The Hartland Drama Club Troupe #4213 presents Meredith Willson’s “The Music Man” April 26-28 and May 2, 4 and 5. From now until opening night, we will be introducing you to members of the production. Today, we meet Jeremy Lepcynski, who plays George Shinn, mayor of River City, a self-important, pompous man who gets lots of things wrong.
For Hartland High School senior Jeremy Lepczynski, perfecting his role as Mayor George Shinn in the Drama Club’s production of “The Music Man” meant stepping out of his comfort zone and portraying a character whose personality is vastly different from his own.
“I find it difficult to act the part of Mayor Shinn in the sense that he can be a very insensitive and aggressive individual at times, and that’s simply not me,” said Lepczynski, the son of Jeff Lepczynski and sibling to sister Hayley. “It’s difficult becoming the closest thing this show has to an antagonist.”
Through months of rehearsing, Lepczynski has captured the mayor’s self-important, blustery and pompous nature. It’s a complex role because the mayor takes himself seriously, but comes across as funny. Lepcynski says the role, and his involvement with Drama Club since freshman year, has helped him to grow as an actor.
“I’ve learned much more about characterization, and I’ve come much further as a comedic actor, as well, learning more about comedic timing and how to make people laugh,” he said. “I’ve also improved in my dancing skills by leaps and bounds, even if I still have a ways to go!”
Performing on stage doesn’t always feel comfortable to Lepczynski — “Stage fright is a constant fear for me,” he confessed — but he overcomes his fear by keeping in mind how much time he’s spent preparing for his role. The result is a performance that thoroughly entertains theatergoers.
“I hope audiences will enjoy the comedic and high-energy performances of ‘The Music Man,’” he said, “and have as much fun in the audience as we have on stage!”
The Hartland Drama Club Troupe #4213 is presenting Meredith Willson’s “The Music Man” at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 26 and 27; at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 28; 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 2, and Saturday, May 4; and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 5. Tickets are $15 for adults, and $13 for seniors and students, and available for purchase at www.hartlanddramaclub.weebly.com. For every ticket sold for the Thursday, May 2, performance, $1 will be donated to the Humane Society of Livingston County. All performances will be held at Hartland High School, 10635 Dunham Road, Hartland.
