This week's rehearsals have been very exciting because we have now blocked and run through every scene! The show is coming together so don't forget to tell family and friends.

In between singing, dancing and trying to pin down that illusive Harold Hill, Jacey Squires (known to some of us as Darren) spared a few minutes to chat!

CPP: Welcome to the blog Jacey, what is your role within River City?
JS: Well, I'm a member of the school board and I'm sure you know that the education of our children is the most important job in any town. I am a highly respected elder of the community.
CPP: Of course, and I noticed you have some of your esteemed colleagues with you also?
JS: Yes, there are 4 of us on the school board and we find that most of the River City folks find it a comfort to know we are in charge.
CPP: Yes... I'm sure. Did I hear you all singing earlier? Is that really appropriate for a man in your position?
JS: Certainly it is! We have a gift for singing and we feel  that it is our job to share that gift with the community. Although some people might find it amusing to poke fun at 4 middle-aged and respected men running around town singing love songs, that won't deter us from sharing our wonderful voices with the general public here in River CIty.
CPP: Well, that's very... considerate of you all.
JS: Yes, it is. I'm afraid I must rush, the other members of the board are meeting to rehearse. Thank you for your interest. Good evening to you.
CPP: Ummmm, thank you for your time, Jacey Squires!

Darren is loving playing Jacey Squires in The Music Man and loves all musicals - too many to name a favourite! He is looking forward to opening night (and the after party!) and hopes that in the audience twill be..... no spare seats!!

So, keep Darren (and Jacey) happy and check back next week for more on how rehearsals are going!

     How did you find the auditions?
Although I am usually no good in auditions, I found it quite warm and welcoming.

·     Have you been in shows with CPP before?
Yes, this is my 5th show with CPP, with my first one being when I was 8.

     How long have you been a member of the group?
I have been a financial member on and off since I was 8, but I have been around the group since I was born!

·     How did you first find out about the group?
Through the active participation of my mother and father, teaching them their lines from age 3 :)

      What’s been the most fun thing for you so far?
Being in yet another show with my dad, my brother, my auntie, uncle and three cousins.

·     Tell us about your character. Personality, family, occupation…
My character is the ruffian of the town, the leader of the gang and like to cause a stir. He blows up Mrs Shinn, the mayor's wife and tries to get away with it. However, he is secretly seeing the mayor's daughter behind his back, and ends up working with Harold Hill in the band.

     What do you know about your costume so far?
It is an old fashioned suit, complete with waistcoat...very doctor who

·     What are you looking forward to most about the show?
The atomsphere during the show and before. Becoming another person and letting them "out of the box"

Thanks Mitch, we are looking forward to seeing you onstage in October!

Poor old Marion is in for it tonight as she works hard at the library, minding her own business! The cast are having a lot of fun with rehearsals so far and supper is a lively and noisy time. The hoodies have been ordered (don't forget to pay - cast members!) and set building has begun. It's full steam ahead for the River City townsfolk!

Thursday's rehearsal saw a lot of fun and frivolity. Poor Sam had her work cut out keeping those hen-pecked wives in order as they gossiped and flirted with Harold (who didn't seem to mind!). The pick-a-little song promises to stay with you for a long time and we will definitely find yourself singing it after the show! Well done Harold for managing to stay in control even when being mobbed by the ladies and hounded by the men - a true talent!!
 See you next week!

My role in the show is Euphemia Squires and I'm one of the Pick-a-little ladies, the tight nit group of  1912-style girl power in River City, Iowa! This is my first show with the group, i've done plays but this is my first musical. So far, it's different because the inclusion of music means the blocking is very different and there's lots more to think about. It's really fun and I'm enjoying the different experience. I first joined the CPP choir in January this year and then Jenn (MD) suggested I come along to auditions. The story of the Music Man is quaint, fun and has lots of heart. I'm really looking forward to getting into costume so that I can really 'feel' Euphemia!!! I

Auditions last night! Well done everyone :) Despite some nerves, a good time was had by those of us waiting in the 'green room'. With the practicing of dance steps, a bit of quiet singing and a fair few American accents to be heard, the vibe was friendly, warm and helpful. Not what you might expect at an audition!! This group is really different. As people now anxiously await their letters to see how their fared, the first rehearsal is looming - next Tuesday! Try and bear the wait people!

Last night was the first information night for the upcoming season of the Music Man. Lots of people there, great to see old friends and new faces. The night was great fun, we all learnt more about the plot of The Music Man, then we proceeded to learn the audition DANCE! After the singing of some great songs (which set the mood and got everyone ready to give their best at auditions) the evening wrapped up with some fairly full audition sign-up sheets and a lot of laughter! Good luck to all who are auditioning and thanks to those who supported us by coming along to the info night!