| "Molly Brown" Makes a Splash | |
|
If you've never been to a musical by the Huntsville Community Chorus, 
you're in for a treat. I wasn't sure if it was a full-blown musical or just a few musical numbers from the play sang by the chorus on bleachers. Just so you know, it includes the works: energetic actors, fabulous dancing, gorgeous costumes, colorful scenery, realistic props, and a set that includes a spectacular "red parlor" for the Browns' Denver mansion. This production of "Molly Brown" involved 8 directors and choreographers, 9 technical crew members, 48 actors and 15 musicians for the orchestra. The photos in this article we taken in between acts on Dress Rehearsal night of the play.
Director Gary Knight has done an excellent job of capturing the energy and fun of "The Unsinkable Molly Brown." Knight is a theatrical veteran with over 25 years experience.
"Molly Brown" became popular in the 1960's as a Broadway Musical and a popular movie starring actress Debbie Reynolds in the title role. It is based loosely on the real-life story of Margaret Tobin Brown, the only daughter of a poor Irish immigrant, who dreams of becoming famous and being accepted into society. After her husband strikes it rich in the gold mines, they move to Denver. She and her husband's lack of education and training make them outcasts in the Denver society circles. Molly talks her husband into traveling to Europe to seek acceptance and gain training interacting with the aristocracy. Thus, she was on the Titanic when it sank and her heroic efforts to help save some of the passengers has guaranteed her fame.
In this Huntsville Community Chorus production, Cydney Thomson plays Molly. A play based on the life of one characters needs a strong lead for that part, and Cydney is up to the challenge. She creates Molly as a delightful and rambunctious spitball of a tomboy,
wrestling on the floor with her brothers and standing up to her husband's towering presence. She's a spunky woman with a "vivid" language. Her poor attempts at gaining approval from the snobs of society, like Mrs. Gladys McGlone, played by Gaylen Pugh (who we love to hate in this part), endear Molly to the audience. I was impressed with the physical demands of the role for Ms. Thomson. Her acting and musical talents carry the show from beginning to end.
Shawn Thomas plays the part of Johnny Brown. He is also the choreographer of the show which includes many imaginative dance routines. Mr. Thomas is a professional singer with three CD's of original pop/dance music. When he proposes to Molly, Johnny's rendition of "I'll Never Say No To You" will make all the women's hearts melt. I 
enjoyed Shawn's performance tremendously. I couldn't help but think, though, that he looked too young to be playing the role of Mr. Brown. I was surprised that he wasn't asked to grow a beard or put gray in his hair to age him a little more.
"The Unsinkable Molly Brown" will have shows April 12, 13, and 14 at the Von Braun Center Playhouse. Check the Events Calendar for details or go to the Huntsville Community Chorus website for ticket information. 
