The Piper
Rising Star ProductionsReview by Ned Piper
Normally, you'd have to go to New York City - or possibly Peoria - to attend the world premier of a musical production. That was not the case on June 23 for the Longview debut of an original musical titled "The Piper." It can be seen at the Kessler School Auditorium (1902 E. Kessler Blvd., Longview) on June 24, 30, July 1, 7 and 8. Curtain rises at 7:30 pm; there are also 2 pm performances on July 1 and 8.
Playwright Roger Griffin teamed with 19th century poet Robert Browning and Roseann Hammill, a modern day composer, to fashion a stage presentation of the well-known legend of the Pied Piper of Hamelin, a vagabond piper who agrees to rid a small German town of a rat infestation. Presented by Rising Star Productions, the play is directed by Jueanne Meyers, assisted by vocal director Laurel Moore. Steve Thorpe, as the Pied Piper, heads a cast of 52 players.
The townspeople are upset by an influx of rats that are ruining their town. A young lame boy named Kurt (Tanner McDaniel) encounters a wandering piper who claims to have magical powers. Kurt asks the piper to help the town solve the rat problem. The town counsel votes to hire the piper for a fee of 1000 gilders. The Mayor (Ron Naff) and his henchman Franzenfoofer (Adam Pond), hatch a devious plan to cheat the piper out of his fee.
The playwright has woven a number of interesting subplots into the storyline, some based on love, others on political intrigue and past deceitfulness. The action is interspersed with 26 original songs. The clever lyrics do a fine job of advancing the plot. The melodies composed by Ms. Hammill are unique and varied, often beautiful and lilting. An original CD produced by the cast is available for sale at the performance.
On the whole, the acting was excellent. In his first solo, Tanner McDaniel's voice sounded thin. He was positioned at the back of the stage and had his head was turned away from the audience. The piano accompaniment drowned out his voice. As the play progressed, the young carrot top's voice grew stronger and his character became more defined. It might have been opening night jitters that held him back in his first scene.
Tricia Potter (Kurt's older sister) has a strong singing voice and projected a believable character. Tricia's love interest, Penn (Adam Pithan) also exhibited a fine voice and a solid stage presence. Ron Naff (the Mayor), hampered by a case of laryngitis, made a valiant effort. The sense of his character carried him through and he promises to bring even more to the part as his voice returns. Adam Pond (Franzenfoofer) towers over the rest of the cast and is blessed with an unforgettable face. As a result, he appears to overact a bit. He was perfect as the Mayor's evil sidekick. Adam's scenes with the Mayor are very funny, though, perhaps, the two of them should dance a little less during their duets.
The chorus of townspeople and the children's chorus added much to the atmosphere on stage, with wonderful voices and animated characters all paying attention to the action. It's rare to hear a children's choir produce the volume and quality that this group of kids turned out. The ballerinas who played the rats danced gracefully and beautifully, adding a nice touch to the production.
Three actors/singers deserve special mention: The first is Steve Thorpe who did great justice to the title role. His piper was magical, true and inspirational. With his easy manner and excellent singing voice, he interacted well with the rest of the cast in crowd scenes and with individual actors in the more intimate scenes. I want to see him in more productions.
The second special mention goes to Erica Gonser, cast as Ilse, the ingénue who is in love with Monsieur Le'Pel. She has a bright, fluid singing voice that scampers over the notes effortlessly. She also has a commanding quality on stage. And third, Monsieur Le'Pel, played by Ti Nhong, bursts onto the stage with verve, giving a striking performance as a petulant noble intent on getting his own way.
Director Jueanne Meyers did a fine job of casting this production. Laurel Moore deserves credit for getting the maximum out of the singers. Some of the songs appear to be difficult, but were performed flawlessly.
The set was functional. There were numerous set changes in the Act Two that were somewhat distracting, but the cast managed them efficiently. The costumes were consistent with the times in which the play took place.
Pianist Greg Moore provided the fine accompaniment, beautifully enhanced by flutist Melanie Kitchens.
I thoroughly enjoyed this production. I had occasion to speak with several members of the audience after the curtain closed and heard only positive comments. It's a very thoughtful and creative work. Hats off to Jueanne Meyers for having the courage to undertake this production. She, the playwright, the crew and the cast deserve kudos. The show is worth the ticket price. Take the whole family -- there's something in The Piper for everyone.
See the show at the Kessler School Auditorium (1902 E. Kessler Blvd.,Longview) on June 24, 30, July 1, 7 and 8. Curtain rises at 7:30 and there are 2 pm performances on July 1 and 8. Tickets are available at the door. Adults: $10 evenings, $7 matinees; Under 16: $5 evenings, $4 matinees.
Ned Piper earned a B.A. degree in drama at the University of Washington and is a life insurance agent in Longview. He also serves as a Commissioner for Cowlitz County Public Utility District.
