NORWAY — Any two people in a serious relationship will probably identify with Agnes and Michael, newlyweds in the nostalgic musical “I Do! I Do!” to be staged by the Oxford Hills Music and Performing Arts Association in November.

Portraying the couple are Kelsey Franklin and Jon Potter, both graduates of Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School.

The story follows Agnes and Michael as they progress from their happy wedding day and nervous wedding night to the busy time of raising children. Later, they find that little irritations drive them crazy, something they express in the song “Nobody’s Perfect.”

At 41, Michael has a midlife crisis and Agnes threatens to leave.

Even later, Michael and Agnes look forward to the day their children get married, leaving them free to fulfill their life’s ambitions. Michael sings the funny “My Daughter Is Marrying an Idiot” as he dresses for his daughter’s wedding, and Agnes sings about their empty nest.

In the end, the loving, longtime married couple leave their home and move to a smaller place.

Franklin is well known to OHMPAA audiences and performs in Portland and southern Maine theaters. She was last seen in OHMPAA’s 2010 musical review, “Roles of a Lifetime.”

“I have been fortunate to play various roles, some challenging and others simple and fun,” said Franklin. “Each character has allowed me to grow as an actor and a person. I’m elated to portray Agnes with some inspiration from my great grandmother, Agnes Franklin — a spunky, loving soul.”

Potter, an experienced singer and actor, has appeared in three OHMPAA shows and three school/community Broadway shows at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School. He has also sung with the Choral Arts Society.

“The music score to this show is unlike any other score I have ever worked with,” Potter said. “Slow and soothing at times, with beautiful harmonies, while other points have exciting, diverse turns.”

Franklin and Potter make many quick costume changes throughout the show as they move through the years of their marriage. Costumer Patricia Jillson says she often “cannibalizes” costumes in OHMPAA’s closets to refashion them into creations that show the passing of time from 1895 to 1945.

The play, directed by Sally Jones with music direction by Steve Jones, will be performed at 8 p.m. on Nov. 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19; and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 13 and 20 at the Norway Grange. For tickets, call 739-6200 or visit Books N Things on Main Street.

Copy the Story Link