
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