With the start of the new school year, it is also the start of the 2019-2020 theatre season at John Carroll. This year, the department will perform the shows The Music Man and Mamma Mia!.

The Music Man is the story of a traveling con artist and salesman who plans on skipping River City once he is paid for the instruments that he is “selling” to the town. He also falls in love with the town’s skeptical librarian.

Music Man Harold Hill will be played by junior Ryan Vest.  Marian Paroo will be portrayed by senior Brenna  Patzer.

Show Director Mr. Larry Hensley said, “Ryan’s musical talents and understanding of musical nuances will make it easier to smoothly play the role of Harold Hill.”

Mamma Mia! is the fun movie-musical where on the eve of her wedding, the main character Sophie secretly invites three of her mother’s exes in the hopes of finding her real father.

 “I am definitely excited for the shows this year,” said Music Director Mrs. Julie Parrish. “We have a classic show (The Music Man) which is so witty and charming and old-school Broadway, and I love it. Mamma Mia! is a newer show and I know a lot of students are excited for it.”

Even with the absence of Mrs. Kim Bruggemann, there will not be many changes to the department. Mrs. Parrish will take over acting classes and continue to musically direct both shows.

Mr. Hensley will also continue to choreograph both shows and will be taking over direction as well.

The first show, The Music Man, will be performed on November 8 and 9 at 7 pm and on November 9 and 10 at 2 pm.