L’view will present ‘Ghost, The Musical’

VW independent/submitted information

The Lincolnview Theatre Department announces its spring production, Ghost, the Musical, based on the award-winning 1990 movie starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, and Whoopi Goldberg.

The story begins with the love interest of Sam and Molly starting their new life together.  While walking home one night, tragedy strikes as the couple is mugged. Sam is murdered and Molly is left with a deep despair and grief.

Furthermore, Sam is trapped between the real and spirit worlds as a ghost. He learns the truth behind his murder and knows he has to stop the killer from hurting Molly. As he follows the man who killed him to try and find out more, he comes across an eccentric storefront psychic, Oda Mae Brown. Though she’s been a fraud, it turns out she can hear Sam, and he convinces her to help him communicate with Molly and bring down the conspirators who took his life.

This is a beautiful love story with a universal of message of love and the difficulty of letting go of a loved one. The music is very enjoyable and includes the ever-popular love song “Unchained Melody” made famous by the Righteous Brothers.

The show is very funny, particularly scenes with Oda Mae Brown and her antics. This musical will have audiences captivated from beginning to the end.

Taite McKinney makes his stage presence felt as Sam and his acting will enthrall audiences. Lainie Jones plays the role of Molly and beautifully sings some heart-wrenching love songs. Skyler Whitaker returns to the stage as Carl, Sam’s friend. Area residents won’t want to miss his portrayal of a character with some very powerful moments.

Kaylee Hobbs plays the hilarious role of Oda Mae Brown, and brings a great deal of energy and comedy to the show. She is backed up by her sisters, played by Abbie Enyart and Ryanne DuCheney.  All three of them are very funny together in their song and dance numbers.

Josh England plays the part of Willie Lopez, and his depiction of an extremely cold, heartless character is thoroughly revealed in every detail of his actions on stage. Braxton Matthews brings energy to the stage with his portrayal of the hospital ghost, and Louie Crow portrays the crazy subway ghost with madness. The group of office workers and spirits of the past include Kathy Tate, Lakin Clemmons, Storm Whitaker, Abbie Enyart, Miah Katalenas, Frankie Carey, Alana Williams, Claira Rhoades, and Ryanne DuCheney. They passionately dance their way onto the stage and express their emotions with zeal.

Other supporting cast members include Elliott Lloyd, Nick Motycka, Braden Thatcher, Jack Snyder, Braxten Robey, Jacob Keysor, Hattie Bouillon, Draya Rison, Brooke Schroeder, and Jayna Roberts.

The production crew includes Marcy Shoppell, Brooke Schroeder, Noah Daeger, Haley Pollock, Thad Walker, Hannes Winstrom, Hunter Maunz, and Maddie Gorman.

Chad Kraner is back as the director of the talented cast and crew, while Stacie Korte returns to the stage as director of music. Local talent Dee Fisher is music accompanist and vocal coach for the students, while Kim Pollock is choreographer, and Kinsey Miller displays her talents as set artist.

The musical’s orchestra includes Fisher, Matt Alessandrini, Lou Balyeat, Amy Boley, and Dave Bradford.

“The cast and crew are excited about presenting this challenging show,” Kraner said. “There is a significant amount of intense, emotional acting involved in this production and the actors are meeting this challenge.

“They are excited as they prepare to bring you a story that is deeply rich with emotion and passion,” he added. “They have been working very hard with their lines, music, acting, choreography, and set building to make this a show a wonderful experience and one to remember.”

Performances will be held at the Van Wert Civic Theatre on Friday, April 8; Saturday, April 9; Sunday matinee on April 10; Thursday, April 14; Saturday, April 16; and Sunday matinee on April 17. Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. and all others at 7:30 in the evening.

Tickets are on sale by calling 419.968.2214, extension 3242, or by emailing lincolnviewdrama@gmail.com. Any member of the cast and crew can also arrange for tickets to all of the performances.

Ghost, the Musical is presented by arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide.