Stephanie McGlenon
"Deedra"
Always A Bridesmaid
April 16, 2016

Friendship is a wonderful thing. Whether it be a friend you've grown up with or someone you've become close to as an adult, they are still a blessing. Being a part of Market House I've had the opportunity to make new friends that I consider part of my extended family. Luckily none of them have asked me to make repeat performances at their weddings.

Working with these ladies has been a wonderful experience. Some I've shared the stage with before and others I'm blessed with getting to know them. I've always wanted to work with Diane (Byrd) as a director, and I've learned a lot from her. No matter how many times I do these things, I find there's always room for improvement. Creating a character is usually easy for me, but playing Deedra has been somewhat of a challenge. It's hard to give a hardnosed judge a soft side without losing her very well-earned dignity. 

I'm always grateful when I get the opportunity to be cast in any show. Whether it be a comedy, drama or musical, I find there is always a challenge, but, like any actor, we strive to build a character that someone out there can relate to. 

Always a Bridesmaid is a story about four ladies  who've been there for all of each others matrimonial ups and downs. They vowed they would be bridesmaids for each friends wedding, and apparently that vow included an added clause stating there was no limit on how many times any of them chose to get married. 

Come check out this lovely story about these crazy ladies that do whatever it takes to fulfill a promise they made back in high school. You'll laugh, you'll cry - heck you might even pee yourself a little. 

Sue Fletcher
"Sedalia"
Always A Bridesmaid
April 15, 2016

If it's April, it's showtime! I've been lucky enough to do seven plays in April in the last eight years. I couldn't see myself anywhere else except on the MHT stage during this time. The plays in April have been comedies and geared toward the visitors we have in Paducah during the Quilt Show. They have been laugh out loud and make-you-feel-good plays.

That brings me to this year's April play, Always a Bridesmaid. It fits the category of a "laugh out loud" comedy. It is a fun romp through the years with four ladies who have been in each other's weddings every time one has tied the knot. 

That's where I come in. Sedalia owns the building where the weddings and receptions take place. She likes to think her precious Laurelton Oaks is geared for elegant occasions and a refined clientele. She likes to think she's elegant and refined, too. That is until she meets up with these bridesmaids. They try her patience and get on her last nerve. She must bring out all her tricks to cater to these ladies. 

Playing Sedalia has been a fun experience for me. I get to be involved with these ladies and actually lose a little of my sharp edge to befriend them. I learn very quickly that despite my regimented way of planning their weddings, I have to go with the flow so I can retain my sanity. A little champagne helps me, too! 

This play will appeal to all, but mostly women who might relate to the situations these ladies go through. It is truly a comedy that will have you quoting the lines as you leave. Oh, and you may have to visit the "ladies room" on your way out!!! Come see us. I know you will enjoy the play and laugh out loud, or at least do a lot of chuckling and smiling!!

January 8, 2016
Jonathan Woods
"Miles"
The Drawer Boy

As far as Theatre Geeks go, I’m a big one. Huge. Giant. Theatre is to me what Hogwarts is to Harry Potter (I am also a nerd, but that’s another blog for another time …). I majored in Theatre in college; I ate it, slept it and breathed it. It was common knowledge that Jonathan wasn’t free on a Friday night because he had rehearsal. 

So why do I love Theatre so much? I think, at the core of it all, I love the transforming power of Theatre. There’s something very special about an art that not only entertains but educates, makes you question, makes you think. The power of telling a story, watching it unfold and making an emotional connection with your audience is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. It’s like extreme sports for geeks and I’m hooked.

That’s probably why I found myself so intrigued with the script for The Drawer Boy, the latest production from Market House and one that I have the pleasure of being involved with. . I wasn’t even planning on auditioning but a friend of mine (Diane Byrd, who was directing me in my very first MHT production, Dangerous Obsession) loaned me a copy. I read it in a single sitting and after I finished, I immediately flipped back to the beginning and re-read it just to make sure that I had actually read what I thought I had just read. In short, it was one of the best plays I’d ever cracked open. I think I read it another ten or eleven times before auditioning. 

