Ready for some fast talking, romantic singing and a sweet love story set in a small town?
“The Music Man” is just the ticket.
“A fast talking con-man pretends to know something about music, poses as a band director and cons a small rural community out of their hard-earned money for instruments and uniforms,” said the show’s music director, Derek Smith, who is also Bayfield High School’s music teacher. “I love this play. Something about it speaks to me on a personal level.”
The musical is directed by Sarah Ripley.
“This is no easy play,” Smith said. “In my favorite line, Harold Hill says, ‘Pile up enough tomorrows and you’ll find you’ve collected nothing but a lot of empty yesterdays.’”
“The Music Man” is the story of Harold Hill, portrayed by Jarod Lane, a traveling salesman and “band director” who convinces the residents of River City, Iowa, that they need to start a band to keep the town’s young people out of the billiards hall. He will also conveniently sell them the instruments and uniforms.
Marian Paroo, the town librarian, is on to his scheme, but finds herself secretly falling for him. She is played by Brianne Marr.
“The Music Man” will open Friday at the Bayfield Performing Arts Center. Showtime is at 7 p.m. The show will also run Saturday and March 22 and 23.
The book, music and lyrics are by Meredith Willson, which are based on a story by Willson and Franklin Lacey.
The show became a big hit on Broadway, premiering on Dec. 15, 1957, and running for 1,375 performances. It won multiple Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Performance by an Actor in a leading Role in a Musical, and was adapted for the screen in 1962.
If you go
What:
Bayfield High School Theatre Department presents “The Music Man.”
When:
7 p.m. Friday, Saturday, March 22 and 23.
Where:
Bayfield Performing Arts Center, 800 County Road 501, Bayfield.
Tickets:
$10 adults, $7 students and seniors. Available in advance at the front office of BHS or at the door.
