OKLAHOMA!
With special arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Wittmark LLC
Welcome to the New Tampa Performing Arts Center!
Please silence your cell phones.
This performance will have a 15 minute intermission.
Produced with the generous support of
Musical Selections
Act I
Overture - Orchestra
Train Opening - Orchestra
Rock Island - Salesmen, Charlie Cowell, Dance Ensemble
Iowa Stubborn - Company
Ya Got Trouble - Harold and Company
Trouble Playoff - Company
Walking Music - Orchestra
If You Don't Mind My Saying So - Marian and Ms. Paroo
Goodnight My Someone - Marian and Amaryllis
Columbia, Gem of the Ocean - Eulalie and Company
Ya Got Trouble (Reprise) - Harold
Seventy-Six Trombones - Harold and Company
Seventy-Six Trombones – Playoff - Company
Ice Cream/Sincere - Harold and Quartet
Walking Music - Orchestra
The Sadder But Wiser Girl - Harold and Marcellus
Pick-a-Little, Talk-a-Little & Goodnight, Ladies - Pick A Little Ladies, Quartet, and Harold
Marian the Librarian - Harold, Marian, Dance Ensemble, Teen Ensemble, and Children’s Ensemble
Marian - Dance - .Harold, Marian, Dance Ensemble, Teen Ensemble, and Children’s Ensemble
First Seventy-Six Trombones Crossover - Orchestra
Second Seventy-Six Trombones Crossover - Orchestra
Third Seventy-Six Trombones Crossover - Orchestra
My White Knight - Marian
The Wells Fargo Wagon - Company
Finale - Act 1 - Orchestra
Act II
Entr’acte - Orchestra
Eulalie’s Ballet - Pick A Little Ladies and Orchestra
It’s You - Quartet
Shipoopi - Marcellus and Company
Shipoopi Dance - Part 1 - Company and Orchestra
Shipoopi Dance - Part 2 - Company and Orchestra
Shipoopi Dance - Part 3 - Company and Orchestra
Shipoopi Dance - Playoff - Company and Orchestra
Pick-a-Little, Talk-a-Little (Reprise) - Pick-A-Little Ladies
Lida Rose & Will I Ever Tell You? - Marian, Harold, and Quartet
Gary, Indiana - Winthrop, Ms. Paroo, and Marian
Lida Rose (Reprise) - Quartet
Till There Was You - Harold and Marian
Goodnight & Seventy-Six Trombones - Harold and Marian
Ice Cream Sociable - Orchestra
Chase Music - Orchestra
Til There Was You (Reprise) - Harold
Finale - Act 2 - Orchestra
Curtain Call Music - Orchestra
Exit Music - Orchestra
Amanda LeFloch: Ensemble
Amanda LeFloch is delighted to share the stage with her son, Elliott, and the talented cast of this production. She was most recently seen in Sunday in the Park with George and Titanic at the Carrollwood Cultural Center. The Music Man holds a special place in her heart, as it was her very first musical theater experience at the age of 10. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Amanda Schapiro: Dance Ensemble
Amanda is excited to join this production of Music Man after hearing her dad randomly sing 76 Trombones a lot growing up. Her stage credits include Sister Act, Hunchback of Notre Dame, Grease, and Singing in the Rain. While not on stage, she is a math teacher at Bell Creek Academy. She also serves as the math department head and the drama club sponsor. Amanda would like the thank everyone for their love and support. Special shout-out to her fiancé,, Aaron.
Angela Sheridan: Teen Ensemble
Angela is thrilled to be part of The Music Man! Though this rile is her first in community theatre, she has been involved in musical theater throughout all of middle school and is excited to continue with her journey into high school! She most recently got to be Elle Woods in Legally Blonde Jr., a role that showcased her love for theatre. In addition to shows, she has proudly represented her school at both District and State Thespian Competitions. She is grateful for the support of her directors, castmates, friends, and family, and can’t wait for what’s next!
