'Thoroughly Modern Millie' opens Feb. 8
Artistic director Bart Herman said he has wanted to direct “Thoroughly Modern Millie” ever since he saw the film, starring Julie Andrews. “I fell in love with the character, Millie Dillmount, when I saw the film,” he said, “and was reintroduced to her when the movie became a Broadway musical. From then on I wished to direct it.”
Herman’s wish will come true when the musical opens on Friday, Feb. 8 at The Little Theatre of Tuscarawas County. The fourth production of the season is sponsored by Schoenbrunn Inn and will continue its run Feb. 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24.
In this musical spoof set in the roaring '20s, feisty young flapper Millie Dillmount plans to find a job and marry a wealthy employer. Though fond of penniless paper-clip salesman Jimmy Smith, she's determined to marry well-heeled company man Trevor Graydon, who loves Millie's roommate Dorothy Brown. As all four try to find love, evil landlady Mrs. Meers schemes to sell the orphaned Dorothy into white slavery.
Highly successful on both stage and screen, the fast-moving comedy was nominated for seven Academy and five Golden Globe awards and won a Tony for the best musical in 2002. Music is by Jeanine Tesori with lyrics by Dick Scanlan.
This season’s cast includes Erin Milano as Millie Dillmount; Nathan Bond, Jimmy Smith; Jade Boffo, Ruth; Kait Gallagher Wilsterman, Gloria; Sara Hohman, Rita; Sarah Spies, Alice; Rachel Ress, Cora; Kaitlyn Dunlap, Lucille; Elizabeth Holmes, Ethel Peas; Roxie Long, Mrs. Meers; Heather Curtis, Miss Dorothy Brown; Brian Keith, Ching Ho; Brody Morris, Bun Too; Sheila Samson Witt, Miss Flannery; Chester Boffo, Mr. Trevor Graydon; Shannon Mitchell, Muzzy Van Hossmere; Will Haverfield, George Gershwin; Mykala Aldergate, Dorothy Parker; Palmer Witt, Rodney; Emily Ivory, Daphne; Dylan DeMonte, Dexter; and Brook Sommers, Mathilde.
Members of the song and dance ensemble are Belle Fockler, Brian Keith, Sara Hohman, Will Haverfield, Rachel Ress, Heather Curtis, Emily Ivory, Paul Dunlap, Elizabeth Thomakos, Brody Morris, Kait Gallagher Wilsterman, Palmer Witt, Kaitlyn Dunlap, Shannon Mitchell, Logan Oreto, Abby Zeedyk, Jade Boffo, Chester Boffo, Sarah Spies, Dylan DeMonte, Elizabeth Holmes, Mykala Aldergate, Brook Sommers and John Nay.
Serving as crew members are production manager, Amy Rucker Nutter; set and lights, Mickey Rogers; costumes, Cheryl Schnebelen; makeup and hair, Debi DeVore and Valerie Nixon; stage manager, Beth Blickensderfer; and props, Pam Douglas and Chris Witt.
Adult tickets are $15 each with student and military tickets available for $10 with identification. They may be purchased through the Performing Arts Center at Kent State Tuscarawas in person or by calling 330-308-6400 or at the door before performances. Curtain times are 7:30 p.m. for evening shows and 2:30 p.m. for matinees.
