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Iverson, a Springboro resident, is no stranger to the stage. In fact, he just finished “The Giver” at Town Hall Theatre.
“I was dressed all in black and looked like Johnny Cash,” said Iverson, performance instructor at the theater for the past seven years.
If you remember Curious George books as a child, then you might be scratching your head wondering how someone plays a character who hardly ever talks.
“He does a lot of reactions to George. The stage production helps The Man in the Yellow Hat do more in the show. He essentially reiterates what George is trying to say,” said Iverson, 49, whose family moved from the Washington, D.C., area in 1997.
They had to move east for a short while due to Ed’s dad’s failing health, but the family wanted to move back to Springboro in 2005. Iverson has a theater performance degree from the University of Maryland. He is married to Becky Iverson, a city council member and multi-sport enthusiast. They have four children: Montana, 19; Connor, 17; Haley, 13; and Alyssa, 11. All the children have worked with their dad at the theatre over the past seven years.
The role of Curious George will be shared by Anna Bailey and Olivia Mongelli. The Baileys also live in Springboro.
“I can tell Anna loves what she’s doing. She’s excited to go to every practice and every performance,” said Anna’s mom, Pam Bailey. “She’s willing to put in the time and effort to learn the songs, the lines, and the choreography.”
That choreography is quite challenging for Bailey and Mongelli.
“It’s a new thing to take on, you have to crawl all the time. You have to just get used to it; my legs hurt from all the crouching,” said Bailey, 12. “But I’ve actually had some fun with it.”
Bailey and Mongelli usually alternate performance dates so they can rest in-between times and soothe their tired muscles. Speaking of performances, there are 12 of them.
“The director is awesome. he gives us more freedom to try other things,” said Bailey. “He will say, ‘I want to see all of your ideas.’ He’s easy on us, which is great.”
Mark Phillips is the director.
“How could this be anything but fun when it involves a monkey, a meatball, and great music?” said Phillips. “The energy of the cast and production staff are turning this fun little play into a truly entertaining event. The music and dancing will enthrall kids and get their parents’ toes tapping.”
Also starring in the show: Kaylee Johnson as Chef Pisghe; Sophie Caton as Phinneas; Mikuya Ford Ne as the doorman; and Grace McHenry as O’Malley.
Other roles: Reesa Cuesta as Frankie and others; Alex Hanson as Painter 1 and others; Alyssa Iverson as Italian Painter 1 and others; Katelyn Halter and Italian Painter 2 and others; and Alison Hanshaw as Italian Painter 2 and others.
The play has music by John Kavanaugh, book/lyrics by Jeremy Desmon. The play is based on the books by Margret and H.A. Rey; play is owned by Universal Stage Productions. It is recommended for age 4 and older.
Contact this contributing writer at 937-225-2211 or email PamDillon@woh.rr.com.
How to go
What: Production of “Curious George: The Golden Meatball”
Where: Town Hall Theatre, 27 N. Main St., Centerville
When: The show’s run begins on March 9 and ends on March 25. Show times will be 7 p.m. on Fridays; 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. An additional show will be at 11 a.m. on March 17, a Saturday.
Cost: $15; $13 seniors/students; $10 for 12 and under. All day-of-show cost: $15
More info: 937-433-8957 or www.washingtontwp.org
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