"The Music Man": Fun For All Ages (PHOTOS)

Some sure signs the holiday season is upon us: lights, carols, commercials galore. And in Weston, another sign of the holidays is a family-friendly production at Weston Town Hall.

The Weston Friendly Society of the Performing Arts, the country’s second-oldest theater group, opened its 127^th season last weekend with the classic “The Music Man,” which enjoyed a successful opening run that organizers hope will be repeated on Friday and Saturday.

The prolific musical features a cast of about 40 performers and tells the tale of Harold Hill, a traveling con man who poses as a band organizer and sells instruments and uniforms to the gullible townsfolk of River City, Iowa, before trying to skip town with the cash—but not before falling for Marian Paroo, a librarian who returns Howard’s feelings after his music helps her brother, Winthrop, overcome his severe lisp-induced fear of talking.

The play was chosen both for its classic quality and because it lends itself to a large ensemble cast, said Nicole Palumbo, secretary for the Weston Friendly Society and one of the musical’s producers.

“We like to do a family show before Christmas,” said Palumbo. “It’s a classic and a great opportunity to have kids in the cast.”

Palumbo said the opening shows last weekend “went very well” and that the group is looking forward to another successful run this weekend. "The Music Man" will be performed at Weston Town Hall on Friday, Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the door or online.

Additionally, said Palumbo, auditions for the society’s next production, Singin’ in the Rain, will be held Dec. 13 and 14. Check the Weston Friendly Society website for more information.