Get to Know the Cast of "Music Man"...Martha Keenan and & Ben Gunderson

Cast of Characters for "The Music Man" Continues...

Martha Keenan as "Eulalie Mackechnie Shinn"

Martha Keenan and her husband, Tom Keenan (Harold Hill) started with CVFT in "Joseph" in 2003.  "Tom was doing photography for CVFT and came home and said "We have to get involved in a show there, it looks so fun", said Martha.

The duo has done "Joseph", "White Christmas", "It's a Wonderful Life", and now, "The Music Man". Tom was also in "Cinderella" as the King. The duo are dearly loved by all on and off the stage.  

The two met while performing in a singing and dancing group called Young Americans in 1982. They share the love of performing, making people happy and making people laugh. Martha said, "If  I can take their minds off the troubles in their lives for just a little while i feel great- CVFT has been a place that balances great talent and superior shows with fun and lasting relationships, no envy or competition , just a family feel and the satisfaction of putting on quality uplifting shows." 

Today is the final performance for "The Music Man" on the Chanhassen High School stage. There are tickets but not many -so please call the box office if you plan on attending what is being called, "the best CVFT performance I've ever seen!"...952-250-7206.

'"The Music Man" also features one of our younger members, Ben Gunderson as Winthrop Paroo. Ben is a wonderful addition to the CVFT family. His mom and dad have also played a huge supporting role behind the scenes in making the show a success.

Ben is a Chaska Middle School West 7th Grader who started in "The Music Man " in July 2010 as a chorus member. He has also played Randolph Mcafee in "Bye Bye Birdie" in 2011, and was a horse in CVFT's "Cinderella" as well as a Thief in "Oliver!" 2012.

When asked why theater, Ben said, "LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!! Love to perform live!". Ben also thinks CVFT is "The BEST organization ever!  Best productions! Best Directors! Best EVERYTHING!!!".

Ben has also performed alongside his sister, Leah, who joined him on the "Cinderella" stage. Ben sys, CVFT is also like a family to him filled with wonderful people, talented people and great fun productions. 

Ben alongside Claire Shinners who plays Amaryllis in "The Music Man"

Thanks to all cast and crew for a wonderful production. We are looking forward to the final show today at 2:00 PM. Please join us if you can. www.cvft.org or 952-2500-7206.

Jibs

CVFT Insider and Musical Theater Lover

Director Notes...Meet Joan Nelson

Vocal Director Brings "The Music Man"to Life!

Joan Nelson and her talented husband Dan Nelson

Chaska Valley Family Theatre is thrilled to have Joan and Dan back within the fold of creating yet another smashing theatrical success. "The Music Man", now in the final run of the show has been proclaimed "fantastic" and "the best CVFT show ever" by patrons attending the performances last weekend. 

I guess that should have been expected...Well-known songs such as "Ya Got Trouble" and "76 Trombones" and many more have been expertly crafted to near perfection by Vocal Director Joan Nelson, who has spent her career as a high school choir and musical theatre teacher. Over the last twelve years, Joan has made her mark in the Twin Cities as Vocal Director and actress for CVF and the award-winning Minnetonka Theatre.

By her side, both on stage and off, Joan's husband Dan Nelson, is a talented performer in "The Music Man" cast. A Partner at Best and Flanagan by day, Dan is featured as "Olin Britt" in the School Board Quartet by night. Joan has worked with the group over the last eight weeks and the effort has paid off. "I love working with the quartet and hearing their continuous improvement.  Barbershop quartet music is very, very difficult and these four gentlemen have brought a lot of talent and a huge amount of hard work to this project.", said Joan.

In addition, the husband and wife team have been active volunteers in the Minnetonka School District, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in south Minneapolis, as well as serving on as Board of Directors for foundations and organizations. Dan just skied 55 kilometers in the Birkebeiner cross-country ski race Joan also volunteers regularly at the Animal Humane Society.