Antoinette Russo: Teen Ensemble
Antoinette is a a young college student with dreams of making it big on Broadway. She loves cats and stitching patterns in her spare time and loves being with family.
Brigitte Anderson: Dance Ensemble
Brigitte Anderson is excited to make her New Tampa Players debut with Music Man! She is a graduate from FSU with a double major in Music & Statistics. Brigitte is currently choregraphing "Annie Get Your Gun" and was previously the Music Director for “Eternal Night.” Prior stage credits include "Cabaret" (Rosie), “R & H’s Cinderella” (Ensemble/Dance Captain), “Kiss Me Kate” (Dance Ensemble), and “Young Frankenstein” (Ensemble). Former Treasurer of the Seminole Tap Troupe.
Chase Reeder: Ewart Dunlop
Chase is delighted to return to the stage after a three-year hiatus. During his absence, he’s been working behind the scenes at several local theaters including the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (NTPAC) and the Center for the Arts Wesley Chapel (CFAWC). This is his second production with NTP, and his previous role was as Scuttle in The Little Mermaid. Many thanks to Nora, Frank, Angel, Tatiana, Rick, the cast and crew plus his wonderful family for all their love and support!
Chelsea Keith: Mrs. Squires
Chelsea is thrilled to join NTP for another production! She has a background in vocal performance and has been a part of community theater for about twelve years. Some of her favorite credits include: Mama Ogre/Mama Bear (Shrek The Musical) Sally Brown (You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown), Sour Kangaroo (Seussical the Musical), and Sister Hubert (Nunsense). She would like to thank her husband Matt for all of his support. Thank you so much for supporting The Music Man and NTP!
Chloe Faye Tort: Zaneeta Shinn
Chloe is 16 years old and going into her Junior year at Gaither High. She is so excited to be making her MainStage debut, especially as Zaneeta, Ye Gods! Chloe’s recent roles include Little Sally in Urinetown, Liz Taylor in Raising Twelve on a Nickel and a Prayer, and various other roles with the Gaither Theater and Band programs. She is proud to have been a Penguin Project mentor for the past two years. Chloe wants to thank her family, friends, and Mom for their unwavering support, and the costume team for all the beautiful costumes and accessories they’ve worked very hard on!
Christy Adams: Ethel Toffelmier
Christy Adams teaches Spanish to middle schoolers by day and recently hopped back into the theater world to have even more drama in her life! She loves performing around Tampa, and her favorite past roles have been Sandy in Grease, Lead Player in Pippin, Mary Debenham in Murder on the Orient Express, Miss Honey in Matilda (Best Supporting Performer in a Musical, Broadway World Tampa Bay 2022) and Margaret Levitt in Silent Sky (Best Supporting Performer in a Play, Broadway World Tampa Bay 2024). However, her favorite role is mom to her four kids. She is excited to share the NTP stage with her third born, Luke!
Collen Chambers: Dance Ensemble
Colleen is excited to dance through River City for her second production with NTP. Originally from Ohio, she participated in theatre and dance in her youth before taking a hiatus to complete her three nursing degrees. She holds her doctorate in nursing practice (DNP) and works as an endocrine nurse practitioner at All Children’s Hospital. Colleen is an Irish dancer by trade and performs with professional Irish dance troupes including the Irish Echoes local to central Florida. She was most recently seen on stage with NTP for Into the Woods (Rapunzel). Colleen is grateful to her husband, family & friends for their support.
