Rotary Program: 7/6/05

Program Chairperson: Carrie Cinnamond

Speaker: Marty Childers, Managing Director of Jenny Wiley Theater

Marty Childers says this year’s productions at Jenny Wiley Theater are well worth seeing. To prove his point, he brought a few of the actors from “Beauty And The Beast”, “Jesus Christ, Superstar” and “Steel Magnolias” to “wow” us with their outstanding acting and singing talents. He said that he did not intend to do any talking in order that the troupe could have the time to show just what we are missing if we do not attend Jenny Wiley Theater this year. He introduced Fiona Farrell and Libby Mickle as the stage managers and director Scott Bradley, who in turn asked the troupe to assemble in the front. Their first number was a selection from “Beauty and the Beast” featuring lead soloist, Pike County’s own Misty Daniels as “Belle”. Then, from the same play, the guys got a turn with Jon Reinholt singing the lead as the gallant, “Gaston”. Finally, Jacob Thompson, who plays the part of the Beast came to the microphone to do a powerful version of the song, “If I Can’t Love Her”. At this point, Marty introduced another group of actors and asked them to come forward and do a couple of songs from the production of “Jesus Christ, Superstar”. He encouraged everyone to come see it (“Jesus Christ, Superstar”) and not let any preconceived or uninformed opinions about what it was about keep us from attending. First, Marc Ciemiewiez gave an impassioned rendition of “Herod’s Song”, as he questioned Jesus at the trial. Then, Joshua Bond who plays Jesus in the play brought his followers to the front to perform “What’s the Buzz?” Again Marty came to the microphone to encourage everyone to come to Jenny Wiley Theater and thanked the Rotary Club for our continued support for the Theater through the years. To close the program, President Jerry Kanney asked each of the troupe to come by and give their names and a special round of applause was given for their performance today. Those attending in addition to the ones already mentioned included: Dana Maddox, Leeanna Cooper, Jonathan Goble, Wade McGowen, Diana Tucker, Adam Baritot, Tom Meadows, Gabe Johnson, Matthew Helton, Sara Obrock, Eugenia Primis, Sheana Tobey, Jasmine Osborne, Jose’ Solivan, Kim Horne, Robbie Smith and Heather Branham. Also, accompanying the group, working with sound, were Jim Hulse and John Hemphill. - JMC