McKinney Summer Musicals

October 7, 2009 – McKinney Summer Musicals Announces 2010 Show: "Damn Yankees"

Variety is one of the hallmarks of great community theatre, and no one knows this better than McKinney Summer Musicals (MSM). This talented group of singers, actors, and dancers enjoyed successful runs of “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” in 2007 and “The Music Man” in 2008, followed by this year’s stunningly dramatic performance of “The King & I”. For 2010, MSM has chosen the classic musical comedy “Damn Yankees”, a modern retelling of the Faust legend set in 1950’s Washington D.C., when the New York Yankees dominated Major League Baseball. Based on the novel, The Year the Yankees Lost the Pennant, this rousing musical features a cast of colorful characters and over a dozen timeless tunes, including “Heart” and “Whatever Lola Wants, Lola Gets”.

“We are especially excited about ‘Damn Yankees’ because it has so many unique qualities that echo the unique nature of McKinney Summer Musicals,” said director/choreographer Kevyn Robertson. “We have been blessed with many talented male performers who want to take part in our shows, and this show has lots of great roles for men, as well as for women. In fact, auditions will be open to everyone ages five and older!”

Performances of “Damn Yankees” will be July 10-18, 2010 at McKinney North High School Theatre. Additional information about performances and volunteer opportunities can be found at the MSM website at www.mckinneysummermusicals.com 

04/29/2009 – McKinney Summer Musicals Announces Cast for "The King and I"

In addition to several supporting characters, the show will include nine King’s wives, sixteen young princes and princesses, fifteen royal dancers, and eight priests. A highlight of the show is “The Small House of Uncle Thomas” ballet, which will showcase the talents of the dancing chorus. The production will also feature a full live orchestra under Neel’s direction. Robertson noted, “Larry and I have worked together for years, and he brings a wealth of experience to our production.  I love musical theatre, and the way it brings everything I love together: dancing, singing, and acting. Putting it all together is a challenge, but one I enjoy. What is especially enjoyable on the community theatre level is to audition, meet, and work with so many talented people from our community and from nearby communities. This is not just the performers on stage, but the numerous people working behind the scenes." 

McKinney Summer Musicals (MSM) enjoyed successful runs of “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” in 2007 and “The Music Man” in 2008, and plans to continue its tradition of excellence in community theatre with this season’s show.  In addition to Briggs, other McKinney Summer Musicals (MSM) alumni include Noelle Chesney as Lady Thiang, Kate Berteau as Tuptim, and Max Gattuso as Lun Tha. According to Robertson, “McKinney Summer Musicals has a history committed to excellence, and this show will be no different. The costumes and sets will be beautiful, and the audience is in store for a truly memorable experience.” Over 120 singers, dancers, and actors of all ages turned out for McKinney Summer Musicals’ open auditions for “The King & I” on April 13 and 14. Director/choreographer Kevyn Robertson and music director Larry Neel selected a diverse cast of 50 from this group, including Patrick Briggs, who will play the King of Siam, and Cindy Dixon, who will play the role of Mrs. Anna.

02/25/2009 – Arts Enthusiasts Raise Funds for McKinney Summer Musicals "The King and I"

McKinney Summer Musicals’ production of “The King & I” may be several months away, but director/choreographer, Kevyn Robertson and her crew are already busy raising funds, organizing publicity efforts, and procuring costumes and sets. McKinney Summer Musicals (MSM) enjoyed outstanding runs of “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” in 2007 and “The Music Man” in 2008, and plans to continue its tradition of excellence with this season’s show. “The King and I” promises to be a lavish production of the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, featuring stunning sets, a full live orchestra, and a talented, multi-generational cast.

Although MSM is funded in part by a grant from the McKinney Arts Commission, the organization also relies on donations from corporate and individual sponsors. On Saturday, January 24, the MSM Board held a fundraiser at the home of Jack and Kym Radke in McKinney. The evening included a sumptuous buffet dinner, followed by a “sneak preview” of the production’s music and costumes. Guests responded with enthusiastic applause and generous financial contributions. “The backing of the arts community is crucial to the survival of any community theatre, and we are very blessed to have so many people in McKinney and the surrounding area who volunteer their time, talents, and money to make our shows a success,” said Robertson. 

Performances of “The King & I” will be July 10-12 and 16-19, 2009, at McKinney North High School Theatre. Additional information about performances and volunteer opportunities can be found at the MSM website at www.mckinneysummermusicals.com