David Groomes: Harold Hill
David Groomes started working professionally at 8 years old for the Wolf Trap and Washington Opera companies in Washington DC. Some of his favorite roles have included Jesus (Jesus Christ Superstar), Lt. Cable (South Pacific), Joe Hardy (Damn Yankees), Joseph (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), and Dennis/ Galahad (Spamalot). He last performed in The Music Man as a 5th grade Marcellus too far back in history to mention the date. David would like to thank his children Maggie and Tavin for their support and his wife/queen Becky, who has promised not to upstage him in the show because his fragile ego can’t handle it :)
Debbie Scourtes: Mrs. Paroo
Debbie is thrilled to be part of NTP with this production of The Music Man. She has been seen on other local stages over the years. Most recently, she has portrayed Sister Mary Lazarus in Sister Act with Plant City Entertainment, Sister Berthe in Sound of Music with the Village Players and Beatrice Worthington in The Plot Like Gravy Thickens with the Missing Piece Theatre. Her next role will be as Clairee in Steel Magnolias with PCE. Some of her very favorite past roles include The Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods, Yente in Fiddler on the Roof, Irene Malloy in Hello, Dolly!, and Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls. She has also enjoyed sitting in the Directors Chair for productions of Camelot, Calamity Jane, and Damn Yankees. When Debbie is not on stage, she can often be found at the sewing machine working on costumes. She was privileged to begin the Costume Design Department at Progress Village Middle Magnet School of the Arts. She retired from the classroom in 2017 and now enjoys traveling with her daughter, Liza Compass, as the official Roadie Mom to art shows around the country. Debbie would like to thank her family for their support of her theatrical life and putting up with her practicing her Irish accent on them. She would also like to thank Angel, Nora, Frank, and Tatianna for having faith in me for this role and most of all, she wants to thank her fellow cast mates for their dedication to this show. Seeing cast members of all ages supporting one another and creating a special stage family is what community theatre is all about. Enjoy your visit to River City!
Donal Duffy: Jacey Squires
Donal Duffy is a Talent Acquisition Manager at Leidos QTC Health Services. He recently performed as Rooster in Annie with Carrollwood Players. A native of Ireland, he earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the Capital University Conservatory of Music (Gold medal class of '06). He also studied at the Kodály Institute of Music in Kecskemét, Hungary, and played saxophone in the 122nd Ohio Army National Guard Band. Donal and his wife, Kristi, reside in Land O’ Lakes with their children, Rory, Lucy, and Nora (Amaryllis). He is thrilled to share the stage with Nora for the first time and thanks her for keeping him awake during drives home from rehearsals.
Elliott LeFloch: Ensemble
Elliott LeFloch is excited to join the cast of The Music Man! A rising sixth grader, Elliott has loved performing with the Carrollwood Players, Ovations Dance Academy, and the Carrollwood Cultural Center. He’s thrilled to be part of this production and hopes you enjoy the show!
Jaden Figueroa: Tommy Djilas
Jaden, 18, is a rising senior at Center Academy Lutz, who began acting at age eleven. He has performed with New Tampa Players, Carrollwood Day School and Corbett Prep. His most recent roles were Mr. Krabs in SpongeBob the Musical and Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast. In his free time, Jaden enjoys going to Disney and hanging out with friends. After high school he plans to study musical theater and political science. Jaden would like to thank his mom and dad for their endless love and support.
James Cass: Olin Britt & Scenic Artist-Prop Master
James wants to share his excitement about being involved in our upcoming production. Not only will he be a part of the cast, but he is also thrilled to serve as the Prop Master and Scenic Artist!
Having been a part of various local community theater productions, he feels so grateful to contribute his experience. As the resident photographer for New Tampa Players and a Scenic Artist for Carrollwood Day School, he is always eager for new challenges!
A big thank you to his wonderful husband, Frank, and their amazing sons, Chris and Nathan, for their unwavering support. He truly couldn't do this without you all!
He also wants to extend his heartfelt appreciation to Nora for her hard work and commitment to keeping the arts alive in our community. Her dedication inspires us all!
Looking forward to a fantastic production together!
Jazelle Ferrer: Teen Ensemble
Hi, I’m Jazelle Ferrer, a 13-year-old performer with a heart full of passion for musical theatre! I discovered my love for the stage in 6th grade at Progress Village Performing Arts School, where the magic of performing arts sparked a dream that I want to pursue for the rest of my life. As a member of our musical theatre group, I’m dedicated to growing as a singer, dancer, and actor, always eager to learn new skills and bring stories to life through performance. Our group is a vibrant community of young artists who share a love for creativity, collaboration, and the thrill of the spotlight. Together, we’re committed to honing our craft, inspiring each other, and sharing the joy of musical theatre with audiences everywhere. Join us on this exciting journey as we grow, perform, and chase our dreams in the world of performing arts!
