Lemont's Little Mountain Community Theatre Presents The Music Man

Little Mountain Community Theatre (LMCT) in Lemont is excited to bring Meredith Willson’s The Music Man to the Lemont High School Performing Arts Center stage later this month.

Performances will take place Friday, July 22, and Saturday, July 23 at 7 pm, and Sunday, July 24 at 2 pm at the high school located at 800 Porter Street. Tickets are $17 for adults, and $15 for students and seniors ages 65+. Tickets can be purchased online in advance at this link. If available, tickets also will be sold at the door starting one hour prior to show time.

Each summer LMCT produces a family-friendly main stage musical. The Music Man was selected this year as an opportunity to feature community members, honor local educators, and partner with the award-winning Lemont High School Marching Band and Color Guard Program.

“Some time ago Dave Nommensen, LHS Fine Arts Division Chair, brought it to our attention that this year is the 20th anniversary of Matt Doherty (LHS Band Director and Student Activities Director) playing the role of Harold Hill when he was a student at Lemont High School,” said Sandy Doebert, the show’s producer and founding member of LMCT. “We thought it was a great idea to celebrate that anniversary since Matt is Lemont’s very own music man! It’s also a wonderful opportunity for us to partner with the award-winning LHS Band Program."

Doherty said he is honored to have the opportunity to reprise the lead role of Harold Hill.

“Since the 2002 performance of the show, the best parts of Harold Hill have been a part of me. I can identify with approaching new situations with clear intentions, and allowing the circumstances, scenarios, and relationships to change my views,” Doherty said.

“I am thrilled to tell this timeless story again, this time approaching the role with a bit of my own perspective, and with an incredible design staff and brilliantly talented cast,” he said. “It’s exciting that the Lemont High School Marching Band gets to take part in the show, too!”

Doebert said that each year LMCT chooses a positive theme to accompany its main stage production. This summer the group is honoring educators.

“We view Harold Hill as a flim-flam man who ultimately finds his better self and becomes an educator who inspires a whole town,” she said. “In light of that, it made perfect sense to honor educators this season.”

In addition to featuring Doherty in the leading role, Lemont High School Principal Eric Michaelsen and Old Quarry Teacher and Drama Director Jenna Treanor will appear in the performances. Cast and staff members' program bios will highlight an educator who made a difference in their life. Educators who attend the show will be recognized with a small token of appreciation and the art show held annually in conjunction with the production will also feature educators.

Director Heather Hutchison said the production will be a fun and heartwarming story not to be missed.

“We have seasoned veterans, people coming back to the stage after a hiatus, and brand-new actors learning the material together, supporting each other, and becoming a theatre family. The tech crew is made up of community members and students as well as loyal crew members who bring the knowledge and creativity of ten seasons with us to this production,” she said. “It’s vital to have all ages represented … the relationships are more endearing, the pictures are richer, and everyone will recognize a character who they know from their own hometown.

“This is the kind of show that you will sing the songs in your head along with the actors on stage. You’ll smile, you’ll cry, and you’ll get whisked away to a simpler time. A small, picturesque Midwestern town will come alive with beautiful costumes, vintage hats, large production numbers, and a full marching band!”

LMCT’s mission is to educate individuals of all ages and abilities, entertain audiences, and enrich the community with the presence of live theatre. For more information, visit www.littlemountaintheatre.org