I play the role of Miles, a young actor who finds himself right in the middle of a lifelong friendship between two farmers in the summer of 1972. In Canada, no less. (The play itself is Canadian and written by Michael Healy, also Canadian … are you beginning to see a trend here? I find it thrilling. The Canadians gave us Bryan Adams, Celine Dion and this amazing play. It almost makes up for them giving us Justin Bieber …) Miles is there to learn about farming so that he and his actor friends can put on a play about farmers called “The Farm Show”. In the process, he also learns a personal story between the two farmers, Angus and Morgan, about two young friends who go off to war together and come back changed, albeit in different ways. One of the boys, who drew pictures when they were younger, comes back with a head injury and a very bad memory. The surprise isn’t that the boys in the story are Angus and Morgan. Miles (and the audience) finds that out early on. The real surprise comes when Miles begins to re-enact the stories that he’s been told and that he’s overheard, only to find that Angus and his memory react in a bizarre way to the story he sees … mainly that it jogs his memory. And the stories that Miles has been fed aren’t as fact based as he’s been led to believe. 

It sounds like a drama. It is. It’s also funny, moving, suspenseful and even a little brave. It’s a small story told on an epic scale, one that thrives on characters and the interactions between them. And that’s one other reason that I love Theatre – character. And The Drawer Boy has that in spades.

One bit of trivia before I go … “The Farm Show” is real, as is Miles. Google it. Groovy stuff. 

See you at the Theatre.

- Jonathan

(Upper right photo: Angus, played by Chuck Wilkins, struggles with a painful memory, as Miles, played by Jonathan Woods, looks on. Lower right photo: Miles (Jonathan Woods) watches as Angus (Chuck Wilkins) and Morgan (Tom Dolan) discuss his presence on the farm.)

January 7, 2016
Tom Dolan
"Morgan"
The Drawer Boy

 

I’ve been involved with Market House Theater for over 25 years and have played a large variety of roles- mostly in comedies and musicals.  Every now and then, a show comes along that stretches my abilities as an actor.  “The Drawer Boy” is one of those.  I have always found it easy to do comedy because of my personality and sense of humor.  Dramatic roles don’t always come quite as easily, but I enjoy the challenge each role brings.  I’ve had several dramatic roles that have been both a challenge and a great reward, including roles in “Tuesdays with Morrie” and “To Kill a Mockingbird.”  I hope my portrayal of Morgan in this show will be just as rewarding, and that audiences will appreciate what I bring to the role.

When I first read “The Drawer Boy”, I was immediately taken with the story- two friends who go through life together and deal with many obstacles along the way.  They experience the trauma of war, they find and lose love, they deal with trying to make a living as farmers, and they only have each other through it all.  

The theme of friendship and memories is very strong.  Morgan is the one who takes care of things, runs the farm, and has to make sure Angus is OK.  As the story unfolds, we find out so much about their relationship.  They made sacrifices for each other and carried each other through the various parts of their lives.  

After Angus is injured in the war, it’s Morgan who takes care of him.  In order to do that, he has to remind Angus of certain things in their lives.  He tells him stories about their lives.  We soon find out that maybe all he tells him isn’t necessarily true.  But he does so to protect his friend, and in a way, to protect himself, from what the truth holds.  Sometimes it’s easier to mask the past by creating a new past, and that is what Morgan does. 

When this “story” gets disrupted by a newcomer, their world turns a little upside down.  They have been together, just the two of them, for a long time.  They’re content and comfortable, and then that gets shattered as Angus begins to remember certain things that don’t match Morgan’s story.

This is so very well written, and the writer has created these very complex characters that have so many layers to them.  It is very challenging to be able to find those layers and portray them with strong conviction.  Working with Chuck Wilkins (we’ve done several shows together over the years) has made that a bit easier.  Chuck and I have a great stage relationship.  We know what each of us brings to this show and we know we can count on each other to give it our best.  Working with a newcomer, like Jonathan Woods, is always a challenge.   It’s a process to get to know another actor through the roles you play, and he does a very nice job with Miles.  The three of us are having a good time with this show, and I think that will be evident to audiences as they watch the story unfold.  Michael can always get us to delve a little deeper into what the character is and has to offer. 

I really think audiences will enjoy this show.  It has some lighthearted moments as Miles tries to learn about farming, but then also has the heavy-hitting dramatic scenes that will evoke a lot of emotion.