Kelly Nowicki: Ladies Ensemble
Kelly Nowicki is thrilled to be revisiting River City, this time with NTP. The last time she performed in The Music Man was in high school. Previously, she has been seen as Mrs. in Sunday in the Park with George (CCC), Rowena in Once Upon a Mattress (CWP), Chorus Girl in Singin’ in the Rain (MAS Theatre), Miss Hannigan in Annie (NTP), and Elle’s Mom/Judge in Legally Blonde (NTP). During the day she works as an American Sign Language Interpreter. When she doesn’t have rehearsal, her free time is spent knitting and reading. Thanks to John and her parents for all of their love and support!
Lena Wigfall: Alma
Lena Wigfall is an actress from Tampa, Florida who grew up being heavily involved in the arts. She quickly fell in love with musical theatre, and has been acting for the last 10 years. Her dream is to one day be on Broadway, and continue to explore her love for directing, writing, and music. She is thrilled to “Pick-A-Little Talk-A-Little” in NTP’s The Music Man.
Lilly Smith: Gracie Shinn
Lilly is very excited to be in her very first community theatre show. From the age of 3, Lilly has been training and performing at TADA in Fishhawk. Favorite roles include Kate in Annie, Jr. and a mouse in the Nutcracker. She wants to thank her Mama for directing the show, and her whole family for their support. Love to Mama, Daddy, Logan, Ma, Pa, Papa, & Aunt Kristen.
Linda Johnston: Pick-a-Little Ladies & Grecian Urns
This is Linda’s very first community theater experience. After retiring from a career in healthcare, this musical adventure seemed like a very fun way to spend the summer. She has not been disappointed!
Lizzy Ferreira: Dance Ensemble
Lizzy is excited to be a part of A Music Man. She returned to the stage in 2024 with Singin’ in the Rain and ATLAS Modern Ballet and NTP present: Spirit, A Christmas Carol Adaptation. She is a student of tap and jazz at New Heights Dance Academy where she has performed in Jingle Bell Bazaar at Ybor, Enchant Christmas at Tropicana Field, and Tampa Bay Tap Festival presents COPASETIC at the Jaeb Theater, Straz Center.
Luke Adams: Winthrop
Luke Adams just finished 5th grade, and his hobbies include reading, quoting movie lines and/or Calvin and Hobbes comics, planning out movie plots, playing with friends, fishing and randomly bursting into song (just like his character Winthrop). He also enjoys being active in his church, playing flag football, being a part of the DeArmon CAST musical theater program, and doing anything where he can talk! He wants to be an actor when he grows up, and he is happy to have spent the last three months incessantly singing the Music Man soundtrack to his mom on their way to rehearsal. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Mars Wolfe Bonassar: Kid’s Ensemble
MARS WOLFE BONASSAR is thrilled to be making his theatrical debut in The Music Man! Mars loves to sing and dance, and was elated to find out that he would be in a show with his dad. He is a rising first grader at Carrollwood Day School, and in his free time he loves playing with his Legos, reading Dogman, and watching Spidey and his Amazing Friends. He wants to dedicate his performance to his family and friends, especially his best friend Sacha. He would also like to thank the entire cast for welcoming him and becoming friends with him during the production.
Mary Davis: Women’s Ensemble
Mary is so happy to be performing in her first production with NTP. She majored in Voice at FSU and has been a soloist in Rutter's Requiem and Handel's Messiah. Her stage credits include Jack's Mother in Into the Woods (RST) Frau Blucher in Young Frankenstein (CWP) as well as ensemble in Sweeney Todd (EOT) and Titanic the Musical (CCC.) She enjoys performing as cast at various Renaissance Festivals with her husband Jeremey and her son Evan.
