Wichita Theatre Revs Up Entertainment Offerings

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There was trouble in River City, but they got their boys’ band in the end.

“The Music Man” is one of the most recognizable titles in American musical theater history and the Wichita Theatre did it justice in its recent run. Not only did they have an impressively large cast, but the leads and ensemble all delivered solid performances of demanding roles.

If you have ever seen the movie version with Robert Preston and Shirley Jones, you would be familiar with the high-energy delivery, the demanding timing, and the utter lack of oxygen necessary to pull it all off. Not only did the cast hit all the right notes, but they also gave an excellent performance of the intricate choreography that went with the iconic songs. There were no easy roles in this production.

Disappointingly, there were no playbills, and no QR code to scan to credit the actors. However, Garrett Henderson carried the show as an exemplary Harold Hill, the smooth-talking salesman who travels the midwest selling nonexistent boys’ bands. Amanda Jackson McDonald was the skeptical Marion Paroo, the librarian who discovers his secret early on, handling with ease the soaring notes necessary to her role. Jonathan Corracio played Marcellus, Harold’s former assistant who reunites with his old boss by chance for one last scam. Andrea Hale gave a solid performance as Marion’s Irish mother. Blake Winn, Michael Gonzales, Billy Brasfield, and Brandon Stott were a highlight of the show as the squabbling School Board who unite to deliver beautiful barbershop harmony.

The Wichita Theatre is moving on to “Sister Act” (May 1st-9th) and “Prince of Egypt” (July 11th-August 1st). Across the street, the Stage 2 Dinner Theatre is still on its run of “Clue” (March 13th-May 9th), with “Shear Madness” scheduled for June 5th-July 25th.

Dwayne Jackson, owner of the Wichita Theatre, also informed the audience of a new project: HubTreks, set to launch on May 1st. It’s a platform intended to serve as a regional communications hub to inform locals and visitors within 100 miles of Wichita Falls of community goings-on, and curating information about food, entertainment, shopping, art, and culture.

If you’re a business owner who would like to reach a wider audience, or if you’re an ordinary person who’s looking for hidden gems, visit www. hubtreks.com.