Friendship, memories, the past, the present, the future.  “The Drawer Boy” has it all.  Hope to see you at MHT!

January 6, 2016
Chuck Wilkins
"Angus"
The Drawer Boy

In all the many years I have been involved with Market House Theatre, I have to say that I feel the most comfortable on stage when doing a comedy. There’s something about hearing the laughter of the audience that makes all the rehearsals worth every single hour!

The Drawer Boy is a play that I thought would be definitely outside of my comfort zone. I play the part of Angus in this show with just three actors. My best friend, Morgan, and I live on a farm where he takes care of the farm and I take care of the books for the farm, do the cooking and bake bread. Morgan and I have grown up together and lived life together. What makes Angus different is that due to his injury in the war, he can’t remember from one minute to the next.

We all have friends that we feel close to and probably would do anything for them. The bond of friendship that Angus and Morgan share goes beyond the normal realm of friendship. The short term memory loss of Angus and how Morgan handles it is something that has hit home with me. My dad suffered with Alzheimer’s before he passed away in 2012. His loss of memory was so hard to witness because in my mind, I was thinking this man isn’t my dad. All the memories I had of him were good memories. But this man didn’t even recognize me, his own son.

I believe every one of us know or have known an Angus. Yes, you may chuckle from time to time during The Drawer Boy or you may even shed a tear or two. But I honestly feel that you will leave the theatre with that warm, fuzzy feeling that only a true, heartfelt friendship can give you.

(Middle and lower right photos: Chuck in rehearsal for The Drawer Boy, and with Jonathan Woods—who played Miles, the actor/writer who comes to live on the farm with the two friends in order to write a play about farming and farm life.)

November 16, 2015
Anne Bidwell
"Miss Nelson"
in Miss Nelson is Missing

I have a backstage pass to my daughter’s experience.  That’s not what I expected to get out of my first Market House Theatre on-set experience.

I’ve been the audience, the carpooling parent… and, at my children’s insistence, have auditioned a time or two for shows.  This time, I was cast as “Miss Nelson” in Miss Nelson is Missing – an exhilarating and terrifying honor.  I haven’t been on stage acting since I was eighteen… and I’m just a little older these days.  

But, I also get to share the stage with my daughter, Kate! She’s the more “seasoned professional” – having worked with director April Cochran for the better part of four years, since she was old enough to be in Footlights. 

 I did not fully appreciate that last fact.

Kate’s character, schoolroom bully “Lavita,” is a gum-cracking, attitude-wielding piece of work.  As we worked the script, it was obvious bubble-blowing was a part of the action.  I insisted – INSISTED – she come prepared for the first rehearsal with gum in her mouth.  She protested Miss April does not allow gum.  “Nonsense,” I said.  She will make an exception… it’s in the script!

It took April about 15 minutes to notice Kate chewing when she, um, enforced the rules.  I, actor - not mom - had to stand by silently while my child... err, Fellow Thespian… was reminded of the NO GUM EVER UPON PAIN OF DEATH rule.  A glance at the studio door later, I saw the notice – in big red letters – hung on the door.

For the first time in my mothering career, I thought, “Kate knows more than I do about this.” (gasp)

On top of that, Kate (pictured at left WITH gum!) didn’t once give me the evil eye for insisting she break theatre protocol. I certainly wouldn’t have begrudged her the look. Nor did she make excuses to Miss April — I would have backed her up! She simply stood up, spit out the gum, and returned to work. I was rather astounded at her restraint; my resolve to not intervene was failing fast.

This was only the beginning of seeing things from my daughter’s perspective.  I watched, from behind Miss Nelson’s desk, as each and every elementary school actor/colleague of mine took critique in stride.  No self-esteem was lost.  Some of them even smile in the face of mistakes!  Even when they make them over and over and over again!  In case you do not know, a Market House Theatre children’s performance is NOT child’s play.  The expectation for responsibility and preparedness is the same for children as it is for adults.  I have been blown away by the resilience and tenacity of these kids.  They are fearless and they have fun!  I stand in awe of my daughter (and my sons) – I had no idea they worked THIS hard.

