Spring Musical Has Sprung at R. J. Grey Jr. High

The early signs of spring come in many forms: snow melts, temperatures slowly rise, clocks are set ahead. And in Acton, another sure sign of spring’s not-too-distant arrival comes by way of the annual spring musical at .

This year’s performance, “Music Man Junior,” features a cast of 75 and tells an abridged version of the prolific tale of Harold Hill, a traveling con man who poses as a band organizer and sells instruments and uniforms to the gullible townsfolk of River City, Iowa, before trying to skip town with the cash—but not before falling for Marian Paroo, a librarian who returns Howard’s feelings after his music helps her brother, Winthrop, overcome his severe lisp-induced fear of talking.

“Surely some of you have to be grateful for what he brought to River City,” exclaims Marian of Howard, prompting the angry townsfolk to step forward in agreement before breaking into a final, full-cast song.

While the play's director, R. J. Grey drama teacher Cheryl Carter Miller, said she chose the musical primarily for its abridged length and suitability for a large cast, she was also drawn to the “transformation story” at its heart.

“We tend to choose plays from a collection called Broadway Junior because they’re the right length for the age group,” said Carter Miller, adding that the play represents her directorial debut at R. J. Grey. “But I also like that (The Music Man) is really a story about how the arts transform us, as (they) did to the townsfolk.”

Currently in her second year at R. J. Grey, Carter Miller said she has 30 years of experience as a drama teacher in other school systems, including Worcester and Fitchburg. In addition to her role as director, she teaches a required eighth-grade course, Exploratory Theater, through which she said she “really hopes to help open up kids’ minds.”

“I just hope to instill an appreciation of what theater really is, as opposed to what the kids see on the movies and (television),” said Carter Miller.

New to the school’s drama repertoire is a drama club for non-musical performers, who will perform several one-act plays in May. Started last spring with a “scene showcase,” the dramatic offerings “provide other opportunities for kids who don’t sing or dance to get on stage,” said Carter Miller.

“The number of kids at R. J. Grey who want to be involved (in drama) is fairly high, and I thought it was important to open things up for the ones who don’t sing or dance,” said Carter Miller.

Music director Chris Charig, the school’s music and chorus teacher, wore many hats during the play’s production, including “teaching all vocals, arranging the pit orchestra, conducting all the music and playing the keyboard.”

Also in his second year at the school, Charig said he “loves working with this age group” and found the experience of “Music Man Junior” particularly rewarding.

“It was the first one (Cheryl) and I fully did together and it really gave us a chance to put forth our ideas and our philosophy, and I really felt the finished play shows all that,” Charig said.

As with all school productions, student participants varied from the inexperienced to the more seasoned, said Carter Miller.

Seventh-grader Ryan Doncaster, who played a River City townsfolk, said he’s been acting in local productions “for about a year” and that he found the experience at his school “really fun.”

“The director is amazing and I thought the play was really good too,” said Doncaster, who counted several family members as co-participants—his seven-year-old brother Mason played a mini musician and their mother, Candace, managed ticket sales.

Eighth-grader Samantha Schmidt, who played a bird girl in last year’s “Seussical” production, had a more prominent role in “Music Man Junior” as Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn, and said she “definitely” plans to pursue theater next year at Acton-Boxborough Regional High School.

“It was a lot of work but it was really fun too,” said Schmidt.

The experience also provided a platform for some students to utilize other talents. Eighth-grader Sarah Underwood, who took on what Carter Miller called the “amazing leadership role” of dance captain to assist the show’s choreographer, Katie McColgan, has been dancing since she was two and said it was fulfilling taking on such a role while doing what she loves.

“I think because I’m their age and I’m friends with (the cast), they felt they could ask me any question and not feel afraid to approach me,” said Underwood, who played a River City townsfolk. “It was pretty intense but I’m really excited with how it all came together and I’m really proud of everyone.”

Stage manager Erika Petersen said that while she likes acting, she also enjoyed the opportunity to “really learn more about the back stage mechanics.”

“I learned all about the different crews and how they are managed. I also learned about all of the work that goes in behind the scenes,” said Petersen, who’s in eighth grade. “As someone who has never been on crew before, the experience has been quite interesting.”

“Music Man Junior” will run through this weekend, with a performance on Friday night and both a matinee and evening performance on Saturday. Tickets are available at Donelan’s, Roche Bros. and Red, White and Brew in West Acton, online at MKtix.com, and at the door.