Welcome back to the Front Row Blog. Not only is it Front Row Friday, it’s also opening night for our production of The Music Man! This could not be a more perfect opportunity to sit down with the woman behind our musical’s beautiful sound, music director Sarah Markovits.
Encore: Thank for joining us for an interview on Encore’s blog! Could you introduce yourself and tell us how you’ve been involved with Encore?
SM: I am a soprano, a voice teacher, and a proud choir nerd who didn’t do nearly enough musical theater when I was growing up (although I did get to play Grizabella in Cats as an adult!). In my teaching, I want my students to be Empowered, Energized, and Inspired by their experiences. I had seen several Encore shows, and I was consistently impressed by the quality, and by the fact that everyone seemed to be having such a good time – I wanted to be part of that magic! I’m so excited to be serving as Music Director for this summer’s production of The Music Man!
Encore: The cast of The Music Man features actors from age ten up to college students and beyond. How does this affect how you run rehearsals?
SM: I think when you expect everyone to perform at a high level, age or experience become secondary factors. Adults need permission to be silly just as much as kids need to learn to be “serious”! When you work really hard and can see that it is paying off, I think you are much more likely to continue to work really hard – my job is to make sure the singing is healthy and that folks are having fun.
Encore: What’s been your favorite part of the rehearsal process?
SM: I’ve really enjoyed watching the camaraderie develop among the cast. Everyone wants to see the show succeed, and it really is a team effort!
Encore: Do you have a favorite musical moment in the show?
SM: I love “Rock Island” – and the first time the Quartet sings “Ice Cream” all together – and “Pick-a- Little/Goodnight Ladies” – and “Wells Fargo Wagon” – and…this is an impossible question to answer!
Encore: Describe Encore’s production of The Music Man in five words or short phrases.
SM: Buy your tickets right NOW!
Encore: Is there anything else you’d like audiences to know or keep in mind?
SM: These amazing singing actors have dedicated their whole summer to bring this slice of American Musical Theater History to life. It takes a lot of hard work, a lot of time, and a lot of courage to do what they do, and I am so proud to be part of this production!
You heard the music director: get your tickets today! The Music Man opens TONIGHT at Kenmore Middle School Theatre. Tickets are available online, at the door, or by phoning the Box Office at (703) 548-1154. Join the band and keep out of “Trouble” – we can’t wait to see you there!
Photos by: Shannon McCarthy and Aileen Pangan
Blog contributor: Shannon McCarthy, 2016-17 Arts Apprentice