In the same breathless appreciation, I am grateful we have the Market House Theatre in this community.  What opportunity – not just to learn the art and skill of acting – but to grow as people!  I’m not sure if the kids realize it, but they are learning to fall and get back up.  I am RE-LEARNING the same thing!  They are learning to push through – despite homework, exhaustion, and a want of free time – because they made a commitment.   Me, too!I know you’ll see the hilarious product of all these efforts this week.  What you may not notice is how different we are because of this experience and what it’s taught us. I, for one, have had a chance to walk in my child’s shoes for a moment.  I’ve caught a glimpse of the exhaustion, the pressure, and the reward.  I’ve come to respect the knowledge of her experience over my own (in this case, at least).

MISS NELSON IS MISSING • November 19-22, 2015 • Tickets on sale at 270.444.6828, or online at markethousetheatre.org.

Farce of Nature
Steve Schwetman, "Sonny Barbosa"
Sept. 10, 2015

Last year, I did something at Market House Theater I'd never done before—drama. I always wanted to stretch my wings and was grateful for the opportunity to play the role of Jim Casey in John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath." However, as much as I enjoyed my experience, I wanted to get back to making people laugh. So when it was announced that "Farce of Nature" would kick off MHT's 52nd season, I checked out a script the moment they became available.

The show is written by Jones, Hope and Wooten—the writers of "The Dixie Swim Club" and "The Hallelujah Girls." I'm going to be honest: I skimmed through it the script the first time I read it, and wasn't excited about it. I was expecting more. Then I gave it a second chance, except I took my own sweet time reading it very meticulously. Suddenly, the humor jumped out at me. I auditioned, made the cast and found myself laughing hysterically during the first company read-through. It was as if I had discovered the script for the very first time.

I play Sonny Barbosa. He's a mobster from Chicago who's just been released from prison following a five-year stretch. He's hot on the trail of his wife, Lola (played by Rachael Jaenichen), who he thinks is having an affair with Ty (played by Aaron Gipson), the son of D. Gene and Wanell Wilburn, (Roy Hensel and Stephanie McGlenon),  proprietors of the Reel 'Em Inn Fishing Lodge in Mayhew, Arkansas. Are you with me so far? Good, because it gets even more confusing as the show goes along. Lola calls Sonny a "hot head," but he hates that; he fancies himself as "passionate." He sometimes lets his temper get the best of him. I see a little of Sonny in myself. I'm guilty of letting my temper get the best of me and I easily jump to conclusions. So it's easy for me to play Sonny.

I've really enjoyed my time working with Kathy Pingle, the guest director of "FON." She has lots of great ideas for our characters and loves it when we come up with stuff on our own. I hope she'll come back to direct at MHT again. Getting to work again with old friends Roy Hensel, Stephanie McGlenon and Al Knudsen is always a bonus and a blessing. Rachael Jaenichen and I have worked together in MHT murder mystery fundraisers, but this is our first time together in a Main Season production. Plus, we get to play husband and wife. It's really fun seeing Delaney Rogers and Crystal Blanton (both of whom I've worked with before) step out from the background and step into a couple of great roles. I've gone from watching Aaron Gipson as a kid on stage at MHT to working alongside him in a production. And Bethany Russell has been a joy to work with in her very first MHT show. She fits right in with this wacky theatrical family! 
     We've got our lines down and have fine-tuned our characters for tonight's opening performance. We can't wait for you to see this very funny, VERY fast-paced show. Hope to see you there!

September 4, 2015
Farce of Nature
Bethany Russell (Maxine Suggs)

 

 I am so excited!!  I auditioned for the first time at Market House Theatre after many years of making excuses about “now is not a good time.” My hope was that they would at least ask me to pass out programs, and then I got a call back and a role in the play. I was immediately overjoyed and frightened all at the same time. But the director, Kathy (Pingel) and the cast have been so accepting, welcoming and encouraging that I feel I have been a part of MHT forever.
  



I have always loved the rehearsal process best! I love seeing the characters develop, the set emerge, props and costumes appear. I love running the script over and over and working all the little parts to make an entertaining production. The actors and actresses in this play are some of the best at developing unique, entertaining and loveable characters.  Sometimes I realize I’m laughing at something new that they have created with their character and have to remind myself to stay in character. I have learned so much from Kathy about how to make bits funny and how to approach a play, specifically a farce. She is positive and encouraging as she gives much helpful direction. 


