Iowa Central is in the midst of Amazing Transformation! Many in our region have heard by now that we are making tremendous headway on our major remodel and substantial upgrade to our theatre performance and preparation spaces that center around Decker Auditorium. When the project is finished, we will unveil an extraordinary Center for Performing Arts which will light up not only the campus, but our entire community and region. We will be able to draw professional performers to our area–in addition to offering an incredible performance experience for the plethora of talents already active in Fort Dodge and beyond.

In the meantime, however, we are still in the business of featuring and continuing the training of our talented Iowa Central students. During this season of waiting, we have been creative and innovative in adding value to their experience here. With that in mind, I’m excited to share that our Music & Theatre team has selected a spring musical tailor-made not only for our student talent, but also for our intimate setting in the Bio Health Science Auditorium. The space has worked beautifully for our fall play, and vocal and instrumental music concerts. Audiences have commented enthusiastically about how close they are now to the action. The parking has also been a breeze. The BHS is located on the south side of the campus and can be accessed easily from the Kenyon Road entrance. Parking is directly across from the Bio Health Science building–in the Iowa Works parking lot. Parking is also easily accessible in the AST Parking Lots 3 and 4.

As our team was collaborating–which includes me as the show’s director, Will Lopes and Paul Bloomquist as music directors, Ashley Garst as technical director along with Scott Deuel as assistant and Emily Eastwood on choreography–we were searching for unique musicals that could fit our challenges this year. Will discovered a show so new that it only opened to licensing from Musical Theatre International right as our search began. It premiered at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center in June 2022 in Nashville, so we are among the first amateur groups to secure it.

Here’s how MTI describes their recent acquisition:

The show was conceived and developed by Brian Kelley (of Florida Georgia Line) and his production company CuzBro Productions, in partnership with Lively McCabe Entertainment, and BMG. Co-written by Troy Britton Johnson, Todd Johnson, and Eric Pfeffinger, the musical features arrangements, and orchestrations by Brian Usifer. Suitable for all audiences, May We All features an authentic country score of hit songs made famous by Florida Georgia Line, Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Dolly Parton, Little Big Town, Old Dominion, Brooks & Dunn, Keith Urban, and many more. The show also introduces two original songs co-written by Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard, debuting exclusively via May We All.

Drew Cohen, President, and CEO of MTI stated, “Given the initial response to May We All, we are thrilled to offer this funny and moving new show, featuring some great characters and many of the biggest and most-recognizable Country Music Hits. Audiences have fallen in love with the story and find that the recognition factor and appeal of the songs is off the charts…literally.”

MAY WE ALL takes us to Harmony, Tennessee, “the town that sings” where music used to echo through every part of town. But the community has fallen on hard times with businesses closing and the population dwindling. Returning home after two years is local country music singing sensation, Jenna Coates, who left Harmony to pursue her dreams of discovery in Nashville. In her absence, Jenna has led the locals to believe that she’s made it–but it’s all a lie. She never found her break, and she returns home to strained relationships and a town in need of rejuvenation. Her journey will resonate to all those who have faced defeat, persevered, found hope and courage, and ultimately triumphed.

A unique element in the original production was the surprise appearance of a professional country singer to perform in the closing scene. For our run, we are inviting a blend of stellar alumni singers and other guest artists to fill this role.

Since the capacity of BHS Auditorium is significantly smaller than Decker Auditorium, this feel-good musical will have a run of seven nights. So, mark your calendars to reserve your seats for March 1-7 with evening shows opening at 7:00 p.m. from Wednesday-Saturday (1st-4th) followed by a 2:00 p.m. Sunday matinee (5th) and closing with 7:00 p.m. evening shows Monday-Tuesday (6th-7th).

Tickets will be $15 for adults and $10 for students with Iowa Central faculty, staff and students attending for free. Tickets will be on sale at the Iowa Central bookstore or online: the link to the website is https://secure.iowacentral.edu/bookstore/Details.asp?ProdID=1277&category=6. The other option is to log on to www.iowacentral.edu/bookstore and click on tickets–on the top row menu bar in the middle. Tickets will be available at the door, but due to a more intimate setting–with fewer seats available each night–we highly encourage reserving seats ahead of time so that we can accommodate all patrons who want to attend. All seats are general seating, so coming early will be beneficial for securing seats.

Cast List

COATES FAMILY:

Jenna – Malaney Butrick

Harley – Dennis Morgan

Crystal – Maddy Vinchattle

Kylie – Andrea Grundon

TOWNSPEOPLE:

Liz – Erin Shinn

Joe – Bo Tracy Stephanie – Josie Harvey

Dustin – Logan Klein

RuAnn – Grace Minor

Mayor – Cameron Swanson

Tammy – Val Cazares

Wilbur – Jeremiah Brown

Angie – Gracie Arnts

Stan – Sean Peters

Ruby – Shelby Queen

Earl – Adonis Henderson

Suzanne – Kate Tyre

PJ – Dominic Hammel

Lesley Chavez

Owen Brent

Lexi Flatness

Jaden Gonzales

Ashley Hendrickson

Nate Kuehnast

Anyston Henning

Sam Mooney

Annaka Holthaus

Zayne Smith

Denver Maschmann

Drew Stanek

Rebecca Rainwater

Ashley Reicks

Sophie Smith

Lexi Downs

FEATURED DANCERS:

Rianna Vivens

Taylor Kruger

Kali Peters

Brielle Wernimont

REHEARSAL ASSISTANTS:

Hailey Davis

Kendra Morris

Shelby Stoffa