Just a few months ago, the Black Swamp Players were in trouble with a capital T.
And that rhymes with P and that stands for pull the plug.
The Players have been revived with new volunteers and directors. The 2018-19 season continues with “The
Music Man.”
Meredith Wilson’s 1957 Tony Award-winning musical will be staged at First United Methodist Church, 1526
E. Wooster St., Thursday-Sunday and Feb. 22-24. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2
p.m. on Sundays.
Getting the casts for shows hasn’t been an issue — it’s the behind-the-scenes grunt work, said Heath
Diehl, who is a co-producer of “Music Man” and part of the marketing committee for the Players.
“From what I understand, it’s been pretty easy to get people who want to act,” he said.
It’s been more of a challenge to sign up volunteers to build sets and learn lights, said Diehl, who is
also senior lecturer with the Department of English and Honors College at Bowling Green State
University.
“Being on stage is fun and it’s glamorous. But there is an added level of skill set to hanging lights and
running the sound board.”
The Players’ leaders decided in April that “On Golden Pond” would be the last show after 50 years of
productions. The same few people were putting on all the shows and putting in all the work and were
facing fatigue and burnout.
In May, there was a reversal after a letter to the editor by a former Players’ member drummed up a few
new faces. There were also some modifications made to the schedule, which has one less show this season.
Part of the strategy to recruit new blood is to reach out to other directors across Northwest Ohio, Diehl
said.
“The Music Man” is directed by Amy Spaulding-Heuring, who has a really extensive resume, particularly in
musical theater, he said.
“She was doing ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ in Genoa, and brings a crew and people who regularly go out to
the show,” Diehl said.
“The Music Man” has something for everyone, even if it’s a repeat viewing, Diehl said.
“I think it’s one of those shows, it’s a classic and people have seen it over and over, whether it was on
TV or a high school production,” he said.
“I think sometimes we’ll say ‘I’ve seen it.’ But I think there’s going to be a lot that is different
about the show. I hope people will come out and see it. It’s got a really great cast, different artistic
choices.”
“The Music Man” is “essentially a show about a con artist, a guy who’s trying to make a quick buck,”
Diehl said.
But, he falls in love with the “uptight librarian” and has second thoughts about continuing the con.
“I think there’s going to be a lot of exciting moments in this show,” Diehl said, including “great
choreography and ‘76 Trombones,’ I think that’s going to be a knockout.”
The music direction is by Jenny Jackson.
Cast of Characters
Traveling Salesmen, Matthew Crawford, Kaitlin Kinn, Allen Roge and Andrew Varney
Charlie Cowell, Lane Hakel
Conductor, Mike Walters
Harold Hill, Brad King
Mayor Shinn, Keith Guion
Quartet/School Board (Roles TBD), Matthew Crafword, Allen Rogel and Andrew Varney
Marcellus Washburn, Perry Andre
Tommy Djilas, Bobby Walters
Mrs. Paroo, Deb Shaffer
Marian Paroo, Jen Braun
Amaryllis, Alice Walters
Winthrop Paroo, Liam Rogel
Eulalie Mackecknice Shinn, Sally Stemen
Zaneeta Shinn, Andelus Elwazani
Gracie Shinn, Evie Van Vorhis
Alma Hix, Victoria Norland
Maud Dunlop, Rebecca Schmidt
Ethel Toppelmeier, Jillian Ledwedge
Mrs. Squires, Hannah Strang
Pick-a Little Ladies, Katie Partlow and Karen Walters
Constable Locke, Mike Walters
River City Townsfolk, Whitney Bechstein, Janelle Brooks, Diana Clayton, Kaitlin Kinn, Devin Rogel, Rachel
Rogel, Valerie Schwiezer, Aidan Thomas, Drew Thomas, Mike Walters and Rose Walters
Dancers, Perry Andre, Bobby Baker, Whitney Bechstein, Diana Clayton, Andelus Elwazani, Kaitlin Kinn,
Jillian Ledwedge, Valerie Schwiezer, Drew Thomas and Evie Van Vorhis
For ticket information, visit http://www.blackswampplayers.org/tickets/
