I began last week’s blog by saying, “After casting 43 men, women….” Well, that number is now 41. This often happens with a big cast over the course of a rehearsal period. I must say that the 41 cast members we have are incredibly talented. In fact, this is one of the best singing ensembles I have seen since coming to Charlotte 8 years ago. So, this week and next, I decided to brag about these hard-working and incredibly dedicated folks.
I have to begin with our “teen” ensemble and the actors portraying the teen characters Zaneeta Shinn and Tommy Djilis, as well as the two youngsters who play Gracie Shinn and Winthrop Paroo. Tanner Bass is a senior at South Mecklenburg High School. THE MUSIC MAN is the third production he has appeared in. He made his theatrical debut last year in South Meck’s production of ONCE UPON A MATTRESS. This summer he performed in the Theatre Charlotte Student Theatre Guild production of CABARET. For Michael Jemison, THE MUSIC MAN, is his third production at Theatre Charlotte, having appeared in the Student Theatre Guild productions of CABARET and SWEENY TODD. He has also played JoJo in South Mecklenburg High School’s SEUSSICAL. John Pope is a junior at Marvin Ridge High School. THE MUSIC MAN also marks his third show at Theatre Charlotte. He has performed in the Student Theatre Guild’s CABARET and SWEENEY TODD. Other recent roles include Jesus in GODSPELL at Marvin Ridge High School. Nicholas Sidoran, a senior at Ardrey Kell High School, has been involved in the Charlotte theatre community for three years and hopes to pursue theatre as a career.
Patricia Phelan is a junior at UNCC where she is studying child psychology. She has appeared in such shows as THE WIZARD OF OZ (Dorothy), GREASE (Sandy), BAT BOY (Shelly Parker), among others. This is her first show at Theatre Charlotte. Lauren Thompson was recently seen in Davidson Community Players production of RAGTIME. She is a graduate of Northwest School of the Arts where she appeared in THE WEDDING SINGER (Linda), HAIR (tribe) and JOSEPH…DREAMCOAT (ensemble). This is her Theatre Charlotte debut. Liza Veilleux is a senior at South Mecklenburg High School and is appearing in her second show at Theatre Charlotte. She participated in the Student Theatre Guild production of CABARET this past summer. Sierra Key is 15 years old and attends Mooresville High School. She enjoys theatre, dance and singing. She recently performed in ONCE ON THIS ISLAND with Davidson Community Players Connie Company and in DCP’s production of RAGTIME.
As Tommy Djilis, Chase Jones, is making his debut at Theatre Charlotte. He holds a Bachelor of Science in nutrition from the University of New Hampshire and works in cancer research at Carolinas Medical Center. Previous roles include FOOTLOOSE (Ren), LES MISERABLES (Jean Valjean) and WEST SIDE STORY (Shark). He is an alum of Charlotte Christian School. Hannah Day, Zaneeta Shinn, is appearing in her second production at Theatre Charlotte, having previously appeared in the Student Theatre Guild’s production of SWEENEY TODD. Other credits include HELLO DOLLY, BYE BYE BIRDIE and A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD, all at CPCC.
I have a particularly fondness for the youngster playing Gracie Shinn, the Mayor’s youngest daughter, as she is my daughter in real life. Chloe Law is 6 years old and a first grader at Trinity Episcopal School. THE MUSIC MAN is her fourth Theatre Charlotte production, including SEUSSICAL (Elephant Bird and in which she received a Metrolina Theatre Association nomination), A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Belle’s daughter) and ANNIE (orphan). As Winthrop Paroo, Noah Carroll is playing his “dream role.” This is Noah’s 4th production at Theatre Charlotte and the 9th in his fledgling 4-year theatre career. He is 10 years old and a fifth grade student at Trinity Episcopal School. He enjoys dancing and playing the piano, cello and guitar.
My next blog will feature more members of this incredible cast.
-Ron Law
Director, THE MUSIC MAN at Theatre Charlotte
9/1/11
THE MUSIC MAN runs September 9th through 25th at Theatre Charlotte. Tickets can be purchased through CarolinaTix at (704) 372-1000 or online at http://www.carolinatix.org/default.asp?tix=59&objId=2565
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