Music Man opens July 1 at Theatre-on-the-Hill!

Noted for lavish outdoor summer musical productions and more intimate, eclectic, and challenging works during the cooler months, Bolingbrook's Theatre-on-the-Hill once again raises the bar for regional theater. The company's current production, Meredith Willson's The Music Man promises to deliver a toe tapping, heartwarming, larger-than-life portrait of life and love in 1912 rural America. Presented at Bolingbrook's state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center, the show will run weekends from July 1-17.

Set in the fictional town of River City, Iowa, The Music Man tells the story of legendary con artist "Professor" Harold Hill (Scott Bovaird/Kevin Nepomuceno), his attempt to fleece the town's residents, and the inadvertent positive results for all concerned. Prim librarian, Marian Paroo (Kristina Parro/Anita Kallen) realizes there is more to Harold than meets the eye. Together with her little brother, Winthrop (Joe Bovaird/Shane Frantz) and mother (Terry Michalak) she helps positive change in both Harold and the community. The irrepressible Marcellus Washburn (Michael Stassus) provides comic relief as the tale winds toward its delightful conclusion.

 Unquestionably one of the most beloved and enduring shows of all time, The Music Man is an homage to small town America, filled to the brim with memorable musical numbers such as "76 Trombones", "Gary, Indiana", "Lida Rose", "Ya Got Trouble" and of course "Till There Was You" (also a hit for the Beatles in the sixties).

 "Much of the music was way ahead of its time," vocal director Sharon Hand states. "Songs like Rock Island, Piano Lesson, and Trouble still present a challenge to seasoned performers." Other vocal highlights include the beautiful harmonies of a barber shop quartet. Led by baritone Kelly Markwell, this Bolingbrook quartet features Dave Lichty and Mike Brown, tenors 1 & 2 respectively and bass, Matthew Bockus performing Wilson's beautifully woven four-part tunes.

 Producer/director Michael Fudala says the fast-talking con man Harold Hill represents the incorrigible scamp in us all. "Harold Hill is the ultimate salesman, ladies man, and mesmerist...and frankly, he's a bit of a sociopath," chuckles Fudala. "His charismatic charm grants him powers of persuasion of which most of us can only dream. Fortunately, a twist of fate and a woman's love intervene to bring redemption to both Harold and the spellbound Iowans with issues of their own." Though traditionally presented, Fudala hopes to enliven the production with a few surprises. "Wonder if there is a horse and wagon available we might be able to incorporate?" he muses slyly.

Stunning choreography by Ms. KB Bowman and a large cast and crew  from Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Plainfield, Palos Hills, Joliet, Lisle, Homer Glen, Downers Grove, Naperville, Aurora, Woodstock, and Chicago are sure to impress theater lovers of all ages.

 The Music Man runs from July 1 through July 17, at the Bolingbrook Performing Arts Center, 375 W. Briarcliff, Bolingbrook, Illinois. Friday and Saturday shows start at 8:30; Sunday shows begin at 7:30. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors. More info at 630-908-2538 and www.tothbolingbrook.com.