By Sheila Wickouski
With The Music Man now playing at Arena Stage, residents of The View Apartments on Sixth Street SW can see their temporary neighbors Will Burton and Juliane Godfrey sing and dance the roles of the mayor’s daughter, Zanetta Shinn, and her forbidden boyfriend, Tommy Dijilas.
Having been selected in tryouts in New York, the recent drama school graduates — Will from the University of Michigan and Juliane from UCLA — are making their Arena Stage debut in this production.
So what is it like as newcomers to Washington? How are they enjoying living in Southwest? What is it like to be in a musical production at Arena — especially after the great success that Oklahoma had last year?
Both Will and Juliane gave enthusiastic answers: “Wonderful!”
They have been enjoying their first extended stay in Washington by bicycling and sightseeing.
The experience at Arena with Molly Smith directing is a dream come true.
When asked about this production, Will said that it was not your everyday version of Music Man. There will be some surprises!
Will and Juliane are also looking forward to being in D.C. for July Fourth. Although there will be no performance of Music Man on that day, the musical is set on Independence Day 1912, making the celebration this year a very special event for these rising stars.