Expect to cry, laugh, and enjoy music at 'A Man of No Importance' opening at the Hoogland

Springfield audiences can soon find out what is important about “A Man of No Importance” at the Hoogland Center for the Arts.

"In addition to doing big shows like ‘Million Dollar Quartet,’ we love the opportunity to present shows at the Hoogland that haven't been seen before in the region," said HCFTA Executive Director Gus Gordon.

"The team of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens have written many great musicals, including ‘Seussical,’ ‘Ragtime,’ and ‘Once on this Island,’ all of which have been produced in Springfield multiple times. ‘A Man of No Importance’ is a show they wrote with Terrance McNally back in 2002, and several members of our local theatre community have wanted to present this show in Springfield for a long time," Gordon added.

A winner of the 2003 Outer Critics Circle Award for best musical, local community members will put their spin on the production. Laurie Barnes is the show’s director. “Steve Kaplan (who plays the roles of Baldy and Monsignor) first told me about this show, and when I listened to the music I was hooked," she said. "I love stories where the characters learn and grow from difficult experiences. I think all the characters in this play learn something about themselves.”

Character Alfie Byrne is a bus driver in 1964 Dublin whose heart holds secrets that he can't share with anyone but his imagined confidante, Oscar Wilde, according to HCFTA’s website. He attempts to put on an amateur production of Wilde's ‘Salome’ in the local church hall where he confronts the forces of bigotry and shame over a love "that dare not speak its name." But the redemptive power of theatre changes his life and brings his friends back to his side.

“This is a beautiful story about a man learning to accept and love himself,” Barnes added.

Craig Williams II plays Alfie. “As a gay man, this role gives me an amazing opportunity to explore and share many of the same experiences I went through before and after ‘coming out’ to the world," said Williams. "No other role in music theater has a character arch that mirrors my live experience such as this one."

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Alfie’s sister, Lily Byrne, played by Diane Dietz, is devoted to her brother. “I like Lily’s confidence,” she said. “She’s determined to see that he’s cared for and happy in his life.” Byrne added she was honored to be asked to play the role. “Overall, I was simply interested to be a part of the production in any form. It’s a very poignant piece about relationships and overcoming stereotypes/labels and personal growth, and I was excited about the challenge of the setting in Dublin.”

The music is a plus as well, said Dietz. “Music and lyrics by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, so it comes with a great reputation of quality connection of meaningful lyrics through music.”

Williams said “audiences can expect to laugh, cry, and enjoy the wonderful music. There are also several touching moments that explore some really lovely relationships between the characters. This is a show that portrays human relationships and love in really meaningful ways. Plus, the story is told in a unique way that’s very intimate. The live orchestra is excellent and the cast is filled with relatable and sometimes funny characters.”

If you go

When: Friday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m.; Nov. 10-11, 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 12, 3 p.m. Musicians will play Irish pre-show music

Where: Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., Springfield

Tickets: Adults $20, seniors/students $18

Information: www.hcfta.org or call 217-523-2787

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens musical opens at the Hoogland