PR 2007 Jun U4
THE MUSIC MAN marches into Bean-Brown Theater June 22nd
TUSCALOOSA, AL — One of the most popular musicals to come out of the American theater scene in the last half century, Meredith Willson’s “The Music Man” will march into the Theatre Tuscaloosa’s Bean-Brown Theatre on the campus of Shelton State Community College, 9500 Old Greensboro Road, for performances June 22 through July 1.
“The Music Man” debuted on Broadway in December 1957 with a story line and music that are as vibrant and popular today as they were to audiences then. It is the story of con man Harold Hill, played by Kip Tyner, who travels to the small town of River City, Iowa, to earn his fortune. But “there’s trouble in River City” as Hill, who even claims to be a professor of music, decides to convince the townspeople they need a boys’ band and then plans to run away once the boys have paid for instruments and uniforms.
His scheme is moving along perfectly until he falls in love with the town piano teacher, Marian Paroo, played by Michelle Bunch. Even though she knows he’s a con man, she still loves him for the hope he has brought to the town.
Hill runs into an old friend, Marcellus Washburn, played by Marlin Ward, who tries to persuade Hill these “stubborn Iowans” won’t be fooled by the “Professor.” This, of course, piques Hill’s interest and he takes up the challenge with gusto, explaining to the citizens of River City that they have, “Trouble with a capital T that rhymes with P and that stands for Pool.”
River City’s Mayor Shinn, played by Jeff Binford, is not convinced and he asks the local school board members (Charles Prosser, Brent Jones, Bill Barger and David Williams) to “get this man’s credentials.” But the smooth-talking Hill wins over the school board and many of the other locals.
“The show is a delight for the entire family,” said director Tina Fitch, Artistic Director of Theatre Tuscaloosa. “Our cast of more than 40 actors, singers and dancers captures the innocence of early 20th-century mid-America, and generates energy, enthusiasm and talent.” The score features an orchestra with Musical Direction by Leslie Poss (Tuscaloosa Symphony) and Choreography by Rebecca Tingle (Tuscaloosa Community Dancers).
Also featured in the production are Jonathon Lyons, Gary Jones, Joey Lay, Tom Nelson, Trey Brooks, Ava Buchanan, Sharon Nelson, Eryn Davis, Hillary Burke, Jenny Ryan, Katelyn Perkins, Jeremy Culver, Erin Beaver, Courtney Dover, Maggie McGuire, Ashley Alexander-Lee, Micklynn Kannapel, Zoe Jones, Addie Melchoir, Destiny Schatzline, Autumn Fuller, Jake Boyd, William Fowler, Isaiah Schatzline, Michael Manos, Clifton Baker, Justin Barnett, Alex Nelson, Nick Pappas, Anna-Kate Campbell, Drew Baker, and Noah Schatzline.
THE MUSIC MAN runs Friday, June 22 and Saturday June, 23 at 7:30 pm; Sunday, June 24 and Wednesday, June 27 at 2 pm; Thursday, June 28, Friday, June 29 and Saturday, June 30 at 7:30 pm; and closes Sunday, July 1 at 2 pm. Ticket prices are $10 for students, $17 for senior citizens and $22 for adults. Group discounts are available for 15 or more. For ticket reservations or more information, please call 205-391-2277.
Theatre Tuscaloosa, one of the largest community theatres in the state, works in partnership with Shelton State Community College to provide quality theatrical experiences to the citizens of West Alabama through performances, workshops and classroom instruction. By combining the talent and resources of the non-profit theatre company with the facilities and administrative support of “Alabama’s Community College of the Fine Arts,” Theatre Tuscaloosa and Shelton State Community College have created a partnership model that has enriched the lives of countless of Alabamians