(Chelsea Update would like to thank Bob Milbrodt for the information in this story.)
Last Monday, the Chelsea Kiwanis Club heard from Jason Eyster, Chelsea School Board vice president. He spoke about his musical “The Only Man in Town!” premiering June 9-11 in Chelsea.
After graduating from Princeton and from Fordham Law School, Eyster worked for Actors’ Equity Association in New York City, before moving to Chelsea in 1981. He found Chelsea’s history fascinating, and studied it thoroughly.
Because of his love for music and theater, in 1989 he had an idea to create a musical play based on that history.
His play tells the story of pharmacist and bank co-founder George Glazier, 1841-1901, who operated both the bank and pharmacy from what is now Zou Zou’s. His son Frank Glazier, 1862-1922, an entrepreneur who built on his father’s business, creating a manufacturing and financial conglomerate, Glazier Stove Works. And, Harmon Holmes, 1854-1922, at the milling company.
At the turn of the century, Frank and Harmon were movers and shakers in Chelsea who had competing views on what was best for the village. Their rivalry is dramatized with music.
Eyster used his connections in the industry for consultation during the creation of the play, which he has written in its entirety, dialogue, musical numbers, production design, etc. He had suffered delays due to Covid, as the production was planned for 2020, but has used the time to refine the work.
At last, Chelsea Area Players will perform the play on June 9, 10, and 11 at the Chelsea High School Auditorium. Tickets are $20 for Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 3:00 p.m. Auditions for a part in the play are April 3-4. For character descriptions and audition instructions, visit www.chelseaareaplayers.org.
Gourmet Mixed Nuts are still available for $25. Orders can be placed at www.facebook.com/kiwanisclubofchelsea or with any Kiwanian.
