Lawrence County residents who took the time to see Ironton High School’s "The Music Man" enjoyed a real treat – quality musical theater at a bargain price.

Monday, April 03, 2000

Lawrence County residents who took the time to see Ironton High School’s "The Music Man" enjoyed a real treat – quality musical theater at a bargain price.

Once again led by director Jeff Handley and conductor Bill Rath, the Ironton High cast put together a production that was not only pleasant to watch, but almost professional.

Handley and Rath were also assisted by vocal director Kathy Price, choreographer Patty Freeman and vocal coach John Curtis, who worked tirelessly with the students to turn the teenagers into the first-class actors, singers and dancers who took the stage this weekend.

Without such professional adult support, the students – and the community – would not have been able to enjoy such a first-rate production.

More than a little work went into the polished product county audiences saw this weekend. From the actors and actresses who not only had to learn lines, but songs as well, to the dancers whose steps had to be just right, a lot of hours went into this year’s show.

And then there were the people who audiences didn’t actually see on stage – the lighting and set designers as well as the stagehands who made sure every scene changed flawlessly.

And, last but not least, the musicians who created the musical backdrop for the production deserve a bow, too. Their hard work was evident in the beautiful melodies they brought to the stage.

All in all, the advisers, students and community members who were involved in this year’s musical should be proud of their show. To all of them, the community says "bravo."