Back for his fifth year at the helm of the Medford Recreation Department’s Broadway Bound Players of Medford, director Michael Del Rossi and the cast of talented Medford youth are already rehearsing this summer’s production of “The Music Man.” Del Rossi is one of the area’s top musical theater directors producing top rated shows including “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Anything Goes,” and “The Pajama Game.” Del Rossi initiated the Medford summer musical theater program in 2006 and since then has consistently produced a sellout program for the Recreation Department.
In selecting a summer show, Del Rossi looks for a family-friendly production that will accommodate a large cast with dynamic chorus numbers and interesting characters. “The Music Man” fits that bill with its light-hearted, entertaining script and larger-than-life personalities.
“The production will bring River City, Iowa to life with period costumes, exceptional set designs and an amazing cast,” he said.
Del Rossi attributes the success of the Broadway Bound Players to what he calls the “perfect storm of administrative support, strong parental backing, and willing and talented kids. We also receive tremendous support from the community. After all, if we don’t have an audience to perform for, we couldn’t do what we do!”
Del Rossi acted in summer theater and school productions throughout his school years. While in high school and college, he helped direct the local middle school’s productions, a passion that led him to start a summer theater program in his hometown.
“I gave some thought to becoming a drama teacher but my first love is history, so I decided to major in that as a career,” he said.
Del Rossi teaches social studies at Medford Township’s Haines Sixth Grade Center and runs the Haines/Memorial Middle School Drama Club.
“My goals for the future are to continue what I am doing. Nothing is more important than nurturing my students if musical theater is their interest,” he said. “Whether it is helping them gain self-confidence, hone their skills or discover new talents, I want more than anything to provide a fun, secure, and positive experience for the participants.”
A self-described voracious live theater-goer, Del Rossi began acting in the third grade.
For now, Del Rossi is focused on nightly rehearsals at the Kirby’s Mill Elementary School, where over 60 middle and high school students are singing and dancing their way to River City, Iowa!
Show times are August 4, 5 and 6 at 7 p.m. with a matinee showing on August 6 at 2 p.m. All shows will be at Lenape High School Theater.
Tickets are $8 and can be purchased in advance at the Medford Recreation Department, located at 17 North Main Street or online at www.MedfordRec.com. Tickets will also be available at the door.
Seniors with a Golden Age Pass will be admitted free of charge to the Saturday matinee showing.
For additional information, please view the production’s Facebook page by searching Broadway Bound Players of Medford — The Music Man; or contact the Recreation Department at 609–654–2512 or via e-mail at recreation@medfordtownship.com
