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Local News

Mason musical shaping up

By OWEN McNEILL

Sunday, March 2, 2008 6:59 PM EST Print this story | Email this story
The spring musical presented by the Mason County Concert Choir and Orchestra has become almost a year-long study in dedication and determination by participants in the annual production.

Students and administrators are already hard at work at the Mason County auditorium every evening preparing for this year's production of Lerner and Loewe's "Camelot" which will debut April 18, 19 and 20.

Knights, princesses, queens, kings, jousting and swords are part of the musical's portrayal of mystical King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

According to Charles J. Hunter IV, music conductor and producer for the play, students and other participants have been going full steam since auditions were held in October.

"Even prior to that, others put in a tremendous amount of hours studying exactly which play to produce for the annual event," Hunter said. "You select a musical based on personnel, voice ranges and in our case, we wanted a show that was somewhat of a contrast to what we've done in the past."

Marsha Franklin, musical director, concurred.

"I love this show. We put it off because of costuming difficulties but we just had to do it. Every year it becomes harder and harder to top the last year. We've gone from "Beauty and the Beast" to "Les Mis(erables)" and now we are back to musical comedy of Lerner and Loewe. It makes for a nice change of pace."

Hunter commented on how the musical talent pool within the school system has changed as well.

"Now we have students who have grown up in the theater," he said. "Now we have over 125 students involved in this. The main cast is supported by students in the chorus, orchestra and production staff. It's unique in that it's a music department production with students from all schools. We incorporate every level and age of musical talent."

"These students really love this," Franklin said. "They certainly want to be here and that shows. We tell them something once and they somehow know it, almost second nature. They are really fantastic students. Soon we will hit April and we will basically live here in the auditorium. We are so fortunate to have this auditorium. It's our classroom and we couldn't do these events without it."

Bethany Sparks, a 17-year-old senior plays Queen Guenevere.

"We've worked unbelievably hard since October," Sparks said. "With this being my fourth play, I've spent an unbelievable amount of time down here but it's all been worth it. We've had a lot of fun."

Daniel Reed, an 18-year-old senior plays the role of King Arthur.

"I was in last year's play," Reed said. "We've put a lot of work into this. I gave up track for the play because we are down here almost every day. It's been pretty intense but I'm so excited with this being my first time in a main role."

Both students agreed it is exciting to be a star in such a production but that they couldn't do it without everyone's help.

According to Franklin, a main line in the musical sums up the experience well.

Franklin quoted, "Don't let it be forgot, that once there was a spot. For one brief shining moment that was known as Camelot."

Franklin explained Camelot was about how perfection can be obtained, but not sustained because people are only human.

According to all involved, the students working so diligently at the Mason County Auditorium may come close to that perfection and have enjoyed trying.

Reader Comments

Comments are limited to 200 words or less.

TP wrote on Mar 3, 2008 1:57 AM:

" I hope everyone in this community realizes just how very fortunate we are to have a man such as C.J. Hunter to teach and lead our children. My children are now grown but once benefitted from his leadership and dedication while they also preformed and helped with the musicals as well as took choir and orchestra. He was a large than life presence in their school years. Thank you, Mr. Hunter, for bringing some class into our children's lives and for extending their education in such a very valuable and memorable way. You are quite a man! "


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