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06/01/2007Pumped UpSummer theater company returns with two shows starting June 28BY ERIN CROWELL 
Under the direction of choreographer Erin Peck, Brian Cheatom and Megan Madison rehearse their dance steps for "The Wiz," which will be put on by Miracle Productions July 25-Aug. 11 at the Milliken Auditorium. Cheatom plays the scarecrow and Madison plays Dorothy. TRAVERSE CITY — Miracle Productions is back with two new musicals at the Dennos Museum Center's Milliken Auditorium this summer. On this year's lineup are "Pump Boys and Dinettes,” opening June 28; and "The Wiz,” starting July 25. Pat Gallagher, the longtime director of the annual musicals for both Traverse City Central and West high schools, had seen a great deal of talent over the years. That's why she established Miracle Productions two years ago, using her retirement savings to invest in and harness that talent into a professional theater company. Miracle Productions gives area theater students the opportunity to showcase their talents while providing family-friendly shows, Gallagher said, noting that the cast members are paid for their work. "I've seen just an immense amount of talent come out of this area,” said Gallagher, an eighth-grade teacher at Traverse City West Junior High. "Many of them go off to college to study, so I want to give them a professional experience. I see this as a steppingstone in their career.” Gallagher will direct both plays. Also on the team will be Erin Peck, assistant director, choreographer and lighting designer. Jeffrey Cobb, who last year left his position as choral director at Traverse City Central High School to spend more time with his family while focusing on other musical endeavors, is musical director for both productions. A prolific composer, Cobb has had some of his work on radio and television, and has created scores for two films. This summer, Cobb will expand his repertoire to include acting as his orchestra pit role does double duty as an actor in "Pump Boys.” "(Cobb) will be appearing on stage for the first time in his life,” said Gallagher. "There's some new skills he's honing. He's going for it 110 percent.” "Pump Boys and Dinettes” celebrates a simpler time and life along Highway 57, featuring a variety of music genres including gospel, rock and roll, country and boogie woogie. Gallagher said she chose the ensemble piece for its variety of music and upbeat humor. Providing the music and acting as the "Pump Boys” with Cobb are Brady Corcoran, Mike Racine and Jeff Caviston. Ashley Larimer and Claire Gibbons are "the Dinettes,” waitresses and proprietors of the Double Cupp Diner. The Broadway hit, "The Wiz,” is based on the children's book, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by Frank Baum. This modern-day version takes a multicultural journey through lessons of heart, home and courage. Megan Madison stars as Dorothy, with Stephen Dillon as The Wiz, Brian Cheatom as the Scarecrow, Madison Ford as the Tin Man, Kellen Swift-Godzisz as the Lion, Maggie Mallery as Aunt Em/Glinda, Kayla Peabody as Addaperle and Kate Madison as Evilene. Ensemble members include Ariana Hendrix, Leah McCord, Liz Pixley, Amanda Geha, Jake Stinson, Kyle Ivester, Connor Sweeney and Jimmy Kekalos. "The quality of the performance, the big production numbers, the full, live orchestra … it really is all about the fast-paced level of professionalism that sets a professional company apart,” said Gallagher. "All of these students are studying this. It's not just a hobby. "I want people smiling when they leave the theater.” Shows run in Milliken Auditorium on campus at Northwestern Michigan College. "Pump Boys and Dinettes” performances are at 7:30 p.m. June 28-30 and July 5-7, 12-14 and 18-20. "The Wiz” will run July 25-28 and Aug. 1-4 and 8-11. Regular tickets are $20, with premium seating at $25. Students high school age and under pay $15 and there are discounts for senior citizens. For tickets, call the Milliken Auditorium box office at 995-1553. More information is available at www.miracleproductionstc.com.
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