Conestoga Valley townlively.com
MARCH 22, 2023
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LIX • NO 13
Tapping along with “The Music Man” CV to stage Broadway classic BY ANN MEAD ASH
hen Vince Whitman, director of the Conestoga Valley High School (CVHS) spring musical, was searching for this year’s show, he discovered the choices were quite limited. “Basically, there were not a lot of shows available,” lamented Whitman, who noted that area theaters often claim exclusive rights to shows. Fortunately for Whitman, the classic “The Music Man,” was still on the list. The production, which will involve 49 students, including six elementaryschoolers, will be staged in the school auditorium, 2110 Horseshoe Road, Lancaster, on Thursday, March 30; Friday, March 31; and Saturday, April 1, at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, April 2, at 2 p.m. A free preview will be given on Wednesday, March 29, at 6 p.m. for Conestoga Valley-area senior citizens who present special cards. Senior citizens who wish to obtain cards may call 717-397-5231. The plot of the musical revolves around Harold Hill, played by Evan Zimmerman, a con man who pretends
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to be a band leader. He sells musical instruments and band uniforms to the residents of River City, Iowa, while promising to train the members of the new band. The townspeople, with the exception of librarian and piano teacher Marian Paroo, played by Riley Fidler, fall for Hill’s tricks. Although Paroo sees the truth, after witnessing Hill helping her younger brother, Winthrop, played by Liam Hengst, overcome his lisp, she begins to fall for the trickster. The show is known for toe-tappers such as “Seventy-six Trombones” and “Ya Got Trouble,” along with the softer melodies of “‘Till There Was You,” and “Goodnight, My Someone.” Whitman and choreographer Amy Meehan have taken the toe-tapping literally, by adding tap dancing to several of the numbers, including “Shipoopi” and “Seventy-six Trombones.” “Tap is normally not in this show, but we decided to throw some in,” said Whitman, who added that “Rock Island” kicks off the show with fast-talking rapstyle lyrics that he has chosen to underscore with tap dancing.
Although most of the students were unfamiliar with the show, Whitman said that a large number auditioned and that they were very excited to take part. Because of the significant turnout, Whitman was able to choose enthusiastic and talented students for the cast. “Our Marcellus (played by Philip Le) is a freshman, and he’s awesome,” said Whitman. “(In) some of the supporting roles, there are some very talented students (as well).” Whitman noted that the cast and crew have also overcome challenges, including the retirement of the set designer and having to change pit orchestra conductors just a few weeks before opening night. “We are getting to crunch time,” said Whitman, with only a few weeks of rehearsals left. “We have a lot of work to do to pull this show off.” Thoughtfully, Whitman added, “As with every show, they will pull it all together in time.” Tickets for all performances are available at www.showtix4u.com by searching for “Conestoga Valley High School.”
Taking a seat at the table
Sharing the burden
BY CATHY MOLITORIS
CON
Faith leaders invited to mental health seminar BY ANN MEAD ASH
There is an old saying that “many hands make light work.” Mental Health America of Lancaster County (MHALC), in partnership with We Rise International and with the help of a grant from LMC Legacy Foundation, would like to lighten the burden of area faith leaders with regard to the mental health of their communities. Leaders of all faiths in Lancaster, York, Lebanon, and Adams counties are invited to “Guiding Faith Leaders on Mental Health,” a breakfast Janelle Bitikofer
Members of the cast of the Conestoga Valley High School production of “The Music Man” include (from left) Liam Hengst, Evan Zimmerman, and Riley Fidler.
scheduled to be held on Wednesday, March 29, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Eden Resort, 222 Eden Road, Lancaster. Seating is limited and registration must be made by Wednesday, March 22. There is a nominal fee to attend. Kim McDevitt, director of MHALC, said that the breakfast was inspired in part when she attended a funeral for a young man who died of an overdose. She noted that when the officiant gave the eulogy he began to cry. “He said ‘I wish I could have done more,’” recalled McDevitt. Knowing that experts
Margaret Thatcher once said, “If you want something done, ask a woman.” There’s a whole lot getting done in Lancaster County, because for the first time ever, all of the Chambers of Commerce in the county are led by women. Each woman brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to her role, but all of the leaders share a common goal: They want to make their community a great place to live and work. Denise Grove, who started her role as executive director of the Elizabethtown Area Chamber of Commerce in February of 2022,
See MHALC pg 2
See At the table pg 8
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said the job offers her a way to really connect with others. “As a lifetime resident of Elizabethtown, I had a strong desire to work where I could make a difference and be a part of strengthening our community,” she remarked, a sentiment shared by Heather Valudes, who has been president and CEO of the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce since June of 2022. “I love Lancaster and the work that we are able to advance to make our employer community as strong as possible,” she said, noting that the Lancaster Chamber is countywide and represents nearly 1,500 businesses, almost half of the county’s workforce.
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