May 29, 30, June 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 2017
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Kitsap Forest Theater brought rural, turn of the 20th century Iowa back to life for the third time in the 2016 Spring Show The Music Man. Previous performances were in 1980 and 2001 of Meredith Willson's six-time, TONY Award winning musical comedy.
Craig Schieber directed the show and Chris Stanley did the sets, as they both had done in 2001. Dawn Brazel directed the music and Guy Caridi choreographed the dances. Brenna Stratton, new to KFT, did the custuming - all those band uniforms in addition to all the other costumes. One highlight to the costuming was Harold Hill's coat which changed from a normal jacket to a band leader's uniform.
Jason Gingold and Beaven Walters portrayed Harold Hill and Marian Paroo with the right mix of attraction and initial distrust. They did a great job in embodying Director Schieber's goal of realistically portraying Marion Paroo wrestling with her emotions versus her intellect and Harold Hill wrestling with his sense of freedom and competence versus his need for connection and commitment to community. Jason and Beaven received honorable mention for best actor and best actress in the Kitsap Sun "Best of Local Theatre, Kitsap, 2016".
The Paroo family was rounded out with Winthrop being played by Charlie Gingold (Jason's son) giving personal reality to the affection and commitment of the relationship between Harold and Winthrop. Jenny Dreessen nailed her Irish accent as Mrs. Paroo.
Benjamin Bentler did an outstanding job as the 'one man band' for the show.
Spring of 2016 was somewhat bittersweet for the Moutaineers Players with the passing of two long time players, Evie MacDonald and Gardner Hicks. They are sorely missed. See their stories and the Players gratitude for all they did through the years in the program.