The talent team hopes to see you at one or more of the final performances of "The Music Man" at the Chanhassen High School Theatre stage this weekend. 
Tickets are still available at www.cvft.org or by calling 952-250-7206. 

Friday, 3/8 and Saturday, 3/9 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, 3/9 and SUnday 3/10 at 2:00 p.m.Tickets are $15 for adult and $10 for youth 17 and younger. Discount pricing available for groups of 10+

CLICK HERE for fun footage of the show

Jibs

Get to Know Our Leads: CVFT's "The Music Man"

Cast Conversations continue: Tom Keenan as"Harold Hill"

"The Music Man" Opened March 1, 2013 to rave reviews.  Running this weekend at ChanhassenHigh School, stars: Tom Keenan as Professor Harold Hill and Marina Jurica-Preston as Marian Paroo.

Tom Keenan

Q: What is your day job?
"I am a USPS Carrier in Chaska and have been for 20 years."

Q: First show?
"My first show was 1979. I played a bottle dancer in Fiddler on the Roof."  

Q. Why theater?and why CVFT?
"Entertaining people and hopefully bringing a smile to thier face brings me joy. The stage allows me to extend both vocally and physically into all sorts of characters that are fun to explore. Theater expects you to "Color outside the lines" and I love to use all 54 Crayolas!"
"CVFT is a group of individuals who unite in a common purpose. Great people who enjoy being creative with one another with an emphasis on clean family fun. I think this is my 5th show. Don't ask me to pick a favorite- loved them all."

Q: Tell us a little about the character you play in "The Music Man"
"Harold Hill thinks he has the world under his thumb. The great pupeteer directs all to meet his needs when sudden love brings clarity to his worldview. In an instant others become his priority and humility engulfs him. Hmm, reminds me of real life somehow?"

Q; Any pre-show rituals?
"Lots of water, stretching both the vocal chords and body for 1 hour and finally prayer that in all things God be glorified by my 120% effort."

Q: Any final thoughts we should know about you?
"I met my wife 30 years ago on a stage in Michigan. Now after raising our 4 lovely children its such a pleasure to be able to continue our theatrical journey together here with CVFT."

The real behind the scenes sweethearts of the stage. - Tom Keenan and his talented and hilarious wife, Martha Keenan, playing the Mayor's wife, Eulalie Mackechnie Shinn.

Get your tickets today! www.cvft.org

"The Music Man" Cast Conversations...

It has been such fun working on "The Music Man" this winter. We can't believe it is already opening week.....but we are more than ready. I saw the run last night and seriously got goosebumps. The song and dance numbers are fun, festive and filled with talent. I truly think you will be asking your seat mate, "You sure this is community theater?!"....Extraordinary performances indeed.

Over the weeks I have been chatting with the cast and crew, taking photos and such...thought you would find it interesting to learn a bit more about some of the "ordinary people" onstage and behind the scenes that make these shows come to life. Here is the first of several:

Bill Coldwell: CVFT Board of Director Chairman and  longtime CVFT performer, designer, director. This is his 29th show with CVFT! Set Design, for "The Music Man", and management of the construction is thanks to Bill. In addition, he has worked on the marketing team and has served tirelessly as the Producer's mentor. In his spare time he developed the quirky and always entertaining role of Marcellus. Song & dance numbers are not to be missed!

***********************************************

Day Job:    Donaldson Company, Bloomington

Why Theater?    “Everyone needs a hobby.”

Family Participation:  “My entire family participated in shows like The King and I, Joseph 2000, Annie, The Wizard of Oz & Peter Pan. I often wonder how we did it. My hat is off to all families who bring their younger kids to our productions.”

Why CVFT?  “My daughter made me do it.”

Pre-Show Rituals:   “…drink a lot of water.”

Other Show Responsibilities:   “Scenery design, construction and keeping the Producer in line!”

Community Involvement:   Science Museum Volunteer, MS 150 rider, E-mentor for Best Prep

Favorite Scene in the Show:   “Well, Shipoopi, of course!”

