Music is the universal language and Jean Butler is the kind of conductor who makes it come alive.
“In theater, I think music helps people emote a range of feelings,” Butler said Friday night. “It enables actors and musicians to bring those feelings to an audience.
“Sometimes, it’s difficult to express emotions with only words. We can talk all day about love. But when you add music and lyrics, you can truly understand what love is all about.”
Love for Jean Butler was on vivid display Friday at the Lake Miona Recreation Center. The Villages Musical Theater organization presented Butler with its “Person of the Year” Award at its annual dinner. The VMT has 154 members and has been presenting musicals in The Villages since 2002.
“I’m shocked about getting this award – I never expected it, I came here for the food,” Butler said with a tender smile. She moved to The Villages nearly 14 years ago with her husband Irv from New Hampshire. Butler soon joined the theater group when it was known as the Village Theater Company. Her first production was “Damn Yankees.”
Ever since, Jean Butler has been an indispensable part of the musical theater here. She leads the orchestra, works hard at rehearsals and is a kind of glue who keeps everything together for actors, musicians, directors and stage crew members.
An example was last year’s VMT production of “Music Man.” The cast had more than 100 members, including a number of children. It could have been chaotic but Director Sandie Hawthorne, with lots of help from Butler, kept order and also made it fun.
“Jean has a way of working with people and keeping them happy,” said Hawthorne, chairman of Villages Musical Theater, Inc. “There is no one more deserving of this award than Jean.
“She is a wonderful conductor and a better person. She’s talented, fun and knowledgeable. Jean is one of my best friends, but everybody says Jean is their best friend. We all love her.”
You can see a video from Friday night’s event at the Villages-News.com Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TheVillagesNews/
During rehearsal, Butler has been known to do set up chairs, fix lunch and soothe the egos of actors and musicians. “Jean can do anything, and she will do whatever it takes to make things work,” Hawthorne said.
“Let me tell you about Jean,” said actor/singer Jim Bleau. He had part in a big musical but couldn’t read music. Butler found out and they had a long music lesson over lunch.
“Jean took me to Steak ‘n Shake,” Bleau said. “Then, she takes a napkin off the table and starts writing notes on it. Jean Butler taught me to read music on a napkin at Steak ‘n Shake. Who else could do that?”
Carol Greenfield, a co-founder of the musical theater group, has directed many musicals working with Butler.
“Jean is a director’s dream,” she said. “She’s so professional and she’s always ready to work hard and do anything you ask. Jean Butler is an absolute joy to work with.”
Greenfield was one of five members at the dinner who appeared in the theater group’s first musical, “South Pacific” in 2002. Others: Billie Thatcher, Bob Thatcher, Joanie Young and Jack Petro.
All agree thtat Butler has a way of getting the best out of her orchestra.
She’s not a dictator but a diplomatic leader, who coaxes the best effort out of her musicians with kindness, encouragement and a mutual passion for music.
“You have to treat people right,” Butler once said. “I’m not critical and I’m not a nag. I don’t expect perfection. We’re all doing this because we love music. I want people to enjoy making music.”
One of the highlights of VMT’s “Music Man,” was the song “’Til There Was You.”
Butler and her orchestra turned “’Til There Was You,” into a tender, expressive romantic interlude with help from singers Jill Marrese and John Rogerson. It was one of those unforgettable theatrical moments that transcends the stage and makes everything on stage seem real.
That’s the magical power of music and essence of Jean Butler.
“I love what I do and I don’t do it for myself, but for the people on stage and in the seats,” she said.
On Friday night, the conductor who usually keeps her back to the audience, turned around to face her musical comrades who appreciate her sacrifice, hard work and talent.
“They are why this award means so much to me,” Butler said, pointing to the actors, musicians and friends who gave her a standing ovation.
