“Ya Got Trouble” If You Miss This One: Reflections from River City

 

There’s a certain kind of magic that only community theatre can conjure. It's the kind of magic where a stage transforms into 1912 Iowa, where you’re warned to watch your phraseology, and even the mention of “four score” might earn you a well-timed interruption. 

It’s heartfelt. 

It’s hilarious. 

It’s home. 

The Music Man has been a joy to live inside these past few months, and last night’s understudy show was no exception. In fact, it was a hit, with what may have been our best audience yet. 

Tonight, the main cast returns, and that means my son Everett is back as Winthrop. Forgive a moment of proud dad bias, but the kid’s been slaying it (even if that’s not quite how the cool kids of 1912 would put it). 

It’s hard not to feel a pang knowing we only have three performances left. I’ve fallen in love with this show from the toe-tapping songs to the emotional undercurrents that sneak up on you mid-scene. But more than that, I’ve fallen in love with this cast, this crew, our directors, our tireless band. It’s more than a production. It’s a family. And like any good family, there’s been plenty of support, a mountain of encouragement, and yes, just enough inside jokes and teasing to keep things fun. (I’ll likely never live down the mysterious emergence of Mrs. Winthrop, but that’s a story for another time.) 

This experience has been one of joy. Pure, infectious joy. It’s a reminder of what happens when passionate people come together, give their all, and trust the process. Community theatre is about showing up, not just for the audience, but for each other. And when everyone does? Something truly magical happens. 

🎟 There are still a few tickets left. If you’ve never seen a community theatre show before, let this be your first. You might just leave humming the songs and wondering what shows up next in your own version of River City. 

Grab your tickets here.