October 21, 2013

Local Production Sparked Electricity and Fire

Thirteen years ago members of the Slayton community and beyond, youngsters and adults, families and friends, all came together to perform an incredible production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolored Dreamcoat, on the Murray County Central high school stage.

That show featured a massive cast of dedicated performers…..creative sets…..fabulous vocals…..outstanding costumes and so much more.
               

I was thinking about that experience the other day while listening to the soundtrack of the Broadway production.  Well of course that led to digging out the old video cassette recording that was made of the local performance, and I watched it with vivid memories in my head and a tender touch of nostalgia in my heart.

               

I have said it before and still contend that I enjoy watching this local production even more than the professional movie version, starring Donny Osmond.
               

Directed by Lon and Rhonda Hellenga, the local production was led by the incomparable Krista Parker Keller and her brother Tommy (who by the way made his musical and acting debut in this drama).  If you have fond recollections of that summer, or once you've watched the old VHS, I think you’ll agree that their voices were truly inspired as were those of the many other cast members.
               

It was a marvel to rival any production of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s “Joseph”.   Charlie Asman, in the part of Jacob, held the distinction of being the eldest and patriarch of the vast cast that numbered over 50, while the youngest, my son Patrick, was a mere 4 years old at the time and making his own stage debut.  A bevy of brothers and wives and children portrayed by local thespians (many of whom were making their own stage debuts as well), comprised the cast.
               

It was truly unforgettable.
               

That memorable performance, which was sponsored by the Friends of the Slayton Library, led to the formation of the Prairie Oasis Players, who went on to present other remarkable musical and theatrical performances including:  Music Man, State Fair, Jesus Christ Superstar, Oliver, Into the Woods and others as well as one-act plays and variety shows.
               

Oh the memories.
               

Some of the players have moved on to other communities but many are still here.  I wonder if they miss the challenges and satisfaction that creating a show like any one of these entails.  The beauty of a community organization such as this is that it provides an opportunity for entire families to be involved together in a short-lived summer season.  Young and old rub shoulders in a common cause and sturdy bonds are formed that in some cases can last a lifetime.  What’s not to love about that?
               

I will again watch the video cassette recording of our “Joseph” and gladly lend it to anyone who wishes to watch it too.  And I challenge the community to think about coming together once again to create some new notable moments.