Hit All the Right Notes with CYT's "The Music Man"

Harold Hill, the fast-talking traveling salesman, arrives in River City, Iowa, and attempts to pull a fast one on the locals. His scheme is threatened when the beautiful librarian Marian sees a good man beneath his act, and forces him to face a difficult decision about skipping town. CYT Chicago’s Northwest Cook County’s production of The Music Man, Jr. runs Feb 13-23 at Prairie Lakes Theater, 515 E. Thacker St. in Des Plaines.

One of the most universally cherished treasures of the American musical theater, The Music Man was an instant smash hit when it premiered on Broadway in December 1957. It went on to win five Tony Awards, including the prize for Best Musical, and ran for 1,375 performances. In 1962, The Music Man was made into a musical film starring Robert Preston as Harold Hill (reprising his Broadway role) and Shirley Jones as Marian Paroo. The film was one of the biggest hits of the year and highly acclaimed critically.

“Harold Hill is the most famous salesman alive,” says Elisha Azcoitia, who plays Hill in this CYT Chicago production. “He has a passion for not being broke!” As Harold spends time in River City, however, he begins to rethink his priorities … thanks to the lovely librarian, Marian, played by Emma Schuth.

“Marian is independent and reserved at first,” says Schuth. “But as the story goes on, she really develops as a character.”

“I think every character has a turning point in the show,” says director Steven Holman. “I think my favorite is how over time, Harold starts to realize this isn't the life he wants to live anymore. When he’s confronted by Winthrop and the town, he doesn't try to make excuses or run, but instead, accepts responsibility and is prepared to face the consequences.”

Holman is making his directorial debut with The Music Man. His story echoes that of the show’s central theme – that people can change in unexpected ways. “I've been a part of the CYT community since before I can remember, and I would have never imagined I'd go from being on stage [as a child performer] to being the lead director. But in the end, I am honored to be working with this cast and crew to tell the story of The Music Man.”

And that story is one of the classics of popular American culture. It has something for everyone – children, teenagers, adults, and seniors feature in every aspect of the story. “It’s about how a community can come together over one central cause,” says Matthew Eshaya, who plays the Mayor of the town.

When Harold Hill arrives in River City, Iowa, he uses his personality and fast talk to persuade the uptight town to start a marching band. He convinces the community that the new pool table in town is nothing but trouble, and the only way to save their children is by purchasing uniforms and instruments so they can join his band. In the end, the town ends up having an even greater impact on him.

“There's so much detail to the storyline,” says Holman. “As the director, I want to highlight even the little details so the audience can better experience and understand the complexity of the characters and the story.”

One of Holman’s favorite characters is Tommy. “He's the hoodlum of the town and I can really relate to him,” he says. “He has a lot of potential and a big heart - he really cares for the people in the town. He just needed someone to believe in him and give him a chance to shine.”

The Music Man offers all its characters opportunities to shine, with fun dancing and rousing songs that will have audiences’ toes tapping, plus classic comedy and a heartwarming love story. It is a show you won't want to miss – so polish your trombone, keep an eye out for the Wells Fargo Wagon, and come see NWCook’s Production of The Music Man!

Tickets are only $15 presale, + $2 at the door. Visit www.cytchicago.org and click on “Shows” or call 847-516-2298 to purchase tickets. The Prairie Lakes Theater seats only 300, so shows sell out very quickly. Call the box office for handicapped accessible seating.

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