Release Date: March 21, 2006

MONMOUTH, Ill. — 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 Monmouth College Wells Theater for four performances April 6-9.

The curtain will open for the Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances at 7:30 p.m., while the Sunday performance is a 2 p.m. matinee. Tickets, which are $6 for adults, $5 for students and senior citizens and $4 for Monmouth College students, may be reserved by contacting Bill Wallace at 309-457-2374 or billw@monm.edu.

“The Music Man” debuted in 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 junior Chris Walljasper of Donnellson, Iowa, 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 junior Mary O’Connor of Joliet. 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 sophomore Bryan Blanks of Kewanee, 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 freshman Adam Overberg of Eldridge, Iowa, is not convinced and he asks the local school board members (senior Adam Drake of Rockford, freshman Eric Brandhorst of Quincy, senior David Danaher of Palos Heights, and sophomore Matt Henning of Lombard) 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 stage director Bill Wallace, professor of communication and theater arts. “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 a 15-piece pit orchestra under the baton of Stephen Richter, director of instrumental activities.

Also featured in the production are Darren Jackson as Tommy Djilas, Max O’Riley as Winthrop, Jennifer Anderson as Mrs. Paroo, Kiana Fowler as Amaryllis, Ellen Ehrenhart as Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn, Michelle Anstett as Zaneeta Shinn, Sydney Barry as Gracie Shinn, Sarah Braun as Alma Hix, Ellen Duffin as Maud Dunlop, Dana Mojden as Ethel Toffelmeier and Paige Halpin as Mrs. Squires.

Rounding out the cast are dancers Rita Karsbaek, Lindsay Brogan, Lindsay Jackson, Tiela Halpin, Sylvia Puckett, Adrienne Schultz, Sara Mendez and Whitney Helfrich. Townspeople/chorus members include Kaleb Fowler, Gareth Cordery, Seth Montgomery, Justin Havelock, Nick Mainz, Brett Montgomery, Kevin Litwin, Natalie Montgomery, Karisa Fowler, Kelsey Graham, Lauren Swanson and Catherine Buerger.

The production of “The Music Man” at Monmouth College is produced through special arrangement with Music Theatre International, Inc.