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