Players ready tuneful Broadway history

Coudersport—The Potter-McKean Players are in final preparation stages of an ambitious production, “Hats Off to Broadway,” to be presented May 9 and 10 at the Coudersport Consistory.

The revue traces 100 years of the history of Broadway musicals, decade by decade, in medleys of some of the most representative numbers from the longest running hit shows.

Open auditions weeks ago found a good number of the North County Voices singers signing up, along with seasoned Players. Since then the cast has put in hours of rehearsals in borrowed church quarters and the Coudersport high school auditorium, directed by Gloria Richardson.

Numbers by Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Cole Porter, Lerner and Loewe, Stephen Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber are among the former show stoppers, now standards, sure to be recognized by audience members of all ages.

An eight-piece band will support the singing and action of the 22 vocalists. Paul Herzig and Jackie Fosmer will share narration efforts.

This week final rehearsals will be held at the Coudersport Consistory. There the public will hear and see the result, Friday and Saturday night. Doors will open at 7 p.m.; the performances will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are priced at $10 for adults and teens, and $6 for children through 12. Tickets are available from cast members, and at First National Bank, Haubers Jewelry Store, Buchanan Pharmacy and Laurelwood Inn in Coudersport, and First National Bank, Port Pharmacy, Joel Anderson CPA and Smith Memorial Library in Port Allegany.