She would like to dedicate this performance to her family (both real and honorary) and especially to her parents and in-laws.
Melanie Marie Bierweiler: Marian
Born in New York and raised in Florida, Melanie has been a vibrant presence in the theatre community for over 25 years, performing in both musicals and plays. She holds a degree in Vocal Performance from the University of South Florida, where she developed a unique versatility in both musical theatre and opera. Her professional debut came in 2006 at Busch Gardens Tampa, leading to featured roles in regional tours throughout the Southeast.
Favorite credits include: CHICAGO (Velma), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Belle), Peter and the Starcatcher (Molly), and the feature film Sari’s Journey (Sari).
When not performing, Melanie enjoys spending time with friends and family, exploring new places around the globe and jumping out of airplanes (safely!).
Melanie is elated to be portraying a bucket list role with NTP. A heartfelt thank you to Nora, Frank, Angel and Shelly for their incredible support in bringing this role to life. Much love to the amazing cast and crew whose talent and dedication make this show possible and to her friends, family and sky fam for the support! Love you!
Melissa Mastromarchi: Townsperson
Melissa is thrilled to be back on two feet and returning to the stage with NTP! Most recently, she took on the unique challenge of playing a dog in Sylvia—twice! Her previous NTP credits include The Little Mermaid, Puffs, and Little Shop of Horrors. The Music Man holds a special place in her heart, as it was the very first show she performed in as a teenager, sharing the stage with her mother and sister. Melissa is deeply grateful to her friends and family for their unwavering support throughout this production.
Michael Bonassar: Oliver Hix/Salesman #1
MICHAEL BONASSAR (Oliver Hix/Salesman #1) cherishes the opportunity to return to the stage to partake in The Music Man. This is his fourth performance with the New Tampa Players, but his first time on stage since 2018. Favorite roles of his have been Cinderella's Prince/The Wolf (Into the Woods), Wes (Quilt), and Joe (9 to 5). Off the stage, he is father to Mars and Rayla, and a chiropractor at N8 Chiropractic and Wellness. He has loved being able to be a part of his son's first venture into theater. He would like to thank his wife Caitlin for all the help she's given and patience she's had during this production. He'd also like to thank the rest of the cast and crew for their hard work and dedication, especially his quartet counterparts, Donal, Chase, and James.
Michael Neary: Constable/Train Conductor
Michael is very excited to be back with the New Tampa Players this summer. You may have previously seen him as the Steward in Into The Woods this past winter, or as Mr. Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors (in Mulberry) last fall.
Naomi Berger: Teen Ensemble
Naomi is 16 years old and a Junior in high school at Carrollwood Day School. This is her second time performing with NTP, the first time being almost seven years ago for The Little Mermaid. Naomi has been working as a Peer Mentor for Penguin Project at NTP since the organization first started in Tampa. Outside of theater, Naomi enjoys doing digital media for her schools yearbook and her internship. Other credits include: Cady (Mean Girls), Grace Ferrell (Annie), Mrs. Peterson (Bye Bye Birdie), and many other roles. Naomi would like to thank Nora, Angel, Frank, Tatianna, and all of the cast and crew for making this an unforgettable experience!
Neil Bleiweiss
Neil Bleiweiss welcomes you to River City! Neil was most recently seen in New Tampa Players' production of Shrek (Papa Ogre/Papa Bear), and has been seen on stage in several other community theater productions around the Tampa area, credits including The SpongeBob Musical (Perch Perkins), Into The Woods (The Baker), Hot Mikado (Ko-Ko), The Drowsy Chaperone (George), and more, and recently also made his directing debut with the staged reading of Ministers of Grace at the Carrollwood Cultural Center. Arts in Florida are at risk with recent dramatic cuts to funding, so thank you for your continued support of the arts - enjoy the show and don't forget to give Iowa a try!
