The Music Man

   
book, music and lyrics by Meredith Willson
based on a story by Meredith Willson and Franklin Lacey
directed by Reid Edelman
choreography by Maria A. Monti|
music direction by Les Pfutzenreuter
vocal direction by Marilyn Simpson

Performances:

April 12-21, 2013
performances:
April 12 & 13 at 8 PM
April 18 at 7:30 PM
April 19 & 20 at 8 PM
April 21 at 2 PM
Special student matinee performance: Tuesday April 16 at 10:30 AM

Mendocino College Center Theatre
1000 Hensley Creek Road, Ukiah
Call 468-3172 for tickets and information.


Click here to hear MUSIC MAN director Reid Edelman talking about the show on Radio Curious with host Barry Vogel.

Click here to order tickets through the Arts Council of Mendocino County online box office.

An affectionate tribute to Smalltown, USA of a bygone era, The Music Man follows fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill
as he cons the people of River City, Iowa into buying instruments and uniforms for a boy's band
he vows to organize - this despite the fact that he doesn't know a trombone from a treble clef.
His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian the librarian, who transforms him
into a respectable citizen by curtain's fall. By turns wicked, funny, warm, romantic and
touching, The Music Man is family entertainment at its best.

  

PRESS RELEASE:
The Music Man opens soon at Mendocino College!

    The Mendocino College Theatre Arts Department and Ukiah Civic Light Opera will present The Music Man April 12-21 in Mendocino College’s Center Theatre.  This classic American musical is Meredith Willson’s affectionate tribute to Smalltown, USA of a bygone era. The beloved show features some of the greatest songs in American musical theatre history, including “76 Trombones,” “Goodnight my Someone” and “The Wells Fargo Wagon.”  The musical is based on a story by Meredith Willson and Franklin Lacey, and features a book, music and lyrics by Willson.  This joyous family friendly show will delight audiences of all ages.

The Music Man follows fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, circa 1912, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boy's band he vows to organize - this despite the fact he doesn't know a trombone from a treble clef.  His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian the librarian, who transforms him into a respectable citizen by curtain's fall.

   According to the show’s director, Mendocino College theatre professor Reid Edelman, “producing a major musical, such as The Music Man, is always exciting.  It is a joyful opportunity to collaborate with our wonderful dance and music faculty and to involve a large cast of enthusiastic performers.  This is one of the greatest musicals ever written, one that celebrates life, love and the transformative power of music.”
 
David Strock, a talented local theatre artist with dozens of musical and dramatic theatrical credits, plays the central role of Professor Harold Hill. Veteran local performer, former Miss Mendocino, and real-life local librarian Roseanne Wetzel plays the role of Marian the Librarian. Other performers in principal roles include Ryan Eldredge as Hill’s side-kick Marcellus Washburn, Joyce Boghosian as Marian’s mother Mrs. Paroo, and the adorable Marcus Phillips in the role of Marian’s 12 year old brother Winthrop.  The town mayor and his wife will be played by Harvey Baumoel and Margo Selleck.  Charlie Cowell, a travelling salesman bent on exposing Hill as a fraud is being played by Mendocino College theatre student Will Moody.  Another college theatre major, Andrew Corpuz, plays the important role of Tommy Djilas and is also the production’s dance captain. Sarah Martin, an experienced dancer with the Mendocino Ballet Company, plays opposite Corpuz as the female dance lead Zaneeta Shinn, the mayor’s daughter.  The show also features Dave Peterman, John Ratto, Frank Braverman and Jim Howlett as a delightful barbershop quartet.  The Music Man company includes nine energetic local children, including 10 year old Taylor Bowser in the principal role of Amaryllis.  

In all, the radiant and enthusiastic cast includes forty talented singers, dancers and actors as well as a full orchestra (under the direction of music director and Mendocino College professor Les Pfutzenreuter). Ukiah High School drama teacher and Mendocino College dance instructor Maria A. Monti is choreographing the extensive dance sequences and Mendocino College music instructor Marilyn Simpson is the production’s vocal director and co-musical director.  College theatre technician Larry L. Lang is designing scenery and lighting, while college costuming instructor Kathy Dingman-Katz is creating the many costumes with the assistance of her costume construction classes.  College music and recording arts instructor Rodney Grisanti will design the sound reinforcement and effects.  Gary Hudson is stage-managing the production.

This show is expected to sell out quickly, so audiences are encouraged to purchase tickets early.  The Music Man opens Friday April 12 and runs through April 21 in the Center Theatre on the Mendocino College campus.  Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM.  There is also a performance on Thursday April 18.  Tickets are available now at the Mendocino College Bookstore on the college campus, at the Mendocino Book Company in downtown Ukiah and also online at www.artsmendocino.org.  Prices are $15 for adults and $12 for students, seniors and ASMC cardholders. For additional information or group sales, please call 462-9155.