South Haven News

By Sydnie Rae

Keeley Coon is the Head Director and Head of Music for South Haven’s “Guys and Dolls Jr.” musical. She is a K-12 music teacher and theater director. Tori Wilson is the Assistant Director and Technical Director. They both went to Sterling College.

Wilson said his first impression of the group was, “You’re all a young eager group and it was fun to see because everyone is pretty new to it. It feels good for me and Miss Coon to be able to provide this for you all. “

Coon said, “They were very excited and it was cool to see people from so many different groups and cliques come together and be apart of a show.”

When asked if they thought we would be hard to manage, Coon said, “No, I think everything is a learning process and but everything is new and I don’t consider it any different than managing college or professional adults.“

Wilson said, “Yes, but who isn’t hard to manage? It doesn’t matter who it is, directing a show is hard.”

Wilson said his favorite part about directing is, “Telling a story because that is what the show is for in the first place. Everyone that has been a part of the show, tech, backstage, and actors all get a sense of working together because that doesn’t just happen with one person.”
Coon said her favorite memory so far was, “The rehearsal where we were in the scene, a scene exclusive unless people come watch and find out, but all the gamblers had to run around the guy, let loose, and give into the silliness of the show.”

Wilson and Coon both wanted to add, “These are some great little actors. Come see our show. Enjoy and make sure your phones are off. Don’t be those people in the audience.”

The musical is on April 11 at 7 p.m. and 12 6:30 p.m. at South Haven.