Nora Duffy: Amaryllis
Nora Duffy is a spunky 9-year-old who loves performing on stage and is thrilled to make her NTP debut as Amaryllis. She has performed in Pirates of the Curry Bean, The Wizard of Oz, Babes in Toyland, and Charlotte’s Web with DeArmon CAST, where she takes theater and ballet classes. An incoming fourth-grader at Sanders Memorial in Land O’ Lakes, Nora participates in the chorus. She enjoys reading, drawing, and writing, and was a national finalist in the music composition category for the 2023–2024 PTA Reflections Contest.
Rebecca Friedman Groomes: Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn
Rebecca has been perfecting the small town "queen bee" attitude for 48 years now, growing up in little Dade City. She has been performing in choirs, talent competitions, piano recitals, and pageants ... er .... scholarship programs since age 3. Becky most famously starred as Music Man's Amaryllis (when slightly younger) with local community group Centerstage Players, and now graces the NTP stage in her family's favorite musical yet again. Her "side gig" as dentist and owner of Groomes Dental takes up her leisurely time, and she's supported by the perfect husband and 2 fabulous children. Becky is blessed to share this amazing experience with her groom, Prof. Herald Hill.
Rex Knuckles: Teen Ensemble
Rex is excited to be making his community theater debut in this production! A sophomore in high school, he has been performing since he was 11, and is involved in the chorus and musical theater programs at his school. He could recently be seen as a guard in Shrek, and has previously performed in junior productions of Aladdin (Sultan) and Grease (Doody).
Stephon Mikell Jr.: Charlie Cowell
Stephon is thrilled to return to New Tampa Players, having previously appeared in NTP's Dreamgirls and Little Shop of Horrors. Other favorite roles include Schroeder (You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown), Hugo (Bye Bye Birdie), Mereb (Aida), and Seaweed (Hairspray), with additional ensemble work in opera productions like La Traviata. Outside the theater, Stephon is a software engineer and competitive swing dancer who travels around the country to dance. Much thanks to the wonderful cast and crew for their trust, warmth, and generosity. This has been one of the most welcoming rooms he's worked in!
Suzann Humara: Maud Dunlop
Suzann wants you to know that Maud is always judging and, if you didn't bring enough food for the picnic, you can always buy something at her son's grocery store. Suzann, on the other hand, is thrilled to make her debut with New Tampa Players and would definitely share her picnic lunch with you. Some of her recent roles include Patchy the Pirate at Carrollwood Cultural Center and Sherry in Conversations in Bed at Carrollwood Players. Shout out to her husband Juan for his love and encouragement. Thank you for supporting the arts. "Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time." - Thomas Merton
Sydney Hilton: Dance Ensemble
Sydney Hilton is currently a college student at SPC and will soon transfer to USF majoring in Music Studies. She went to school at Pinellas County Center for the Arts studying Musical Theater and continues to pursue her love for theater within the Tampa Bay Community.
Timothy Berkowitz: Teen Ensemble
Timothy Berkowitz is excited to be making his New Tampa Players debut. He is 13 years old and is currently a rising 8th grader at Cypress Creek Middle School in their Conservatory of the Arts program. He has been in multiple productions including Aladdin, The Outsiders, 13 the Musical, & Mary Poppins. Timothy has been dancing with the City of Tampa since the age of 4. He is entering is 5th year as a member of the Tampa Gymnastics & Dance Showstars. He has had the opportunity to dance at multiple events around Tampa including parades, USF Football & Basketball games, City of Tampa special events, & the Royal Caribbean cruise line in the summer of 2024.
Timothy would like to thank his family, teachers, & friends for always encouraging him. Also, a special thank you to the cast & crew of the Music Man for making him feel so welcome & supported this summer.
