ABC's new reality show
makes a casting call as locals
take their shot at TV glory
By Josh Press
Daily News Staff
HOPEDALE - There were costumes, home-baked pies and even a live performance of a Whitney Houston hit. Just another afternoon at the Hopedale Fire Station. Not exactly, but that was the idea behind the gathering of all ages, who came out in droves yesterday for the chance to convince producers of ABC's newest reality show that Hopedale is "My Kind of Town."
"When something's going on here, it's fun to be a part of," said Kelly Merchant who has lived in town 35 years and showed up with her husband Mark and their four children. "This is pretty interesting. I was getting phone calls from out-of-towners wanting to talk about it."
"My Kind of Town" is a variety/game show that spotlights small American communities. The studio audience is made up of 200 residents entirely from one town, and a small group from that audience is chosen to play different games for prizes during the one-hour episode.
Fifteen Massachusetts towns were considered for the program, but that list has been whittled down to three: Hopedale, Orange and Barre. Four communities already chosen - Bordentown City, N.J., Greenville, Ala., Ellenville, N.Y., and Mount Horeb, Wis., - had shows filmed at ABC's New York City studio last weekend.
"We do a lot of research before we leave our office," said casting director Caryn Posnansky, who noted several of the show's producers toured town with selectman Alan Ryan a few weeks ago before deciding to return.
"We visited a lot of towns in Massachusetts, and we just loved Hopedale. We liked how friendly and generous the people were, and it doesn't have a traditional Main Street, but more of a town common, which we liked too."
Yesterday's auditions were held from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Those who came out had to fill out an application that asked such questions as what the craziest thing to happen in town was, what they liked to do for fun, and who their favorite celebrity was.
Residents also had the opportunity to get in front of a camera to perform a special talent, such as singing a song, playing a musical instrument or telling jokes, to help convince producers to choose Hopedale.
"This is something I never expected," said Tammie Road resident Stephanie Leake, who belted out a stunning solo rendition of Whitney Houston's "I Have Nothing."
"It's a really good experience and if it happened that (ABC chose Hopedale), that would be really amazing."
Several people brought baked goods like blueberry pies and strawberry shortcake for residents to snack on and four residents dressed as some of the town's historical figures.
Daniel Malloy came dressed as the town's religious founder, the Rev. Adin Ballou, while his wife Elaine Malloy disguised herself as feminist Sister Abby Price. Merrily Sparling came as Sylvia Thwing Bancroft, whose husband donated the library to the town, while Jeanne Kinney outfitted herself as Adin Ballou's wife, Lucy.
"We just wanted to add a little more fun to this," said Sparling.
As of 5 p.m., close to 100 people were filling out applications and 11 had already shown off their talents.
"I think this is a lot of fun," said Ryan prior to the auditions. "Whether or not we get selected, it's still a nice community spirit event."
It is not known when ABC will choose a town, but filming is expected to be done during Labor Day weekend.
"My Kind of Town" originated in England, said Posnansky, and is produced by "Who Wants to Be A Millionaire" producer Michael Davies. Milford Daily News, July 21, 2005
Hopedale was selected and appeared on the show. My Kind of Town went on to become one of the least successful tv programs ever, and was cancelled by ABC after three shows. I think they had taped two or three more, but Hopedale was the last to get on the air. While the bus trip to New York taken by 200 people for the taping of the show wasn't without problems, most people had a good time, and a few good prizes were won, including a septic system, an Airstream trailer, and a kayak. I was the winner of the kayak. It was my reward for spending two fascinating days with a crew from the show, taping a skit. Dan Malloy
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