Croswell’s George M Taps Its Way To Applause

Adrian’s Croswell Opera House raised the curtain on the third production of its historic 160^th anniversary season with George M, in a patriotic nod to the nation’s 250^th celebration. George M is a musical tribute to the life and music of Broadway legend George M. Cohan, the irascible “Man Who Owned Broadway” in the early twentieth century. The show premiered on Broadway in April 1968 and ran for 433 performances. The original production featured Joel Grey and Bernadette Peters.

Iconic Songs In George M

The production included all of the iconic song and dance numbers, including “Give My Regards To Broadway”; “Yankee Doodle Dandy”; “You’re A Grand Old Flag”; “All Aboard For Broadway” and the patriotic anthem “Over There”. The music is by George M. Cohan, lyrics by George M. Cohan & Mary Cohan, with the script written by Michael Stewart, John Pascal and Francine Pascal. The show’s script, while attempting to depict the life of Cohan, doesn’t match the brilliance of the music.

Will DuPuis as George M. Cohan. Photo by Ashlee Sayles.

Will DuPuis (George M) mastered the singing and dancing of Cohan but captured just parts of the expansive personality of the lead character. George M was a human tropical storm, following a path towards perfection, capable of destroying anything and anyone caught in its path. Cohan was persuasive and domineering and there is a fine line between the two characteristics. DuPuis walked that tight rope between the extremes, revealing the obnoxious, domineering side of Cohan, that became, at times, difficult to watch. Yet, that depicted the real man. Cohan was brilliant and extraordinarily talented, but frequently abrasive.

The Four Cohans

The Four Cohans (L-R): Will DuPuis as George, Ana Morgan as Josie, Michelle Force as Nellie and Steve Antalek as Jerry. Photo by Ashlee Sayles.

George M is about singing and dancing and this production excelled with both. With DuPuis as George, The Four Cohan’s act was exceptional: featuring Steve Antalek as father Jerry; Michelle Force as Mother Nellie and Ana Morgan as sister Josie. The group shined in the song and dance numbers, especially the “Tap Dance Finish” which opened the show. The three supporting actors brought depth and finesse to their roles and served as an effective check on George’s overly zealous pursuits of stardom. Collectively, these actors carried the story line. The scene where Morgan’s Josie tells George she is getting married and leaving the group to be with her husband, DuPuis displayed the trademark Cohan abrasive self-centered self and dismisses her as ungrateful.

Leaping in air, Dance Captain Nathan Glover & ensemble. Photo by Sherri Bramlett.

The ensemble numbers were especially entertaining. Choreographer Megan H. Hakes created a stage full of coordinated movement and intricate dance steps, highlighted by Dance Captain Nathan Glover, a student at Bowling Green State University, who displayed his precision whether tapping, dancing in a kick-line or twirling a baton. The audience roared their approval as the ensemble sang and danced their way through the songs that everyone knew. The cast received a raucous standing ovation during the curtain call.

The Excellent Supporting Cast

Ella Stoll as Ethel Levey, George’s first wife. Photo by Ashlee Sayles.

Supporting cast members included: Ella Stoll (Ethel Levy); Lila Brighton (Agnes Nolan); Yasmeen Perrin (Madame Grimald, Fay Templeton); George Reasoner (E.F. Albee); Kyler Mattoon (Rose -Fay Templeton’s maid); Lane Hakel (Doc Webb, Behman); Eli Stachowske (Walt); Chad Mohler (Sam Harris); Lori MacDonald (Ma Templeton); Nevaeh Bravo (Vaudeville Girl); Olivia Dolson (Second Vaudeville Girl) & Nathan Glover (Hank).

Lila Brighton as Agnes Nolan (George’s 2nd wife) & Will DuPuis as George M. Photo by Ashlee Sayles.

The show was directed by John MacNaughton, winner of the 2025 Croswell Sunny Award for Best Director of a Musical for his direction of “La Cage Aux Folles”. MacNaughton’s vision used simplicity in set and scenic design to portray a complex story, which worked well. Vocal direction from Wynne Marsh which achieved beautiful ensemble harmonies.

Meet Orchestra Conductor Ray Novak

Novak conducted a 15-piece orchestra, including a last-minute substitution of Mandy Kruse to play in the woodwind section (flute & piccolo) when the original musician had to leave the show. Novak shared how conducting George M was a lifelong dream of his.

“When I was a little boy, my father conducted an orchestra playing for George M,” Novak said. “I sat next to him in the pit during rehearsals and the performances. At the final performance, he stepped aside to let me conduct the exit music. I’ve dreamed about conducting this musical ever since.”

The Croswell is the place where dreams come true.

Novak was named the winner of 2025 Croswell Sunny Award for Best Conductor of an Orchestra for Annie.

Any show that includes tap dancing will always get an enthusiastic two thumbs up from me. The dancing and ensemble numbers are worth the price of admission. George M runs through Sunday, 7/19. Tickets can be purchased at (517) 264-746. The Croswell is located at 129 E. Maumee St., in Adrian.