The Unsinkable Molly Brown Pulls into New Port Richey

Thursday night sees the opening of the ’s latest production, "The Unsinkable Molly Brown." This story of a strong-willed woman who refuses to let life get her down is both uplifting and inspiring thanks to an energetic cast and production team who had their own share of difficulties to overcome.

The show tells the story of the hard-headed and good-natured Molly Tobin, who escapes her humble upbringings in Missouri, strikes it rich in Colorado and then survives the sinking of the Titanic ocean liner. Her modest background makes her long for the finer things in life, but she manages to overcome these urges for material trappings and marries Johnny “Leadville” Brown for love.   

While the story is a work of fiction, the main character is based on real life Titanic survivor Margaret Brown. Brown became famous after insisting that the lifeboat she was on return to look for survivors following the sinking of the Titanic.

The music and lyrics were written by Meredith Willson, the man behind the hit show "The Music Man." "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" was first performed on broadway in 1960 and proved so popular that a film version was made in 1964 starring Debbie Reynolds in the lead role.

Playing title role in the Richey Suncoast Theatre production is Megan Gillespie, who embodies Molly Brown’s determination both on stage and off. Director Marie Skelton explained how Gillespie was forced to drop out of college after it was discovered she needed to undergo open heart surgery. That surgery took place in December 2010. In just a few short months, she was fighting fit and eager to get back on stage, Skelton said.

“To my surprise, she had a quick recovery and was discharged from doctor's care and came out to audition for the show,” said Skelton, “She is a wonderful Molly Brown.”

Joining Gillespie on stage is a cast of 42 actors, making this a very large production with some unique obstacles to overcome. 

“Staging is difficult, making sure that everyone understands each scene and reacts correctly plus making sure everyone can be seen on stage,” said Skelton. “Of course, having enough costumes for a large cast can also be a problem.”

Skelton also found that having a cast of 43, ranging in age from 7 years old to 65, meant that getting everyone to rehearsals was a challenge in itself. In fact the dress rehearsal, just three nights before the opening of the show, was the first time the entire cast assembled. 

“For the first time tonight, I have the entire cast together on stage. With work, school schedules, illness.... someone is always missing,” Skelton said.

Aiding Skelton in the production of the show are Choreographer Linda Hougland and Music Director Stella Gaukhshteyn, the same team who brought No, No, Nanette to the Richey Suncoast Theatre earlier this year.

The team had to overcome some issues with music as they found variations between the lyrics in the conductor’s score and the chorus books.

“A lot of extra time had to be spent weeding out the music and matching it up,” Skelton said. “It took hours and hours to work it all out.”

Despite all the obstacles facing the production, Skelton is happy to see the show taking shape according to plan.

“Watching a show come together is always a highlight,” she said.

The Unsinkable Molly Brown opens Thursday May 12 at 8 p.m. at the Richey Suncoast Theatre at 6237 Grand Blvd, New Port Richey. The show runs for three weekends, with the final performance on Sunday, May 29 at 2.30 p.m.

For more information and box office opening times, visit: http://www.richeysuncoasttheatre.com/introframe.htm