Largest Cast Ever for Cheshire Musical

There may be "Seventy-six Trombones" leading the big parade in the Cheshire High School musical, "Music Man," but there are nearly 100 cast members keeping the beat. 

The well-loved musical premieres Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and runs through Saturday at Thorp Auditorium. The music and lyrics by Meredith Willson include such classic numbers as “Good Night Ladies," "Til There was You" and "Ya Got Trouble."

Director Dawn DeMeo said the 96-person cast is the largest ever for spring musical at the high school. "For most of the kids, they see it as a tradition and a long-standing program. (Students) saw everyone was having so much fun" DeMeo said. 

The male lead; Zach Wehner who plays Professor Harold Hill, had never had a speaking part before, DeMeo said. The female lead is Emma Gannon-Solomon, who plays Marian Paroo, the librarian.

"They both had all their lines memorized before the February break," DeMeo said. "A lot of the show depends on Emma. She is not a diva; she's dependable and reliable. She is always, 'spot on,'" DeMeo added.

DeMeo is an English teacher at the high school, but she's directed the spring musical for 15 years. "It's a close knit family. Graduates come back and all of the adults are committed," she said.

One of those graduates is Chet Ostroski, who is DeMeo's assistant. He's now in graduate school, but heads back to his alma mater to help with the musical. Ostroski said the rehearsals really geared up after the February school break. "They work well as an ensemble, the whole cast is coming along," he said.

Having a part in a musical is not a minor undertaking, DeMeo said. The cast has rehearsed 20 hours a week since January. "The kids are committed. They respect the schedule. We hold them accountable, but we honor the students' " time, she said.

"The seniors really set an example," DeMeo continued. "I always say, 'there are no leads, just leaders.'"

The musical is supported by 40 additional students who are assigned to the tech crew, set design and orchestra.

Tickets to the musical can be purchased at the door. Adult tickets are $14 and students or senior citizens are $12. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.showtix4u.com.