Preparations underway for “Music Man”

H-Town Theatre of Henryetta Schools completed another fantastic run last week of the music showcase, “A Night at the Movies.”

Lots of practice and preparation went to the program directed by Justin Been, and it certainly lived up to the hype. The community turned out in droves to see the production.

Been took a moment earlier this week to recap the production, which was shared on HPS Knight Vision Facebook page from Justin Been: What a week! “A Night at the Movies” Showcase did more than live up to the expectations we set for ourselves in producing a fan-loving show that people could get lost in while enjoying family- friendly entertainment. Right here in Henryetta, Oklahoma!

Of course, we knew our talent level and what possibilities that opened up for letting our creative brains do just that! I am so proud of our kids. They always find a way to deliver on so many levels. As with every February, sickness attacked us throughout the cast and was affecting some of our performers even during the show but you would have never known or guessed it. I don’t believe these kids truly understand what they just did. In my opinion based on the words of so many, they created a showcase that not only entertained its patrons, but left them feeling in awe, amazement, and most importantly pride! Most people always ask the question afterwards “How are you gonna top that one?” This week I heard more “I don’t know how you’re gonna top that one!” They may be right, but you better bet we already have a plan for next year’s showcase! Will it be better? Time will tell and I guess you’ll just have to wait and see!

In the meantime, don’t forget we specialize in producing top quality high school musicals that look anything but high school quality. With our rockstar Director Liz Bealko heading back to H-Town in April and myself sliding into primarily set design and production, your are gonna wanna mark your calendars for May 16-19 when H-Town Theatre brings “The Music Man” to life in Henryetta’s Alice Ghostley Auditorium!

Lastly, I must thank those who made this show possible.

To my co-director and co-creator Kristin Hargis and choreographer and co-creator Mabrey Been, I cannot even begin to thank you both enough for the hours you gave to this program beginning in the early creation stages of the show. Especially throughout the last two months in teaching, woodshedding, general rehearsals, and tireless preparation in getting our kids in the position to do just what they did! shine bright! We created a show that did all of the above and for that I am extremely grateful and proud of our collective and creative team!

Mr. Patrick Turner, you are involved in so much for our students and the value of your role in this program is undeniable and appreciated more than you know. When that show date draws closer to opening night and your time to join us in prep and technical support begins, it always adds to our creative efforts and secures that all the final touches from sound, lighting, fog, etc is ready to roll. Thank you Coach T!

Thank you Brad Foster and Travis Thompson for always being right there when I turn to ask for someone to help do the things I cannot, will not, or trust myself not to do! Wait ‘til you see what we have planned for “Music Man,” folks!

Thank you to my rock and wifey Mrs. Stacy Been. I am never alone in the development of each show. Even when I return home from all day working on show prep on top of my other duties at HHS. You are always there to listen, give insight, and love and support not only me and Mabs, but every kid in our program…

Thank you parents of our students. Long rehearsal hours most definitely cut into family time for us all and tax our kids immensely. However, if it were easy, everyone would be doing it. Everyone is not! It may not be easy but I hope you all will agree, it’s always worth it!

Lastly to you, the fans who showed up and to many of you who always show up. Your presence and support mean more than you know. Not just from a financial standpoint to our program, but most importantly in giving our kids the love and support they are earning throughout the entirety of this process. This show amazed me at your in-performance reactions and energy. Thursday night was awesome but Saturday night was electric! In case you didn’t notice, our kiddos fed off that energy to their most impressive run of the show! I have one final favor? In our post production meetings,I always try and remember everything that is said about their performance as people leave the auditorium to relay back to the kids. If you will, leave them a message in the comments of this post about what you thought of their collective performance. Most of them will read them as they obviously follow our page but I promise to share with each and every cast and tech member of the program. It drives them. Believe me!

“Night at the Movies” 2024, is a wrap!

See you all in May!