Buckle up for a journey full of twists and turns into the heart of River City in the 1900’s with The Music Man, one of Broadway’s most beloved musicals. Packed with lively songs, hilarious characters, and a heartwarming story, this timeless classic has captivated countless audiences for decades. Whether you’ve been a longtime fan or experiencing the musical for the first time, The Music Man delivers an unforgettable theatrical experience full of charm and comedy.
Set in the early 1900s, The Music Man follows Harold Hill, a traveling salesman who makes his living swindling small towns across America. His scheme is simple but effective, to convince the townspeople that their children are in grave danger of corruption due to the latest trend (in this case, a newly installed pool table). He then offers them a solution: a kid’s marching band. He promises to provide the instruments, uniforms, and musical expertise necessary to turn their children into a respectable band. But there’s a catch, Harold Hill isn’t a musician at all! His plan is to swindle the money and disappear before anyone realizes that they’ve been conned. However, Harold soon finds himself in unfamiliar territory when he arrives in River City, Iowa. The town is full of skeptical citizens, including Marian Paroo, the local librarian and piano teacher. Unlike the easily swayed townsfolk, Marian is suspicious of Harold from the start and is determined to expose him as a fraud. As Harold continues his deception, something unexpected happens—his charm and enthusiasm begins to inspire the town. The once stubborn townspeople start to embrace music, joy, and community in a way they never had before. Even Marian begins to see a different side of Harold as he helps her shy younger brother, Winthrop, find his confidence.
The show features a fantastic score by Meredith Willson, including unforgettable songs like the iconic “Seventy-Six Trombones,” and the heartfelt love song “Till There Was You.” Every song adds to the vibrant energy of the story, making it a musical experience that stays with audiences long after the curtain falls. With colorful characters, a heartwarming romance, and an uplifting message, The Music Man is a show that will leave the audience grinning from ear to ear.
For CHS’s adaptation of The Music Man, the leading roles featured junior Lauren Byrne and senior Jack Howden. The show included a Barbershop Quartet that includes our school’s very own, Ben Bernich, Dan Chetkovic, Noah Gicas, and Jackson Canto. The musical also featured a “Kid’s Band”, which was the perfect opportunity to include six Lafayette students and even a young 2nd grader, Ray Brandon, all the way from Milton Avenue. This amazing cast definitely blew us all away!
When asked about this year’s predictions for opening night, the director, Mrs. Russo, commented on her thoughts, “I think the audience will be in for a real treat! It’s a heartfelt show with a lot of memorable music and fun dances. The set and costumes will transport the audience to the early 1900’s.” When commenting on rehearsals, Mrs. Russo stated that, “Rehearsals are going really well! It’s a dance-heavy show and the students mastered those early on which has been very helpful during these final weeks.” This year’s musical was undoubtedly a showstopper!