I absolutely love Maxie! I want to be her when I grow up. She’s brave, energetic, happy, always solving problems, fearlessly walking right in the way of danger and kicking butt and taking names.  For an old broad she is a force to be reckoned with. She is a hoot. My kids have been saying “Mom, that’s something Maxie would do or say” as we go through our day, so I guess she is starting to bleed over into my everyday life.  Now if I can stay in character and not get the “giggles” with Al and keep up with all the running we do all over the stage, Maxie and I will leave our mark at the Reel ‘Em Inn!

There are no words to truly express the impact this experience has had in my life. It has been so affirming for me. I encourage anyone who has a love or interest in theatre to step out and become involved at Market House Theatre. I believe you will be welcomed with open arms and find a safe place to pursue your interests.

(Above, Bethany as "Maxie Suggs" with Al Knudsen as "Carmine DeLuca")

September 2, 2015
Farce of Nature
Kathy Pingel, guest director

(Kathy Pingel is visiting MHT as a guest director for the first play of our 52nd season, FARCE OF NATURE. Kathy is retired from The Des Moines Community Playhouse, where she was education director, as well as artistic director for the Kate Goldman Children's Theatre. Kathy resides in North Port, FL.)

One week before opening! Normally, directors are in panic mode: “When will they get their lines down?”  “Will the set ever be completed?”  “Will anyone LAUGH?” Panic? Not me. Not when we have such a dedicated cast and crew. 

The set needs a little decoration, true, but we’ve been using the different levels and slammin’ the doors for almost two weeks now. The actors have not only memorized their lines; they’re delivering them with confidence. And our set designer, Logan*, was in last night-, and even though the run-through he saw was minus one actor, he laughed!  Music to our ears. 


So, what’s left to do then? Plenty. Now comes the polish. We add sound, lights, props, costumes and tighten up the action so that it comes at the audience like a tidal wave. In this week before our dress rehearsals begin we are running through the show, correcting small things here and there and watching it grow until it’s ready for an audience—the final addition.  Can’t wait!!


*Logan Reagan, MHT's technical director.

Farce of Nature Blog
Stephanie McGlenon
August 31, 2015

I’ve always been fascinated by the processes used to put a play together. Taking a string of people that may or may not know each other and creating a story that hopefully will totally draw your audience in.  For the players, trying to learn the lines and the blocking is always a challenge at the beginning, and sometimes you wonder if it’s all going to come together.  But in the end there’s a show that usually proves worthy of a ton of laughs or tears (depending on the genre) from an audience.

Looking back at the years that I’ve been involved with Market House Theatre, I can honestly say I’ve had more good times than bad. I’ve been fortunate to play many different roles, both comedy and drama. Every show I do is always a roller coaster ride of laughs, camaraderie and togetherness. I’ve been blessed to share the stage with both of my sons and this play is one of those occasions. My youngest, Aaron, is really testing his acting skills by playing my son (Ty Wilburn) in the show. I’ve auditioned for shows that I’ve wanted to be in so bad that I’d have been a tree in the background just to be a part of it. This is definitely one of those shows.

Playing the part of Wanelle Wilburn has been an absolute blast.  This is a lady who is trying very hard to rekindle the romance with her husband, D. Gene (played by Roy Hensel), but unfortunately he’s completely oblivious to her ploys. She’s a firecracker when it comes to her man and will stop at nothing to prove it. In the process of keeping her marriage “fresh” she encounters some very interesting people and developments.  She suspects there is another woman and the gloves come off with D. Gene.  Fortunately there is always something going on that will have the audience thinking, “Wait, did that just happen?”

This show will definitely keep you on your toes while having a blast trying to figure out everyone’s next move.  Of course with Al Knudsen, Steve Schwetman and Aaron Gipson there is never a dull moment both onstage and off.  

Roy Hensel and Stephanie in rehearsal for "Farce."

I can’t say enough about this show because it is absolutely hilarious.  There was never a rehearsal that the actors didn’t get cracked up and it’s a blessing we get to share that humor with an audience.  The cast, the action, and the comedy are crazy and we invite you to ride the roller coaster with us. 

Come out and have a blast watching the hijinks develop in to ultimate chaos.  Get your tickets before they’re sold out and you’re left with “bupkis.”  Opens September 10 and runs thru September 20.  Hope to “catch” you there!

