Our theater reopened in March with the play, "The Nerd", but we haven't done a big summer musical in three years, since our production of "Pirates of Penzance" in 2019. It's been such a thrill to be back in rehearsal, back in community with all my fellow storytellers.
This story of River City, Iowa takes place in 1912, but the themes are so relevant. The various characters are struggling with loss, insecurity, being labeled and put down, and have retreated into themselves, judging and fighting, much like many of us did during the pandemic. Our isolation from each other is still fresh in our minds, and for some, it's been hard to "re-enter" society. Harold Hill rolls into town and reminds us of what life was like, and what life could be again - dance clubs, boys bands, ice cream at the Candy Kitchen. He reminds us of our dreams and gently but firmly engineers the world so that all we have to do is take the first step.
It's been my pleasure to spend the summer with old friends and new, bringing this story to life - a story with no villians, just a group of people, each trying to do their best to make the world a better place, to put aside their differences and see each other in a new light. I hope you can find yourself onstage in one of the characters, and be inspired by the struggle and ultimate joy of transformation as they each take that brave step in a new direction.
Thanks so much for coming, or coming back, to our theater. We've missed you and we hope you have a great time in River City with us. - Stephanie
