A Little Bit Country

THEATER

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Fancy runs Sept. 8-Oct. 3 at the Meadow Brook Theatre on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester. Tickets start at $36. Check website for latest safety measures. (248) 377-3300. mbtheatre.com. Hannah McEvilly enjoys spending working days in the world of fiction and free time in what has been labeled the world of reality. Attracted to acting out stage portrayals since elementary school, McEvilly also has long been attracted to watching TV programs that peek into actual experiences of others.

In Michigan for the first time, she has entered into the fictional world of country recording hits by appearing in the jukebox musical Fancy, which is being performed Sept. 8-Oct. 3 at the Meadow Brook Theatre (MBT) in Rochester.

The musical, as it depicts the life of a young woman who aims to become a country singing star, communicates some of McEvilly’s career ambitions. She is cast in the roles of a backup singer, factory worker and funeral attendee while she fulfills her responsibilities in the ensemble.

“In theater, I get the opportunity to bring someone who exists on paper into [an acted-out] character, demonstrating how each interacts with others in their worlds,” McEvilly, 23, said.

“Watching reality TV, I hopefully get a genuine look into people, the lives they live and how they interact with others in their worlds. Often, I get to see the funny times in their lives.”

Fancy, written by Susan DiLallo and Dan Wackerman, was inspired by Reba McEntire’s hit recording of “Fancy.” The show spotlights other hit songs that include “Mama, He’s Crazy,” “Before He Cheats” and “Take This Job and Shove It.”

“I love the show because of the music that people are going to be really familiar with,” said McEvilly, who joins in the chorus of many songs. “It’s super fun to sing these songs, especially ‘Fancy.’ It’s super cool that the creators expanded on that, and it’s just a fun show — lots of good music and a good time.

“My primary role is Honeyann, a backup singer who doesn’t appear until Act II. Honeyann is kind of goofy. She’s only there for a little bit so there’s freedom to make her what I want her to be in the show. It’s exciting and a great opportunity to portray the other characters as well. They give me different perspectives of the story.”