June 10, 2015
Poppins People Post
Mary Bowden
"Mary Poppins"

The iconic “Mary Poppins” has been a role that I have wanted to tackle ever since I first saw the national tour in Atlanta a few years ago. A year later I was in New York and was fortunate enough to get to see it on Broadway, and the feeling grew even stronger. When I found out a little over a year ago that Market House Theatre was going to produce this musical, I was more determined than ever to prepare myself for my audition for the lovable nanny of No. 17 Cherry Tree Lane.

 The rehearsal process for this show has been smooth and so much fun. The blocking, music and dance rehearsals are extremely focused and we are constantly being pushed to be the best performers we can be by our directors. The cast gels very well together and I love getting to share the stage with such talented performers! To be completely honest, sometimes in rehearsals when I would be acting in a scene or singing song with someone else, I would think to myself, “WOW, they are just so fantastic!” when really I should be thinking about what line comes next. I can’t help it – Paducah is blessed with talented actors, singers, and dancers!

This experience has been more fun and challenging than I could have ever imagined. I am on stage more than I ever have been during one show, and if I’m not onstage, chances are that I’m backstage travelling to the other side of the stage while gathering props to prepare for another entrance. There is no time for me to “check out” of the show – I need to stay completely focused the entire time. The kids (Hope and Lucas, who play Jane and Michael Banks) help with this a lot too because they are on stage more than I am! We’re always helping to pull one another along to make the next entrance – our offstage (and onstage) moments are really special to me. I also sing…a LOT…so staying hydrated and healthy has been of the utmost importance to me.


The character of Mary Poppins has taught me many things that I will take with me long after this show. She always speaks her mind, and never compromises who she is. Sometimes she’s even a bit rude, but I think that’s what we love about her! Mary Poppins knows how to get a job done, but she has fun doing it.  She is stern, light-hearted, neat, cross, and lovely. I am having the time of my life in this role, and I hope that audiences are able to connect with the show and take home a wonderful lesson about the importance of family!

June 3, 2015
Poppins People Post
Lucas Bohannon
"Michael Banks"

The first thing I remember about the Market House is watching my dad, Tony Bohannon, play the beast in Beauty and the Beast in 2007. In 2010, my dad persuaded me to be in my first Market House Theatre production, Cinderella Enchanted. At the time, I didn't realize how much my life would change in the MHT family. In the summer of 2012, I once again shared the stage with my dad, in the production of Les Misérables.

Now don't get me wrong, I loved Les Mis, but honestly, it was not NEARLY as challenging as Mary Poppins. I love being in Mary Poppins! It has brought out a side of me that I didn't even know I had. Playing Michael Banks has been a blast! I thought this role would be hard, since I'm not a little British boy, but it turns out that I'm able to relate to Michael Banks a lot. I love the character and the way he acts. For example, Michael is a "noisy, mischievous, troublesome, little boy!"... AND SO AM I!  

Mary Poppins has been so challenging for many reasons. First of all, Hope and I are in every single scene except three, which means we have had to come to rehearsal almost every night! Fortunately I don't have many costume changes, but there is ONE where I have to do a quick change in "Jolly Holiday." I have about one minute to get into it but only about 15-30 seconds to get out of it. That will be challenging but I know I'll make it work. There are so many cues I have to remember as well. But in the end, I know that it will all come together and there will be nothing to worry about.

I can honestly say that I am amazed with people such as Michael Cochran, Emi Hensel, and Cindy Miller. Let's start with Michael. Every single show I have been in with him, he blows my mind! The things he thinks about and what he envisions are some things that I would never have thought to do. Emi has been so amazing! I would like to thank her for the hours she has put in choreographing some of the dance numbers. Cindy has also made this fun for me. She is so nice and helps people if they have any questions about the music, and on top of that, she has to direct an entire orchestra pit! Mary Poppins will definitely be an experience I will miss, but never forget! 

~Lucas Bohannon (aka "Michael Banks)

June 2, 2015
Poppins People Post
Fowler Black
"Bert"

Most adults familiar with the story of Mary Poppins probably have an idea of the role of Bert in the story. Ashamedly, I didn't prior to auditioning for "Bert" in MHT's production of the musical. I clearly haven't watched enough movies in my life. All I knew about Bert was what I saw from small promotional excerpts the Broadway cast shared at tourism industry conventions. Had it not been for the encouragement from friends to audition for Bert, I might have coasted my way through the summer with only my upcoming wedding in mind.


