Carver High School Theater Students Meet Broadway Star Will Mann

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Will Mann (in plaid shirt) is pictured with student Kevin Crear (in bow tie) from Carver High. Crear played Bobby in “Memphis: The Musical.”

Will Mann made a surprise visit on the set of the joint production of [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]Memphis: The Musical. Carver High School and Memorial High School worked together on the production, which played earlier this month.

Memphis is an Tony Award-winning musical. It’s about the birth of Rock and Roll in the 50’s as it played out in the segregated clubs and radio stations in Memphis, Tennessee. Mann played Bobby Dupree in the first national tour of the musical.

“Students from Memorial and Carver all worked hard on this production,” said Roshunda Jones. “We were all thrilled to meet Will Mann who flew in from New York City to see the show.”

Jones is the theater arts director at Carver High. According to Jones, the collaboration was a perfect fit for both campuses. Carver High is predominantly African American and Hispanic while Memorial is predominantly white. With only a couple of exceptions, the Memorial actors played the white roles and the Carver students handled the African American roles in the show. This was one of the few high school productions with white and African American students cast in specific roles. Excited by the production collaboration, Mann decided to show his support.

“I’m so proud of what you’re doing,” Mann told the students on his set visit Sept. 6.

Mann visited with the roughly 50 students before and after the show.

“Many hands flew up when he asked how many of the students would pursue theater as a career,” said Jones.

Mann received his Bachelor of Arts in Music from Oklahoma City University. He studied under the direction of Florence Gillam Birdwell. As he talked to students, he also advised those thinking of pursuing theater arts or acting.

“If you’re going to do it, do it all the way,” said Mann. “Commit to it.”

Will Mann (in plaid shirt) is pictured (l-r) with student Raegan Robinson, director Roshunda Jones and student Core Richard from Carver High School.

He informed them that people would tell them they had to have a “backup plan.” Discussing his own experience, he stated that he had chosen to focus only on singing and acting in college.

“I felt that if you have no choice but to succeed then you will,” said Mann.

Mann has been successful. In 2014, he toured in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat where he played ‘Judah.’ In the past, he toured with Billy Elliot: The Musical and Wonderful Town. He has also worked in many regional theater productions.

Jones and Jabari Collins from Carver High School along with Nicole Morgan and Jay Matthews from Memorial High School directed the joint production.

“Although the story deals with serious subjects about race, it’s never heavy-handed,” said Jones. “Memphis is full of high energy entertainment and gives audiences a positive message. You can’t help but feel lifted after seeing the show. This was a great experience for all of us involved.

It was great to have Mr. Mann come out to visit with the students and to show his support. It really meant a lot to the students. His visit inspired everyone.”

Will Mann (center) is pictured with (l-r) a Memorial student along with directors Jabari Collins, Roshunda Jones, Nicole Morgan and Jay Matthews.