Bill Coldwell as Marcellus and Jennifer Sopoci-Harden as Ethel Toffelmier

in "The Music Man" -Chanhassen High School, March 1-10th, 2013

Tickets on sale now at www.cvft.org. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Jibs

CVFT Member & Theater Lover

Seussical - Cast List!

What a fantastic time we had auditioning together!  I wish we could have cast everyone - so many wonderful talented people came and sang and danced and played with us!

The Cast List has been published for Seussical.  Congrats all!  Click here for details....

Behind the Rehearsal Scenes

"It's a Wonderful Life" -A Musical: Rehearsal Fall 2012

It has been such a pleasure to watch this cast come together over the past few weeks....I have been sneaking into rehearsal and taking footage for your viewing pleasure.

The night before last the CVFT Orchestra joined in the fun....there is just something about adding them into the mix.  Tomorrow night is dress rehearsal -can't wait to see that. In the meantime - here is the sneak peak.
As always....Get Your Tickets Here


Jibs
CVFT Insider

Leading Man - "It's a Wonderful Life" A Musical

Joel Peterson as George Bailey

Joel studies at St. Olaf College in Northfield (class of '13!)

and is a Chaska Senior High School Graduate

Role: George Bailey

Started in the theatre: 16

Age: 22

City: Chaska

CVFT: Please tell us how it all started. Your theater life that is.
Joel: "I knew theater was for me when I learned sports were not for me. No, but in all seriousness, I've always enjoyed singing, and my friends and family have considered me somewhat of a performer, so theater seemed a logical next step. I started in my sophomore year of High School and I haven't looked back, except right now, for the sake of this blog."

CVFT: Why Chaska Valley Family Theater?

Joel: "I continue to audition for and participate in shows at CVFT not only for the increasing quality they bring professionally, but for the camaraderie and friendliness of everyone involved. Doing "community theater" right is actually not as easy as it sounds, and I think CVFT has struck the perfect balance between taking the art of theater "seriously" and making sure anyone who is interested gets their fair chance at the authentic stage experience." 

CVFT: Your thoughts on your character and the show?

Joel: "As George Bailey, I really enjoy trying to capture his shifting mood as he descends into abject depression and desperation. It's a challenge, but one I find extremely rewarding to try to master. Collectively, I think the brisk pace of the show, combined with the upbeat and lively chorus numbers make "It's a Wonderful Life" light and enjoyable, even when dealing with some pretty heavy subject matter. Our cast does such a great job of bringing Bedford Falls to life.

CVFT: Any pre-show rituals?

Joel: "My pre-show rituals, as anyone who has seen me can tell you, basically consist of a lot of pacing and seemingly random sips of water. I wish there was more method to my madness, but sadly it isn't so. I do, however, enjoy getting to the theater very early on performance dates, simply to be able to have a moment of calm before the storm."

CVFT: Has your family been a part of your CVFT experience?

Joel: "There is no "F" in my personal CVFT. The only memorable experience in theater with family I've had is in Tom Sawyer (also done by CVFT). My dad was brought in as a last-minute character to portray someone called "Mr. Dobbins". Having no theater experience, he outdid himself. I remember him rushing on to stage, excitedly delivering his line: "Mr. Dobbins! Mr. Dobbins! Come quick! We need a coroner! There's been a MURDER!" Definitely a highlight for me.

CVFT: Any other fun behind the scenes tid bits you care to share? 

Joel: "I've had to sit out of dance rehearsals for a variety of reasons, and so I've left my talented better half alone on stage for all of the partner dancing. She's done a great job of learning all of the steps without me (perhaps excluding the trust fall). If, on opening night, while we are dancing together, you say to yourself "Wow, she is so effortless in those dance steps - it's like he's not even there!" ...there is a reason for that." 

Thanks so much, Joel. We caught of glimpse of you at rehearsal last night - "wow", said all. Your voice is amazing - as is the rest of the cast. Goosebumps two weeks out!? That's a first for me. Counting down the days until open....to get your tix please check us out here.

Jibs
CVFT Insider