St. Paul students working hard for 'Music Man' production

NORWALK — Nathaniel Tokarsky enjoys "hanging out with everyone" as he prepares for musicals. The St. Paul High School senior is playing Marcellus, the partner of con man Harold Hill (senior Ryan Walker) in "The Music Man." Students from Norwalk Catholic and St. Paul High schools will perform the musical from March 6 through 8. Tickets can be purchased at the high school office and at the door. "It's fun seeing the finished product," said Tokarsky, the son of Jim and Joy, who is in his eighth year of performing in local productions. As Hill's partner, Marcellus is always "trying to pull him back into the con" instead of falling for a girl, Tokarsky said. "I'm the devil on his shoulder," the senior added. Junior Claire Ceccoli plays Marian the librarian. "This role showcases a lot more songs than I'm used to playing in other shows, so being able to … share my singing ability and getting to act more on stage is very exciting for me," said the daughter of Chris and Shanna. "I'm feeling excited. I think in past shows, I've been stressed as it's been coming along and this year, even though I'm the lead, this is the most excited I've ever been for a show, the most confident. I think I've really matured as an actress," added Ceccoli, who has been involved in musicals since fifth grade. Ceccoli is using part of what she learned from her freshman-year role, Mrs. Hill in "My Fair Lady." "She was an older lady and she had to have some sort of elegance and grace to her. And that's something I'm definitely bringing to this, is trying to go back into that (type of) character," said Ceccoli, who described Marian as uptight. "I have to learn to be uptight on stage and being sassy," she added with a giggle. "I think that's what is very appealing to the role." Junior Bella Barcus is playing a role with which she's familiar — the girlfriend of her real-life boyfriend, junior Jackson Cook. The two have been dating for two years. In "The Music Man," Barcus and Cook are often flirting while they are walking down the aisle or in the background of various scenes. "This is our third show together. It's fun (because) it's not awkward; we have this chemistry that you'd want for these parts," Barcus said. Tokarsky offered what is appealing about watching "The Music Man." "There are a lot of songs that get stuck in your head," he said. "It's fun to watch. There are a lot of kids (in it)." Ceccoli is confident the community will see a strong version of the classic musical. "I think everyone in this entire production has worked so hard. The harder we work, the more exciting it is because knowing that everyone cares as much as … I do about it and I think we're going to put on a great production," she said.