Published: April 11, 2008 10:42 am      

Musical features cast with close ties

DANVILLE — It’s a family affair in Danville Light Opera’s production of the musical theater classic “The Music Man.”

The cast has more than 70 people, almost as many as the 76 trombones in the show’s signature song. Having many of the performers related adds a note of authenticity to the small-town atmosphere that the show recreates.

Two of director Angie Mansfield’s three daughters have parts in the show. So do both of her parents.

Maureen and Garry Hinkle, Mansfield’s mom and dad, make their DLO debut in “The Music Man.” Both appeared in the St. James Methodist Church production of “It’s a Wonderful Life” and each sings with a local chorus.

Maureen has been a Sweet Adeline for 25 years, and Garry belongs to the Danville Barbershop Quartet. Neither considered themselves actors until now.

“We always sang, but we weren’t necessarily theatrical,” Maureen Hinkle said. “That was (Angie’s) thing.”

Hinkle said about working with her daughter in this show, “She’s the boss. She’s very professional.

“I try not to make too many comments.”

Danville High School junior Kelsey Dougherty encouraged her mom, Sue, to audition for “The Music Man.”

Sue Dougherty hadn’t performed since Kelsey was born. Before that, Sue appeared in high school plays and community theater in her hometown of Taylorville.

Kelsey has appeared with Red Mask Players and DLO as well as in Danville High School show choirs. Mother and daughter will perform in “The Music Man.”

“(Kelsey) knew all the people involved (in this),” Sue said. “She told me, ‘If you want to do (a show), this is the one.’”

“I thought the singing would be the most challenging,” she said, “but it’s been the time commitment that’s been a surprise.”

Sue said she felt delighted when her teenage daughter wanted to spend all that rehearsal time with her.

DLO veteran Suzy Smalley feels proud of her daughter Sammy’s debut with the group.

The Bismarck-Henning High School freshman returned the compliment.

“It’s fun to work with my mom,” she said. “She’s my role model.”

Sammy will appear as part of the teen dance ensemble in “The Music Man.” She has studied dance with Laurel Soderstrom since she was 3 years old. This performance may lead to bigger things with DLO.

Choreographer Jesse Pierce, a Danville native who lives in Chicago, commuted between the two cities to work with the casts of the last two DLO shows. He thinks he’s found his replacements in future shows: Sammy Smalley and another teen, Rodolfo Woods.

“I see them as co-choreographers,” Pierce said.

“This has been the best dance ensemble I’ve worked with,” he said of the group of teens. “These two are very strong. It’s been exciting to nurture them.”

A veteran performer as well as choreographer, Pierce appeared in his first DLO show 18 years ago.

“I’m at the point where I feel as if I’m taking opportunities away from young people here,” he said.

Danville’s Bob Scott, cast in the show’s title role, and Champaign’s Jessica Brackmann, who plays librarian Marian Paroo, don’t have family members in the cast.

Brackmann, originally from Hoopeston, appears in her second show with DLO.

“I love this show,” she said. “It represents small-town life to me.”

Bob Scott just returned from a five-year hiatus from theater. He doesn’t have any relatives in the cast, but he’s happy to be back with the theater “family.”

“I’ve been involved in over 30 shows since I first started acting in 1982,” Scott said. “They included appearances with Champaign-Urbana groups, but Red Mask and DLO have always been my preference.”

Scott, who described himself as an actor who sings, said, “I’ve always wanted to do this part.”

IF YOU GO

Danville Light Opera will present “The Music Man” at 7:30 p.m. April 19 and 2 p.m. April 20 in the Danville High School auditorium. Tickets are $16 for adults and $12 for students high school age and under.

Reservations can be made by calling the DLO box office at 431-1660 or by stopping by DLO’s Center Stage Rehearsal Hall in the Village Mall from 2-4 p.m. Sunday or from 6-8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. Tickets also may be purchased at First Savings Bank, 6 W. Williams St. Remaining tickets will be on sale at the door.