Bang the Drum, "The Music Man" Starts Tomorrow!

The Simsbury Summer Theatre (SST) presents the classic, fun-for-all-ages Broadway musical, “The Music Man,” on August 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th. This is the 51st year for the non-profit, self-funded organization. SST provides a comprehensive theatre experience for high school and college students; members come from towns all over the Farmington Valley and Western Massachusetts. Many alumni have gone on to star on Broadway as well as regional and national show tours.

Callista DeGraw, participating in her third show with SST, plays Alma Hix, part of the “Pick-a-Little” ladies group. She appreciates the professional experience SST provides, commenting, “When people come to see the show, they expect it to be more of an amateur production, but they leave impressed by how professional our shows are. We have a live orchestra and we pour our hearts and souls into every scene.” Callista is a rising junior from Avon.

Hunter Monroe, who plays Callista’s husband in the show, Oliver Hix, is also returning for his third show. “I’ve come to learn that working on a show with a group of people is one of the most effective ways to bring people together. It forces people to express themselves and theater kids are some of the most accepting people you’ll find.” Hunter will be attending UCONN in the fall where he plans to major in Acting.

The Music Man’s plot revolves around con man Harold Hill (played by Andrey Vdovenko) who poses as a bandleader. He convinces the naïve townsfolk of River City, Iowa to purchase musical instruments for their children, promising them music lessons in return. Though Marian the librarian (played by Kate Campolieta) realizes he’s bamboozling the residents, she begins to fall in love with him and Harold risks discovery to win her heart. The beloved family-friendly musical, with its charming, delightful story, fabulous dance numbers (tap included!), memorable songs such as “Ya Got Trouble,” “Till There Was You,” and “Seventy-Six Trombones,” provides all-American fun for every age!

Tickets are available online at www.simsburysummertheatre.org. Tickets are also available at the box office at Westminster School’s Werner Centennial Theater on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Adult tickets are $18 and tickets for children and Seniors (65+) are $15. Tickets may also be purchased by calling 860-480-0951. The show starts at 7:00 p.m. on August 3rd, 4th and 5th and on August 6th at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.