G. Frank Meekins: Musical Direction
Originally from Boston, Frank moved to Tampa in 1998 and since that time has worked with many local high school and community theatre groups throughout the greater Tampa Bay area. He musically directed NTP’s first production, They’re Playing Our Song, in addition to A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Music Man, Camelot, Annie, Pippin, She Loves Me, Beauty and the Beast, Addams Family, Legally Blonde, Annie, and Little Mermaid. He directed and musically directed NTP’s productions of A Grand Night for Singing – Rodgers and Hammerstein Musical Revue, The Sound of Music, You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, Mary Poppins, Into The Woods, Quilt, Snapshots, Snoopy, Grease, Dreamgirls, and Singin in the Rain. Recently, he directed NTP’s 2021 production of The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later. Involved in all aspects of musical theatre from set design and construction to lighting design and execution, from stage management to directing and musically directing, Frank has participated in over 385 productions throughout New England and Tampa Bay including A Chorus Line, Les Miserables, Chicago, Urinetown, Honk, Mame, Hello Dolly, Jesus Christ Superstar, Oklahoma, Annie Get Your Gun, The Boyfriend, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, All Shook Up, Perfectly Frank, Anything Goes, Caba-ret, Gypsy, Tommy, La Cage aux Folles, Rag-time, Little Shop of Horrors, Baby, Damn Yankees, Fiddler on the Roof, Godspell, Into the Woods, I Do – I Do, Jane Eyre, A Little Night Music, West Side Story, Evita, Where’s Charley, The Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan, Once Upon a Mat-tress, Carousel, Big River, Footloose, Pirates of Penzance, South Pacific, Whoopee, Bells are Ring-ing, Brigadoon, Bye Bye Birdie, Cabaret, Nun-sense, My Fair Lady, Oliver, No No Nanette, Sweet Charity, Brigadoon, The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Legally Blonde as well as the operas Carmen, Turandot, and Die Fledermaus. Frank often participates in various events with the Florida State Thespians. He would like to thank his spouse of 25 years, Tim Huff, for all his support.
Angel Borths: Director
Angel Borths is very excited to be on the production team for her very first show at New Tampa Players. She has been an arts teacher for almost 20 years both in the public school and professional theatre organizations. Currently. she proudly serves as the sponsor for Troupe 88479 at Progress Village Middle Magnet School of the Arts. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre from Florida State, a Master of Arts in Teaching Theatre from the University of South Carolina, and a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida. She has been active in the Suncoast theatre community since she was in high school, appearing onstage at Carrollwood Players, Sarasota Players, NYNE, Carrollwood Cultural Center, Dream House, and Plant City Entertainment, among others. She also spent 10 years as a performing member in the Tampa based improv troupe, Nine and Numb. She wants to thank Nora and the whole NTP team for being so welcoming and supportive, and the cast for being amazing and trusting her to guide River City to life. She couldn't do any of this without the support of her husband, children, Mom, and Dad. To my "Lilly-Vic," I LAVA you, and I'm so glad we're doing this show together.
Note from the Director
The Music Man is a beloved part of the American Musical Theatre canon. References to the show can be found all over pop culture from Family Guy to The Simpsons, from Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion to the theming music on Main Street USA at Walt Disney World.
When the show premiered in December of 1957, Broadway was in the midst of the golden age of musicals. Brigadoon, Carousel, and West Side Story all premiered within the year. The 1st Civil Rights Act was passed, Sputnik launched into orbit, and Rock and Roll was about to take over the world. The original production won 5 Tony awards, and ran for 1,375 performances. Two Broadway revivals, and two movies later, audiences are still captivated.
The show offers an idealized portrayal of America, a musical love letter to small towns. In the forward, a request from Meredith Willson requests the show be presented as a “valentine, [but] not a caricature.” The problems of River City are easily remedied, the citizens earnest and quick to forgive. It is an escapist romp that may have been perceived in the late 1950s in the same way that we idealize the 1950s today. Audiences clinging to that nostalgia, flock to the theatre, both then and now.
We hope that after this performance the spirit of River City, and its optimism follows you home.
Thank you for joining us.
-Angel Borths
Director, The Music Man
NTP, 2025
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