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	The Manchester Enterprise A Heritage Newspaper Weekly Publication

Preparations under way for 'Music Man'

By Alana West, Special Writer

PUBLISHED: April 5, 2007

A head start on the choreography, rhythm and script of the first scene in this summer's musical helped Manchester High School students get ready for April tryouts.

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The students took turns practicing the tricky lyrics and unusual rhythms from Meredith Wilson's "The Music Man," trading parts with each other, as well as with the directors.

As the scene opens, traveling salesmen are boarding the train to River City, Iowa. Their talk takes on a rhythm that is similar to both the chugging of an engine, and to an auctioneer's banter.

Linda Kendall Knox, who will direct the play presented by the Riverfolk Music and Arts Association, and music director Carol Palms gave pointers to the students, who included Kristina Fernandez, Jon Hafner-Kanter, Matt Johnson, John Wheeker and Jeremiah Garrigues-Cortelyou.

"For the first time, read it with little intention, like you've never heard it before," said Knox.

The students read, laughing as they got mixed up with the fast rhymes. They discussed how the words set the scene after they were done.

Knox challenged the students to read the script with more feeling the next time.

"Are you hearing any conversation, from one salesman to the other?" she asked.

Fernandez said she thought the whole scene would eventually have a beat to it.

Choreographer Suzanne Willets, who has offered her talent to many community and professional shows, helped the students run through the scene, adding a dimension of movement to get the train scene moving from one station to the next.

"Stand up, stand up," Knox said. "See what happens."

Performances are planned for June 22, 23 and 24.

Auditions will be held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at the Nellie Ackerson Building, 410 City Road. The auditions are for those seeking speaking, dancing or singing roles only.

Those interested in taking part in the chorus do not need to try out, but must attend the first reading of the script April 15 and commit to the rehearsal schedule.

More information is available at www.musicmanchester.blogspot.org.

Many people already are committed to helping out with the musical, including Jeffrey Willets, who will provide vocal coaching for the play; Peter Knox, who will produce the play and coach the actors; and Doug Howell, who will be accompanist for rehearsals and performances.