Meredith Willson’s “The Music Man” will open The Lewis & Shirley White Theatre’s 20th season at The J, where it will run for 11 performances on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from Oct. 26 through Nov. 17.
Tickets are available at thewhitetheatre.org. Performance dates and times include Saturdays, Oct. 26, Nov. 2, 9 and 16 at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, Oct. 27, Nov. 3, 10 and 17 at 2 p.m.; and Thursdays, Oct. 31, Nov. 7 and 14 at 7:30 p.m.
The award-winning, critically acclaimed Broadway show is an American classic thanks to its characters, charmingly predictable dramatic situations and score of marches, barbershop quartet numbers and sentimental ballads which have become popular standards.
“The Music Man” follows fast-talking traveling salesman, Harold Hill, as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band that he vows to organize, despite the fact that he doesn’t know anything about music. His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian, a librarian, who transforms him into a respectable citizen by curtain’s fall.
Professional actor, musician and Kansas City native Patrick Lewallen has come to perform on The White Theatre stage for the first time as Harold Hill. Lewallen has previously performed internationally in the original Broadway tour of “Rock of Ages” and the international tour of “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Lewallen considers playing Hill to be a “bucket-list role.”
“Who wouldn’t want to be part of this American institution dubbed as ‘the perfect musical?’” Lewallen said. “I knew this role would provide an extra challenge based on my character’s believable yet over-the-top presentation, conversational cadence and unique charm. Most importantly, doesn’t everyone want to sing ‘Ya Got Trouble’ at some point in life?”
Though conman he is not, Lewallen does relate to some of Harold’s characteristics as he brings them to life on stage.
“I love this character’s showmanship,” he said. “His imagination is so creative, but despite his best efforts, he still leaves himself open to true relationships and love. I think the best aspects of this character are his undeniable humanity as he discovers himself and his ability to uncover the untapped potential of people, helping them to truly shine.”
Lacey Connell, playing Marian Paroo — the town’s librarian — is also making her debut on The White Theatre stage, though she has served in behind-the-scenes roles before, most recently as music director for last summer’s production of “Disney’s The Little Mermaid.” Connell’s passion for theater extends throughout her life. A Kansas native, Connell studied at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City and performed professionally before focusing on family and taking a more behind-the-scenes career as a music writer and director. In her day job, Connell acts as the performing arts coordinator for Johnson County Parks and Recreation District (JCPRD). She thought the role of Marian was a perfect opportunity to come back to the stage.
“[‘The Music Man’] is such a classic musical that speaks to my classical roots,” Connell said. “It felt like the perfect show to come back to performing after focusing on family and career.”
Her connection to family and her own background has helped her empathize with Marian as she fills her shoes.
“I love that Marian is a strong woman who supports her family and has strong values,” Connell said. “I can empathize with trying to find your soft, romantic self even when trying to be a strong leader… Digging deeper into the character, Marian has so many more layers than you would expect. I also am loving this opportunity to perform with my kiddo.”
Connell’s daughter, Jane, joins her on stage as part of a cast composed of veterans to The White Theatre stage as well as newcomers. Cody Kreutzer, Julie Fox, Don Leonard, Lindsay Day and Damon Bradshaw are all returning to The White Theatre stage in their roles as Marcellus Washburn, Mrs. Paroo, Mayor Shinn, Eulalie MacKecknie Shinn and Charlie Cowell, respectively. Kenyon White as Tommy Dijlas, Delilah Pellow as Zaneeta Shinn, Luke Pyron as Winthrop Paroo, Grace Taylor as Amarylis and Ceci Sellers as Graci Shinn are all making their debut. The full cast is listed at thewhitetheatre.com.
In his lead role, Lewallen has enjoyed the opportunity to work with this experienced and energetic cast as well as the production team and crew at The White Theatre.
“There’s a genuine, universal passion for this show, and the full cast/crew are working hard to make this show something truly special,” he said. “Many of the cast members have dubbed this musical as their favorite of all time, and it shows. It’s been very fun to see the evolution of the story as my fellow performers discover new layers to their characters, and watching the direction settle in is always magic.”
Both Connell and Lewallen feel that The White Theatre offers a unique experience for actors in the Kansas City community.
“The professionalism and quality of both the establishment and the production team are that of top tier theaters,” Lewallen said. “Obviously, the stage itself carries a reputation of greatness, and understandably so. The respect shown to performers and crew members alike is noteworthy.”
“The opportunity to perform in a professional environment is priceless,” Connell said. “The high-quality show with wonderful production values and wonderful cast has been an exceptional experience… This cast is stacked and beyond talented. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to perform with such amazing humans who are so kind and talented.”
Other featured shows in The White Theatre’s 20th season include “Hairspray” (a co-production with The Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City), “The Curious Incident of The Dog in The Night-Time,” “West Side Story” (a co-production with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City), two new works and more.
Full descriptions and performance times for each event are available at thewhitetheatre.org. Auditions for musicals and plays produced at The White Theatre are announced online and on Facebook.
