CU Theatre's "The Music Man" named best collegiate production

Cedarville University’s winter 2017 production of “The Music Man” garnered two awards from Russell Florence Jr. of Dayton Most Metro. The online magazine named Cedarville’s “Music Man” best collegiate production of a musical and honored Bob Clements, emeritus associate professor of theatre, for best scenic design of a musical.

“What an exciting confirmation of Cedarville University's vibrant role in our arts community,” said Rebecca Baker, emeritus associate professor of theatre, who directed the musical. “We are grateful for the way theatre opens doors across the entire academic and professional region. Theatre is a team sport! My sincere thanks to all the artistic staff, actors, crew members and musicians for their creative energy.” Baker retired in May.

“The Music Man” earned eight additional nominations: Robbie Lindmark, sophomore theatre major who played Harold Hill, for best actor in a musical; Remy James Patterson, a senior theatre major who played Marcellus Washburn, for best supporting actor in a musical; Baker for best direction of a musical; Carrie Anthony, local choreographer, for best choreography; Rebekah Priebe, associate professor of theatre, for best costume design of a musical; Clements and Megan Howell, a 2017 theatre design graduate, for best lighting design of a musical; Sam Partridge, sophomore theatre major, for best sound design of a musical; and Jeff Beste, director of alumni and parent engagement, and Carlos Elias, professor of music, for best orchestra.

Rachel Joy Rowland, 2017 intercultural studies graduate who played Marian Paroo in the production, and Jonathan Kimble, local elementary student who played Winthrop Paroo, gained honorable mentions.

“It is such as honor for the Cedarville University Theatre program to be selected as worthy of awards such as these,” said Dr. Diane Conrad Merchant, professor of theatre.“ We do not create our theatre productions with an attitude of competition, hoping to win some type of prize over others’ works, or to view our productions as “better than others.” Instead, we enthusiastically participate in the world of theatre to learn about our world, appreciate others who have lived before us and to create art which is sometimes thought-provoking, sometimes humorous, sometimes contemporary and always God-honoring.”

Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 3,760 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 100 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and leading student satisfaction ratings. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.