My fiancee's family is a movie-watching family. So they (Kim Yocum, in particular) enjoy enlightening me through movie exposure. Between reading the part of Bert in the Mary Poppins script and watching Dick Van Dyke in the movie, I quickly realized that Bert in the stage musical and Bert in the film were not exactly carbon copies of each other. In the stage musical, Bert acts as a narrator and far-away friend of Mary Poppins as well as a jack-of-all-trades (street painter, kite merchant, chimney sweep, etc). One notable difference in MHT's version is that Bert didn't have to master the skill of being a one-man-band. Aerial somersaults across the stage is enough for me.

What I've enjoyed most about the part of Bert are the lessons from his character. He remains positive and enjoys life to the max despite his occupations being considered "the bottom-most rung" on the ladder of life. His zeal for life actually makes him magical - he serves as an intermediary of sorts between the Banks children and the magic of Mary Poppins. Breaking down the socio-economic barriers, Bert's love for the Banks children helps them learn about life.

As the character grows on me, I hope to discover a little more quirkiness with the role.  Until then, I'll continue to have fun with the color that cockney provides.

May 31, 2015
Poppins People Post
Clint Warf
"Robertson Ay"

Being the new kid on the block is usually an intimidating thing.  I’ve sung several operatic roles, but this is my first musical theatre role and my first experience at MHT.  The long-standing history of high quality productions leaves one feeling they have big shoes to fill, so naturally I’ve been a bit nervous during the whole creative process.

I have known people in the MHT family for many years, but I’ve never been a part of that “family.”  Believe me when I tell you that “family” is the only appropriate word to use.  The sense of dedication can be felt among the actors and the crew alike, with everyone devoting virtually all of their free time in hopes of making something magical happen on stage. The hard work and time definitely pays off when the curtain opens and the audience feels the magic you’ve work so painstakingly to create.

Art, at its core, its meant to elicit an emotional response. Whether it be words, music, sets, etc., its all a form of art.  My hope is that I can play a small part in bringing art alive.  To transport at least one person into another place, to make them believe, even if just briefly, is the biggest reward of all.

“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.”
-Thomas Merton

May 26, 2015
Poppins People Post
Hope Hodges
"Jane Banks"

Out of all my shows at MHT, Mary Poppins has been the longest and one of the most fun I have ever done. Michael (Cochran), Emi (Hensel), and Cindy (Miller) do such a great job with us. They’ve put together a wonderful show! 

Mary Poppins altogether is an extremely fun show. Playing Jane Banks is very neat, because she takes on so many different emotions. In the first act she can be very naughty, short tempered, and rude. But in the second act, she is happy, thoughtful, understanding, caring, and sometimes scared. 

The very big musical numbers are super exciting. My favorite song is "Step in Time.” Emi did an amazing job with the choreography!

One of the best things about the show is the cast. Calling them a cast is really not appropriate. They are family. Tony (Bohannon) and Lucas are father and son and they already have a special bond. At first I did not have that with many people in the cast, but now I feel like I do. Stephanie (Hines) has been a mother figure to me. Lucas and I definitely have that brother/sister relationship. We agree on some things, and argue on a lot of other things! We both have a unique relationship with Mary (Bowden) too. If I had a dollar for every time we laugh, I would be a billionaire! Mary makes the proper face every time she walks off stage. It is hilarious! No words can describe it.

It is great to have Addie Beth Franklin and Kathryn Johnston in the show. Since I’ve done all my MHT shows with Kathryn, and Addie Beth was in the Best Christmas Pageant Ever with us, it is like a reunion. It is genuinely exciting working with them. The entire cast has been so friendly to me and I would like to thank them for that. 

Rehearsals for Mary Poppins are terrific. I like working with the new sets and props. It is neat to see how everything ends up working together. My dad always says I am in a better mood after practice. I guess I know that I can always count on Market House Theatre to cheer me up! I really don’t want it to end. I know that I will cry a lot when it’s over, but all good things must come to an end, and this experience has definitely been good!

