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!

Thanks to those who have commented here or who have sent us a message via the contact us page. We love to hear from you and are keen to have you involved in the group!

Last night we were working on Shipoopi. If you have seen the movie of The Music Man, you'll know this is a really fun and high energy song - we are keen to keep it that way in our show too! The younger members of our cast - the teenages of River City - are doing an amazing job of picking up dancesteps, blocking and singing in a very short peperiod of time. Well done team!!

This post is open to all to share their opinions and ideas, ask questions and add comments. Any member of the CPP community is invited to comment. If you are a cast member - tell us what's going on with you and your experience so far, if you are new to the group - share your opinion and ask us some questions, if you've been around CPP a while - let us know what you think about the new look website, blog and photos.

It's easy to participate, just click on the 'comments' link below and fill in the boxes.  You never know, your great comment could be used as a feature post :)

We are looking forward to hearing and chatting with you online!

I'm Ruth and I'm loving being part of the Music Man this year. I'm playing on of the Pick a Little ladies and having a great time. THe role is fun and funny :) I've been with the group for many years  now and haveenjoyed having roles in  lots of shows - in particular i loved Les Mis - it was really a highlight. Rehearsals are going really well and I've been surprised by how quickly the leads have learnt their lines and everyone is really throwing themselves into their roles. It' been wonderful to spend time with lots of friends and to be part of

Watching rehearsals last night, I was just amazed at how quickly the cast picked up their choreography and blocking. It looked sensational, even though it was only the first night of rehearsing that scene.  Again, the two leads were so well prepared that it was as if they had been rehearsing for weeks - no scripts even!
Supper was an exciting one too as one cast member shared some very beautiful and elaborate home made cupcakes! Such a pity the whole cast wasn't there to share them ... oh, well, more for the rest of us I suppose :)

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!