The Hartland Player’s production of “Annie” takes the stage at the Hartland Music Hall May 12-13 and May 19-20. The Livingston Post is introducing you to members of the cast. For more information on the performance, click here.
Rob Somers is a business development manager for 3M where he has worked for the past 21 years. He, along with his wife and two young boys, have been residents of Howell for the past 14 years. Rob had the pleasure of growing up in small town called Lisbon, Iowa. He pursued his degrees in design and education at Iowa State University.
How did you get involved with the Hartland Players and what shows have you been involved with in the past? What are some of your favorite roles from the past, either with the Hartland Players or other groups?
Somers first became aware of Harland players last year thru the children’s Encore program, which his boys participated in. After his boys had roles in “Shrek Jr. the Musical,” “Charlie Brown” and a couple of the summer camps last year, he become part of that unofficial “theater family,” that group of fellow parents, directors, etc., that work behind the scenes to assist in getting the children’s productions onstage.
During that time, last fall, Somers was approached by director Mary Jo Bell about the Hartland Players 50th Anniversary Show, and seeing if he could help out and perform a song of two for one of the shows. It had been over 20+ years since he had been onstage in any performances, having done productions while in college at ISU such as “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Pirates of Penzance,” and “Our Town.”
What do you most enjoy about doing shows with the Hartland Players?
Somers said the most enjoyable parts of Hartland players are the fellow actors, directors, and staff; that is what makes the “community” element of the shows! He said it is truly amazing to see people step out of their normal day to day life, running in just from end of work or after dinner with their families, and come together to bring the pages from the script to life, watching fellow actors discover their roles/characters are true gifts.
What’s been your favorite part of the “”Annie”” experience?
Somers said the journey of seeing the production come together — especially with “Annie” — where both adults and children are working on acting, singing, choreography (a lot of activity) is enjoyable, and there become scenes along the way where these moments erupt, like watching the orphans’ “Hard Knock Life” number come to life, that have been a true joy.
What can audience members expect when they see the show?
“You can expect it to be a fun, family show with laughs, great songs and some truly talented people who live right in your backyard,” Somers said. “The show is a testament to even in the busiest of lives that we all have; you still get a chance to make a little magic along the way!”
