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Ice Cream, You Scream, We all Scream for…The Music Man’s Barbershop Quartet The Music Man parades onto the TriArts stage Thursday, August 6th at 7pm. The beloved story of a con man, the promise of a boys’ band and a small town that will never be the same is a celebration of community and one of the great works of American musical theatre. And no production of the Music Man would be complete without a barbershop quartet!  The Footlighters – (L to R):Jack Ostmark(Lead), Ron Pierson(Tenor), Bud Fair(Bass), Mark Courtney(Baritone) Artistic Director Michael Berkeley said: “When we were auditioning for the show we initially thought we would cast four men and create our own barbershop quartet. That was until The Footlighters breezed into the room!” Cantankerous? Stubborn? Bickering? That sure sums up the quarrelsome River City School Board. And who better to play this great Music Man role than The Footlighters Barbershop Quartet? These guys are all of the above, yet loveable and harmonious. The quartet hails from Poughkeepsie, NY, and has been ringing four-part harmony chords since 1975, entertaining audiences throughout the Hudson Valley and, in various configurations, winning two Division Quartet championships along the way. Jack Ostmark, lead singer and chief instigator, is a retired Detective from the New York State Police. The Tenor is Ron Pierson from Hopewell Junction, NY, a retired IBM Engineering Manager and cross-country trucker. Mark Courtney sings the Baritone part, having joined The Footlighters in January 2009 specifically for the Music Man role. He is from Poughkeepsie, and is a Professor of Engineering at Dutchess Community College and a fine musician. Mark previously sang with Entertainment Tonight and teamed with Bud, in Rave Revue, to win the Northeastern District Quartet Championship. Bass Bud Fair, also from Poughkeepsie, is a long-time barbershopper and quartet man. He is a retired IBM Senior Engineer. Bud loves writing comedy material. Alice Bemand, TriArts Executive Director said “Who would have thought a trio of engineers and a retired cop would have this incredible musical talent? These four charming, harmonizing men add a hilarious dimension to the show.” The Music Man original cast album won the very first Grammy award for best “Broadway Musical Score”. The Quartet sings Lida Rose, and other classic songs from the show include Till There Was You, Gary, Indiana, Trouble, and of course, Seventy Six Trombones. The Music Man is directed by Stephen Nachamie who already directed three huge hits for TriArts: Cabaret, Chicago and A Chorus Line. We’re thrilled to have him back. Something else to trumpet about: the nine-piece orchestra led by Lee Harris, who has music directed national tours including the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Little Women, Bye Bye Birdie, and many more.
Playhouse Stomp
The Playhouse Stomp, is a brand new concert added to the TriArts calendar, with the best of the area college bands ready to rock the house. Alice Bemand, Executive Director, said “TriArts serves a wide age-range with our show selections and Big Band concert; however we felt there was a gap for teens and college aged kids who don’t have many opportunities to listen to live music.” The Playhouse Stomp will fill that hole, with three bands performing at the Sharon Playhouse. Headlining is lespecial, popular local band known for their aggressive improvisation and ability to energize the crowd. Two-time winners of the Battle of the Bands, they consist of Jon Grusauskas (lead guitar), Luke Bemand (electric bass) and Rory Dolan (drums). Said Luke Bemand, “It’s a great chance for people to come listen to three talented bands, and it’s nice to offer something to the community where the kids don’t have enough outlets for entertainment.” Rory Dolan added: “We hope this becomes an annual event.” The three musicians are music majors at college; Mr. Bemand and Mr. Dolan are studying at Berklee College of Music; Mr. Grusauskas just graduated from Bennington College. Also appearing is Constance Grace. Headed up by Byron Clohessy, the band consists of his Wagner College colleagues. Mr. Clohessy is a graduate of HVRHS, though he is currently living and performing in New York City. In March, 2009 the band released its self-titled, self-produced EP at Hard Luck Recording in Brooklyn. Dream Angel, winning band of the 2009 Battle of Bands is also performing. They consist of Sam McGarrity (lead guitar), Andy Lundeen (drums) and Dillan Halas (electric bass). All three are recent graduates of Housatonic Valley Regional High School, and Mr. McGarrity is heading to Berklee College of Music in September.
Click Here to listen to our Radio spot and get a taste for the Music Man. Purchase Tickets
August 6 – 23 Sponsored by: Herrington's, Elyse Harney Real Estate, Founders Insurance Group
August 11 Sponsored by: Riley's Furniture Youtheatre: A Message from a Happy Parent I cannot even begin to tell you how much fun my daughter Shannon had at camp this past week! She came home laughing, smiling, singing and dancing every day and could not wait to return the next day. She has always enjoyed the theater - but this week - was something very different - I think her heart grew an even greater love for the performing arts - and its all because of the phenomenal instructors! Again - thanks for working so hard with the kids and loving what you do - it shows in the kids! Looking forward to seeing you again in August for Disney Rocks! You guys do amazing work! Thanks again! Thank YOU Sharon, for supporting and encouraging your child’s love of the arts! And yes, we think we do a pretty amazing job, too! |
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It’s time for your kids to face the music…live music that is, with the introduction of the Playhouse Stomp on Tuesday, August 11 at 7pm on the main stage. 
| All Information Subject to Change Without Notice | Michael Berkeley, Artistic Director ~ Alice Bemand, Executive Director |