2017: "The Music Man"
Directed by Jordan Stauffer
Music Direction by Rachel Premo
Music Direction by Rachel Premo
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On a westbound train, disgruntled salesmen share tales of con man Harold Hill, who masquerades as a band leader to sell his goods - musical instruments - then leaves town without ever forming a band ("Rock Island"). His antics are ruining the reputation of all honest salesmen in the Midwest! As the train enters Iowa, the shocked men see Harold Hill himself disembark at River City, whose people are unwelcoming of
new ideas and new people ("Iowa Stubborn"). Undeterred, Hill sets out to create a 'need' for a boy's band by first emphasizing the moral danger of River City's newest pastime - a pool table ("Trouble"). His friend Marcellus warns that the local piano teacher and librarian, Marian Paroo, is the only one who could see through him. Hill sets out to woo her, but Marian is not interested. She dreams of her ideal man as Mrs. Paroo despairs over her ("Goodnight, My Someone"). |
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At the Fourth of July celebration, pompous Mayor Shinn is quizzed by troubled townsfolk about the dangers the pool table poses to their children. Hill reveals himself as the solution - he is here specifically start a wholesome River City Boy's Band to keep the children out of trouble! The crowd is won over by his charisma ("76 Trombones") and by his ability to transform the quarrelsome School Board members into a barbershop quartet ("Ice Cream/Sincere"). The townsfolk continue to fall to Harold's charms - the children help him woo Marian ("Marian the Librarian"), the local ladies welcome him into their gossip circle ("Pickalittle Talkalittle"), and Hill even befriends Marian's painfully shy younger brother Winthrop, to the joy of Mrs. Paroo. The band instrument business is booming!
Only Marian and the Mayor still harbor doubts. Mayor Shinn repeatedly sends the School Board quartet to demand Hill's credentials as a musician, but Hill cleverly distracts them ("Goodnight, Ladies"). By the time the "Wells Fargo Wagon" arrives to deliver the band instruments, Marian has discovered that Hill lied about alleged alma mater, the Gary Conservatory of Music. She is about to reveal this when she sees her shy brother Winthrop unabashedly rejoicing over his new cornet. Marian decides to give Hill the benefit of the doubt... even when she learns that Hill's method for teaching music is simply to think about the notes rather than to practice!
Everyone prepares for the Ice Cream Social ("Shipoopi") and Marian dances with Harold, but asks him probing questions about his Think System. Harold remains evasive but continues to court Marian, who struggles with her feelings for him ("Lida Rose/Dream of Now"). Then one of the disgruntled salesmen, Charlie Cowell, arrives in town to reveal the full truth about Harold Hill. Though astonished at the full extent of Hill's con, Marian stalls Cowell just long enough for him to lose his job. She then meets with Harold, having realized the true value of Harold Hill's contribution to River City - there is now joy in every child's face, and in her own heart. She shares her feelings with Harold ("Till There Was You") as the townspeople learn the truth from Charlie Cowell at the Ice Cream Social. Suddenly realizing that he truly loves Marian, Harold decides not to flee River City even though his con has been discovered. He is arrested.
On trial in City Hall, the mob is calling for Harold's doom when - lo and behold - the boy's band arrives in brand new uniforms and begin to play, despite never having practiced. The thrilled parents are so overwhelmed by their children's (disastrous) attempt at performing that all is forgiven. Harold and Marian embrace as Mayor Shinn, finally won over, points out Winthrop Paroo happily playing his cornet at the head of the band.
Only Marian and the Mayor still harbor doubts. Mayor Shinn repeatedly sends the School Board quartet to demand Hill's credentials as a musician, but Hill cleverly distracts them ("Goodnight, Ladies"). By the time the "Wells Fargo Wagon" arrives to deliver the band instruments, Marian has discovered that Hill lied about alleged alma mater, the Gary Conservatory of Music. She is about to reveal this when she sees her shy brother Winthrop unabashedly rejoicing over his new cornet. Marian decides to give Hill the benefit of the doubt... even when she learns that Hill's method for teaching music is simply to think about the notes rather than to practice!
Everyone prepares for the Ice Cream Social ("Shipoopi") and Marian dances with Harold, but asks him probing questions about his Think System. Harold remains evasive but continues to court Marian, who struggles with her feelings for him ("Lida Rose/Dream of Now"). Then one of the disgruntled salesmen, Charlie Cowell, arrives in town to reveal the full truth about Harold Hill. Though astonished at the full extent of Hill's con, Marian stalls Cowell just long enough for him to lose his job. She then meets with Harold, having realized the true value of Harold Hill's contribution to River City - there is now joy in every child's face, and in her own heart. She shares her feelings with Harold ("Till There Was You") as the townspeople learn the truth from Charlie Cowell at the Ice Cream Social. Suddenly realizing that he truly loves Marian, Harold decides not to flee River City even though his con has been discovered. He is arrested.
On trial in City Hall, the mob is calling for Harold's doom when - lo and behold - the boy's band arrives in brand new uniforms and begin to play, despite never having practiced. The thrilled parents are so overwhelmed by their children's (disastrous) attempt at performing that all is forgiven. Harold and Marian embrace as Mayor Shinn, finally won over, points out Winthrop Paroo happily playing his cornet at the head of the band.