The Music Man, one of the absolutely greatest American musicals ever, opens on February 14 and runs through March 3 at the Steeple Playhouse in nearby Hendersonville, Tenn. The 1962 movie version starring Robert Preston is a classic few have missed seeing.
In July 1912, fast-talking traveling salesman ‘Professor’ Harold Hill comes to River City, Iowa, a town hesitant of letting strangers in, especially one trying to sell something. Harold calls himself a ‘music professor.’ He sells band instruments and uniforms, with the idea of starting a boy’s band incorporating the local youth. Marian Paroo, the local librarian and part-time piano teacher, is suspicious and plans to expose him. However, she has a change of heart, seeing her younger brother come out of his shell by the arrival of his new instrument for the band. Will Harold avoid trouble of his own? Will the boy’s band succeed? Do Harold and Marion end up making music of their own together?
Steeple’s The Music Man is directed by Jill Dunlap and stars Jennifer Freeman as librarian ‘Marian’ and Scott Chevalier at ‘Professor Harold Hill.’
The Music Man debuted on Broadway in 1957. The show became a hit, winning five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and running for 1,375 performances. The cast album won the first Grammy Award for ‘Best Original Cast Album’ and was number one on the Billboard charts for 245 weeks. The show’s success led to revivals and a popular 1962 film adaptation starring Robert Preston. There was also a 2003 television remake. It frequently is produced by both professional and amateur theatre companies. Developed from a story by Meredith Willson and Franklin Lacey, the book, music and lyrics are all by Meredith Willson.
This delightful piece of Americana includes such memorable songs as: ‘Ya Got Trouble,’ ‘Seventy-Six Trombones,’ ‘The Sadder-But-Wiser Girl,’ ‘Lida Rose,’ ‘Marian the Librarian,’ ‘Pick-a-Little,’ and ‘Til There Was You.’
The Steeple Players Theatre is located in the City Square Shopping Center at 260 West Main Street in Hendersonville. Tickets are $15 for adults; $12 for seniors (65+); and $10 for children and students (with ID). You can purchase tickets by visiting the Steeple Players website at www.steepleplayers.org or by calling the box office at 615-826-6037.
