Meyers Returns to Glasgow on a High Note

Andy Meyers, known to many in Valley County as the artistic director for the Fort Peck Summer Theatre, is now also known as Best Director of a Musical, taking home the accolade in the 2015 BroadwayWorld Phoenix Awards.

About the award, Meyers said he feels, "Great! It's kind of a funny award, being peer voted." He described his award-winning show, The King and I, as "the little engine that could," noting that much of the production was new, from designers to his experience with the material. He praised the cast as superstars, singling out his lead actor, Alan Ariano (who won Best Actor) and choreographer, Heather Adams (winner of Best Choreographer).

Asked about the impact to the Fort Peck Summer Theatre, Meyers feels there are several benefits to winning in Phoenix. He noted an immediate outcome is that people are now clamoring to travel to our corner of the state to take in a show in Fort Peck. He also mentioned that it may make recruitment easier, bringing in talent who may not have otherwise sought out such a remote locale. Meyers also plans to take advantage of his win when it comes to grant writing, using his Arizona success to benefit FPST.

For FPST goers, Meyers promises a wide array of productions this summer. Though still bringing classic and family-friendly shows (Man of La Mancha, My Way: A Tribute to Frank Sinatra, and Mary Poppins), the company is stepping slightly outside their comfort zone and inviting the audience to join them, bringing in shows such as The Woman in Black and The Last Five Years. Meyers expressed excitement and a bit of nervousness over the choices, saying they are, "taking a few risks, but not every show is going to be everyone's cup of tea. I really believe we'll have something for everyone."

Those who yearn for summer and the theatre, yet are resigned to winter for a few more weeks, may find some relief in upcoming events: Meyers will be performing in a special Winter Show presented by the Fort Peck Fine Arts Council, and will immediately jump into assisting with GHS's play, The Wedding Singer.

The FPFAC is presenting a reading of The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams at the end of the month. Appearing alongside Meyers will be FPST alumni Pam L. Veis, Jay Michael Roberts and Sydney Haward. The first reading will be at the Cottonwood, Friday, Feb. 26 at 7 p.m., while the next day Soma dis Deli plays host, also at 7 p.m. Tickets are still available. Interested parties should contact the FPFAC at 228-9216.

From the reading, Meyers will, for the first time, be lending his credentials as a choreographer to GHS's spring performance of The Wedding Singer. Meyers expressed excitement over working with the young adults, commenting that he knows many of them from his time in the Theatre. He also lauded Luree Chappell as a "musical wizard."

In addition to working with the high school, Meyers looks forward to expanding arts exposure and bringing a special presentation of Pinocchio to Glasgow this summer, noting that the show will feature five performers, be aimed specifically at a younger audience (children as young as three should enjoy it!), and be performed at multiple locales. Look for a press release with more information in a future edition of the Courier.

Auditions for the summer theatre will be squeezed into Meyers' busy schedule, on Feb. 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the GHS auditorium. Interested individuals should come prepared with a one-minute song and one-minute monologue. For questions or more information, please contact FPFAC Executive Director Michelle Tade at 228-9216.