Kneeling are: Nancy Gibson and Benjamin Johnson. On the next row: Linda McInnis, Regan Harwell, David Miller, Benny Eggler. On the back row: Emily McIlwain, Connie Shannon, Keith Farmer, Amy Poole, Tom Belcher, John Triplett, and Gene Kinard.

    The Meridian Little Theatre announces the cast for its Tony award winning production of “The Music Man.”

    As American as apple pie and a Fourth of July celebration, this classic flag-waving, feel good musical, based on the Broadway show, will be presented October 7-13 and is rated G.

    “The auditions for the featured roles were some of the most competitive we have seen in the past few years,” according to the MLT casting committee. “We had a very difficult time choosing from the many talented people who auditioned.”

    The lead role of charming con man Harold Hill will be played by Keith Farmer. Farmer is a veteran at MLT and was most recently seen in the May production of “The Producers,” along with the MLT production of “Beauty and the Beast.” He is a fourth grade teacher at Northeast Elementary.

    Amy Poole was awarded the female lead of librarian Marian Paroo. Also a MLT veteran of numerous shows, she is employed by attorney Thomas L. Webb, and is a member of the Meridian Symphony Chorus. 

    Playing the comic roles of Mayor Shinn and his wife, Eulalie, are David Miller and Connie Shannon. Miller is a well known face at MLT, having most recently directed “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” He is currently the Executive Director for MS Regional Housing Authority No. V in Newton. Shannon is joining us for her second MLT performance and is the co-owner of The Village Kitchen.

    The members of the Barbershop Quartet will be Benjamin Johnson, Gene Kinard, Benny Eggler, and Tom Belcher. The four female friends of Eulalie will be played by Emily McIlwain, Nancy Gibson, Linda McInnis, and Regan Harwell. The teenage roles of Zaneeta and Tommy were given to Alexis Kercheval and Austin Smith. 

    The part of Winthrop, Marian’s lisping brother, was won by Ahmed Pasha, and Marian’s piano student, Amaryllis, will be played by Anna Lea Stewart. The role of Mrs. Paroo, Marian’s Irish mother, was given to Buffi Crouch. John Triplett will take on the role of Marcellus, Hill’s friend, and Charles Enderlin received the part of rival saleman Charlie Cowell. Tom Fair will play Constable Lock.

    The teen dancers are McKenzie Griffin, Chase Cooksey, Colton Cooksey, Arrielle Dale, Rosey Lau, Tanner Goldman, K.K. Johnson, Kyra Smiley,  and Tanner Felton.

    The roles of the townspeople and children will be played by Cade Cooksey, Grant Guidry, Dalton McIlwain, Morgan Ausbrooks, Grayce Crouch, Bethany Davis, Arlen Guidry, Holly Triplett, Genie Durden, Andrea Ertel, Kay Poole, Michelle Pasha, Tom Belcher, Frank Douglas, and Larry Birzer.

    Jimmy Pigford is directing the show, with David Benson as Music Director. Meredith Jones and Heather LaCoste from the Alpha School of Dance are the choreographers. Orchestration will be by Carey Smith, and Rio Cross is the production manager.

    Season memberships are on sale now. Individual tickets for the show will go on sale Monday, September 7. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the theatre box office at 601-482-6371 or visit the website at www.meridianlittletheatre.com.