Children's Musical Theatre of Bartlesville

Children’s Musical Theatre of Bartlesville will present Meredith Willson’s beloved musical The Music Man July 15-18, 2010 at the Bartlesville Community Center.  Con man Harold Hill meets his match in wiley librarian Marian Paroo, and risks discovery of his crimes in order to win her heart.
     

The production will be directed by New Jersey’s Reegan McKenzie.  McKenzie began her directing career in college, directing numerous University productions while simultaneously building an enviable singing career.  In 2004 McKenzie made her musical theatre debut in Bartlesville, directing Peter Pan for CMT.  She returned to Bartlesville to direct CMT’s productions of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in 2006 and High School Musical in 2008.
     

Professional choreographer Lesley Jennings will be choreographing the show.  She is a veteran of Broadway shows, national tours, and regional professional theatre, functioning both in the cast and as a dance coordinator, swing, and assistant choreographer.  She performed in the XIX Olympic Winter Games and for nine seasons in the Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Spectacular.  She has taught school programs in New York City and is an instructor at New Mexico’s Broadway Theatre Dance Workshop.  She has previously worked with CMT as the choreographer for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Oliver, High School Musical, and The Wizard of Oz.
      

The Musical Director will be Nancy Rovenstine.  Rovenstine grew up studying classical piano, culminating in a music degree from the University of Nebraska.  Following college, she travelled and performed for a year with “Up with People” as a vocalist and pianist.  Rovenstine co-founded CMT with Tracye Caughell in the summer of 2000.  She has previously served as the conductor/ musical director for nine CMT shows including The Sound of Music, Peter Pan and High School Musical.
     

Preparations for the musical are already underway.  The show is being produced by the team of  Elizabeth Hine, Jan Watt, and Tracye Caughell.  “We are laying the groundwork now for set building, costuming, and props,” said Watt.   One of the big musical numbers is “Seventy-Six Trombones.”  The number is performed by the cast dressed as a marching band, complete with instruments.  “Those with musical instruments to donate to the production should contact Program Manager Ruthie Carrico at 336-0558,” says Watt.
     

The Music Man is presented by special arrangement with Music Theatre International.  Major sponsors for the production include the Oklahoma Arts Council, ConocoPhillips, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
     

Auditions for The Music Man are open to students in grades 2-10 and will be held March 25-28, 2010 at Madison Middle School.

Children’s Musical Theatre of Bartlesville’s mission is to enrich the lives of youth by providing quality musical theatre performance and educational opportunities.  For more information, please call 336-0558 or visit the website: http://www.cmtonstage.com.