Photo Flash: Mara Davi and Edward Watts Star in THE MUSIC MAN at LEXington Theatre Company

The LEXington Theatre Company opened The Music Man on July 12, kicking off their fourth season of combining "Today's Broadway Stars and Tomorrow's Broadway Hopefuls" in Lexington, Kentucky.

Meredith Willson's 1957 classic is led by Edward Watts (Finian's Rainbow, Scandalous) as Professor Harold Hill and Mara Davi (Dames at Sea, A Chorus Line) as Marian Paroo. Aaron Gaines (Irish Repertory Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre D.C) plays Hill's nemesis, Charlie Cowell. And the fun-loving Marcellus Washburn is played by Justin Robertson, also known as Theatrical Illustrator "Squigs."

The company also features some of Lexington's favorite local actors, as well as college students from around the country, including Paul Thomas (Mayor Shinn), Karyn Czar (Eulalie Shinn), Melissa Rae Wilkeson (Mrs. Paroo), Laura Guley (Zaneeta Shinn), Trevor McChristian (Tommy Djilas), Owen Scott(Winthrop), and Taylor Riordan (Amaryllis.)

The Music Man is directed by Mark Madama (University of Michigan; Music Theatre Wichita), with choreography by Mara Newbery Greer, (Paper Mill Playhouse, Pittsburgh CLO, Music Theatre Wichita). The 27-piece orchestra is conducted by LEX Resident Music Director, Brock Terry.

Rounding out the design and creative team are Tanya Harper (Univ. of Kentucky) - Lighting Designer, Joseph D. Sibley, (SUMMER, Bandstand, On Your Feet) - Costume Designer and Wig/Hair Coordinator. Kevin Nedberg (MTWichita) - Production Coordinator, Marcus Ross (Blue Man Group) - Sound Designer andLisa Hardin - Props Coordinator. The Stage Management Team includes Emily F. McMullen (The Huntington Theatre), Brandon T. Holmes (Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati) and Kate Pozner (CCM). Kathrin Thawley serves Assistant Music Director and Michael Rintamaa is the Rehearsal Accompanist.

Over 40 Central Kentucky students are participating in the Youth and High School Apprentice Program - both onstage and behind the scenes. Participants in the College Technical/Administrative Internship Program include students from the University of Kentucky, University of Chicago and Belmont University. Colleges represented in the Performing Company include University of Cincinnati (CCM), Elon, Ithaca, Marymount Manhattan, Northern Kentucky University, Oklahoma City University, Penn State, Samford, Texas State, University of Kentucky, University of Michigan, and Western Kentucky University.

The Music Man will play the Lexington Opera House, July 12-15 and A Chorus Line will follow, August 2-5. Both productions are presented by Variety Live at the Opera House, with Co-Producing Sponsor, KentuckyOne Health; Media Sponsor WKYT-Channel 27; and Sponsors Central Bank, Willis Music and MCF Advisors. Additional grant/subsidy support is from the Opera House Fund, The Lexington Rotary Club, and LexArts.

Season Subscriptions and Single Tickets are currently available at the Lexington Center Box Office, or by phone at (859) 233-3535. Single Tickets also available on Ticketmaster. For more information or to make a donation, please visit the organization's website, www.lexingtontheatrecompany.org

Photo Credit: Steve & Lynn Shaffer