In Part 3 of a series of interviews with the cast of 2nd Star Productions’ The Music Man, meet Nathan Bowen.
Joel: Please introduce yourself and tell our readers where they may have seen you in the past year on local stages?
Nathan: My name is Nathan Bowen, and I am excited to say that this is actually my 11th 2nd Star show! Recently, readers might have seen me there as Bill in Kiss Me Kate, Cornelius in Hello, Dolly!, and Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors. I also have been lucky enough to perform at Colonial Players of Annapolis, recently as Rick in Bat Boy, Richard Henry Lee in 1776, and George in She Loves Me, as well as at Annapolis Summer Garden Theater where favorite roles have included Moonface in Anything Goes, Billy in Chicago, and Smudge in Forever Plaid.
Why did you want to be part of The Music Man?
The Music Man has always been one of my very favorite musicals ever since I saw the Robert Preston movie as a kid. It has terrific music—including barbershop vocals, which I truly love—and it has this wonderful sense of nostalgia, harkening back to a simpler time in our country.
Who do you play in the show and how do you relate to your character?
I actually wear a couple of different hats in the show. On stage, I play the bass (Olin) in the School Board (i.e. barbershop quartet). In the show, Harold Hill is able to make the four Board members get along for the first time ever when he teaches them to sing together. I suppose the best way I relate to Olin is that–no matter what mood I’m in–music can make me forget my cares and woes.
Offstage, I am a combination of Assistant Director/Co-Producer/whatever else needs to get done. I’m lucky enough to serve as an Officer of 2nd Star and it is my pleasure to work with the many people who work behind the scenes to make the magic happen. It is only my second time on the production team of a show, and it has truly been a joy and a learning experience helping guide this cast of 40 towards becoming a little town in Iowa.
Have you appeared in other productions of The Music Man before and who did you play and how is this production different and unique?
This is my first time participating in The Music Man, and I’m truly excited!!
What is your favorite scene in the show that you are not in and why? What is your favorite scene that you are in and why?
This cast is doing such a terrific job, and the book of the show is so well written/clever, making it hard to choose a scene! However, I’d have to say my favorite one to watch is the one in the Paroo house with Amaryllis, Mrs. Paroo, Marian, and Winthrop (including songs “Piano Lesson”, “If You Don’t Mind My Saying So”, and “Goodnight My Someone”). The four of those actors have just clicked so well since day one, and our Paroos fit so well as a family that it just makes my heart happy.
The favorite scene I’m in is when the quartet first sings “Ice Cream” together. I’ve loved working with such talented (and all-around swell) gentleman, and I can’t help but smile as both a character and an actor when we first harmonize together.
Which character in the show is most like you and why?
Tough to say! In some ways, I’m a bit like Mayor Shinn – not so good at public speaking and prone to getting words wrong when I do so….
What do you admire most about your fellow castmates?
We were so lucky to have such a huge turnout for auditions, enabling us to have a large (for our stage), talented cast for The Music Man. I truly admire their great work ethic and concentration – so many people in a cast can sometimes lead to distraction and wasted rehearsal time, but they all came excited about the show and ready to work! And the production really shows all that work they did to make it a great show!
Why should audience goers bring their families to see The Music Man?
It’s rare these days to get to see a big classic musical done right with all the bells and whistles—at 2nd Star we are lucky enough to perform at the Bowie Playhouse with professional tech and a wonderful space (orchestra pit, fly system, etc.) to produce big musicals. And there is a reason why The Music Man is a classic – so many memorable, excellent songs, and a book that will have you laughing and smiling the whole way through!
Beyond excellent material and a great place to perform it, this cast truly does the show justice. Terrific teen dancers, beautiful full ensemble singing, adorable kid band members, hilarious chatty “Pickalittle” ladies, and a leading pair that will wow audiences with their amazing talent!
The Music Man plays from October 16 through November 14, 2015 at 2nd Star Productions performing at the Bowie Playhouse – 16500 White Marsh Park Drive, in Bowie, MD. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 3 PM. The closing performance on Saturday, November 14, 2015 is at 3 PM. For tickets, call the box office at (410) 757-5700, or (301) 858-7245, or purchase them online.
LINKS:
Jenna Jones Paradis’ review of The Music Man.
Meet the Cast of 2nd Star Productions’ ‘The Music Man’: Part 1: E. Lee Nicol.
Meet the Cast of 2nd Star Productions’ ‘The Music Man’: Part 2: Emily Mudd.
Meet the Cast of 2nd Star Productions’ ‘The Music Man’: Part 3: Nathan Bowen.
