NTA Teen Camp presents Music Man JR.
Courtesy photos Navasota Theatre Alliance Teen Campers have worked tirelessly for two weeks learning lines, choreography and stage presence to ensure they give a great performance of Meridith Wilson’s “The Music Man JR.” Perfo
Navasota Theatre Alliance (NTA) Teen Camp will perform Meridith Wilson’s “The Music Man, JR” Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
The musical is based on the 1957 book and 1962 screenplay. The story follows fast talking salesman Harold Hill played by Rylee Rutledge, as he cons the city of River City, Iowa into buying instruments and uniforms for a boy band he vows to organize. Only one problem. He doesn’t know a trombone from a treble clef. However, there is trouble in River City when Hill has his heart stolen by librarian Marian Paroo, played by Maddie Weeks.
Jessica McHale will make her official directing debut as she puts her 26 teen campers onstage. McHale said the camp is a two weeklong camp and she has children ranging from sixth through twelfth grade. There are campers from Navasota Junior high, Navasota High School, Bryan, College Station and even as far away as Dickenson.
McHale has been involved with NTA for 10 years and has been an assistant director for eight of those. “It’s exciting to make my debut,” said McHale. “I was able to pick the screenplay, conduct auditions and choose the roles for the actors.”
Choosing the screenplay was easy for McHale. “Once I saw Music Man JR as one of the available screenplays, I knew immediately that’s the musical I wanted us to perform.”
McHale said she first saw Music Man JR at an early age. “I have a very sentimental connection to this play. When I was a young child my “Pappy” woke me up around midnight to watch Music Man JR on television.” McHales grandpa, Paul Minor, absolutely loved that movie and his love for the movie was quickly shared by McHale.
“I fell in love with that movie and with musicals ever since I first saw that film,” explained McHale.
Roughly 31 roles are spread throughout the 26 actors and actresses with several taking on multiple roles. “The dedication of this group is unbelievable,” said McHale. They strive to learn and do everything perfectly. They are willing to come in early, stay late and rush through their lunch so they can get back to learning their roles.”
Performing in the play are Christie Telthorster, Drake Wright, Hannah Shaw, Bradey Poston, David Yorek, Delanet Pavelock, Sarah Ratliff, Ann-Marie Backhus, Gavin Neff, Piper Alexander, Elora Alexander, Samantha Buckley, Kaylani Hazel, Lexi Nobles, Zoe Nobles, Bolden Scott, Alexa Eu-banks, Gabrielle Eubanks, Jade Kirl, Grace Mendez, Maddie Weeks, Rylee Rutledge, Sophie Williamson, D’Anthony “DJ” Dearman, Pinny Wright and Brook Wright.
Tickets can be purchased online www.navasotatheatre.org/youth-camps. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children.