May 19, 2015
Poppins People Post
Tony Bohannon
"Mr. George Banks"

Mary Poppins will mark by 20th year being a part of the Market House Theater. I was talking with Victoria Parrish about what would my life be like if I had never auditioned for South Pacific and joined the MHT family. 

I have always been somewhat of an introvert. I've never been one to be the center of attention at parties or gatherings. I've been a great audience for people much more clever and funny than I am. So when I walked into auditions for South Pacific, I was quite nervous. I was fairly confident in my singing but since I had never been in a play—well, not since a 5th grade school play— I really didn't know what to expect. Within seconds of sitting down, Al Knudsen sat next to me and introduced himself and made me immediately feel welcomed and at ease. I continued to make close friends through the years and they have also included my wife, Tammy, and my boys Alex and Lucas into the fold. It's an honor to be part of the MHT family. 

Stephanie Hinz (Mrs. Winifred Banks),
Lucas Bohannon (Michael Banks) and
Tony Bohannon (Mr. George Banks) rehearse
a scene from Mary Poppins

Every play and musical I've been in has given me a new challenge. Even though I'm an introvert, being on stage allowed me to play characters that were completely different from myself and through that, it has given me more confidence in myself. 

I now get to pass that on to my son Lucas. It started with Cinderella Enchanted, then Les Misérables, and now with Mary Poppins. I am seeing him blossom in front of my eyes and gain the same confidence that I didn't find until I was an adult. Playing his father in Mary Poppins has been especially interesting. There's the challenge of staying focused on my own part and allowing him take ownership of his own role and responsibilities. I must admit, some of the emotions George Banks shows come naturally as I just draw on the experience of raising two sons—from the frustration and exhaustion to the tender moments of singing "Feed the Birds" to my boys as a lullaby. Mary Poppins has been a great experience for so many reasons and I will always cherish it.

My life as well as the life of my family is so much richer for being a part of the Market House Theater.

May 13, 2015

Poppins People Post
Emi Hensel
Choreographer

As soon as I first heard that MHT was doing Mary Poppins, I was thrilled – I knew I wanted to be a part of it right away! I grew up watching Mary and Bert usher Jane and Michael through all of their whimsical adventures. To be able to bring those adventures to life through choreography is truly an honor. This is my third musical to choreograph for Market House, and each experience is always a blast. This show in particular has grown and stretched me as an artist in ways that I haven’t been before. Translating an idea into real-life movement is so much more than figuring out fancy footwork and cool tricks. I’ve really had to step back and look at every musical number as a transformation into a different world; whether that be a magical stroll in a seemingly gloomy park, a supercalifragilistic store front, or up on the rooftops of London.


Every scene brings something different, and because of that, we have to create a unique kind of movement and picture in each scene. Director Michael Cochran has helped me tremendously teaching me how to not only use my dance vocabulary, but to also create that over-all picture that brings it all together seamlessly. The final product is going to be stunning! Of course one of the biggest honors (and the most fun) is working with all of the amazing talent the cast brings to the table. I hope I have helped them grow and stretch as artists as well. They have been up for everything I’ve thrown at them so far! When asked to do something outside of their comfort zone, they always give it their best shot and practice until they get it. A choreographer couldn’t ask anything more out of her performers and I couldn’t be more proud of everything we have achieved so far.

One of my favorite parts of setting choreography is when we run a number with music for the first time after the cast learns the choreography. The song begins, and then all of the sudden, the room is filled with these beautiful harmonies sung by the cast. It takes me by surprise every time that these people cannot only dance but are incredible vocalists as well! As a dancer, we usually leave the vocals to somebody else while performing but musical theatre is a whole different animal! It takes true talent to dance and sound that good at the same time.
The end product is worth every ounce of energy, every hour spent up in the skylight classroom before rehearsals moving invisible people around on an imaginary set, and every run through and re-run through. Sitting in the back of the theatre, watching and listening to the audience cheer and applaud something that I had a hand in creating will always make me come back for more. The show is so much fun to watch already, and we’re still in basic skeleton form. Add in lights, set, costumes, and more musicians?  We’ll all be transported to the world of Mary and Bert and usher Jane and Michael through their adventures right along with them. It’s truly going to be magic.