Director's Note

When we were selecting a musical last year we were looking at big classic musicals that would feature our talented student actors, student technicians and student musicians while also honoring the great Maestro himself, Bryan Miller. This will be Bryan's last time helming a musical here at Leyden as he retires this Spring. The Music Man was a perfect choice. Not only is Meredith Wilson's music far ahead of its time (the show debuted on Broadway in 1957) and therefore a great way to show off our wonderful musicians, but the community feel of River City and the overflowing patriotism had a direct tie to Mr. Miller's last 30 plus years at Leyden as Music Department Chair, Band Leader and Teacher...all the while serving as a Lt. Col. Miller in the United States Air Force. At first glance, Bryan Miller is everything Harold Hill is not. A genuine article, a wildly gifted musician, and a wonderful teacher. However, much like Harold, Mr. Miller is a charismatic powerhouse and fantastic leader. Harold's effect on the stubborn Iowans of River City is akin to the effect Mr. Miller has on everyone around him. While I have only had the fortune of working with and around Mr. Miller for less than half of his time here, I can speak first hand to how powerful that effect is. Everyone has a story about Mr. Miller and all his wonderful accomplishments but the joy on the students faces is all you really need to know. To paraphrase Ms. Marian Paroo, though there are very few that can remember Leyden before Mr. Miller arrived, we should all be grateful for everything Mr. Miller has brought to Leyden. So, on behalf of the Leyden Theatre Department and the Leyden community as a whole, thank you, Mr. Miller, for all you have done for Leyden! 

Now please sit back, relax and disconnect as you allow Ms. Teslen Sadowski's charming set design, Mr. Gabe Gorsline's keen lighting design, Ms. Soozie Holm's and Ms. Olivia Ruffatto's beautiful costumes, Mr. Anthony Holmes swell sound design, Ms. Emily Naik's beautiful Choreography and the aforementioned Mr. Bryan Miller and Ms. Stacy Cunningham's gorgeous music, transport you to 1912 Iowa, where our company of over 80 students from River Grove School, Rhodes School, Hester Jr. High and East and West Leyden will bring to life Meredith Wilsons' masterpiece, The Music Man. 

Pile up enough tomorrows and all you have left is a lot of empty yesterdays. Let's make today worth remembering! 

Mr. Frank Bavone

Director

Mr. Miller leading the pit orchestra