‘Music Man’ Already Drawing an Eager Cast for Next Season’s Musical

By Darragh Doiron, The Port Arthur News, Texas

Aug. 1–Director Keith Cockrell is expecting sell-out crowds at “The Music Man” this weekend. He’s also looking forward to crowded auditions for next season’s town-and-gown musical.

“The best news for me is that half the audience was coming up to me after the show and saying ‘I want to be in next year’s show.’ That’s when you know you’ve got ‘em,” Cockrel said.

The show opened this past weekend and continues through this weekend.

Lamar State College-Port Arthur and Port Arthur Little Theater produce a family-themed summer musical each year that involves a huge cast and crew. “The Music Man” tells of traveling salesman Harold Hill arriving in Iowa where he convinces parents a children’s band would keep the kiddies out of the pool hall. He plans to skip town after he gets the cash, but Marian the librarian captures his heart. She deduces his plan, but decides to keep his secret, because he has inspired the town to bind for a common good.

Keith Huckabay and Amber Lanning have the starring roles this season.

As for the next show, Cockrell said he welcomes the interest, but is too busy to think about what the musical will be.

Performances of “The Music Man” will be Friday through Sunday, Aug. 1, 2 and 3, at the Lamar Theater on the LSC-PA campus, 1700 Lakeshore Drive. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m. and the Sunday matinee will be at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for students and seniors and $5 with Lamar ID. Reservations may be made by calling 984-6111.

Contact this reporter at ddoiron@panews.com.

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Copyright (c) 2008, The Port Arthur News, Texas

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