Arts & Entertainment
Tickets On Sale For 'The Music Man in Concert' Jan. 30 And 31 At The Presbyterian Church In Westfield
Family-friendly event will benefit New Jersey Youth Theatre, acclaimed professional training program for aspiring young performers.
More than 30 of the area’s most talented performers -- of all generations -- are coming together for a unique, two-night engagement of “The Music Man In Concert,” a full-length concert version, including script and musical score, of Meredith Willson’s beloved Broadway musical.
Performances will be held at the historic Presbyterian Church in Westfield on Friday, Jan. 30, and Saturday, Jan. 31. Both shows are at 7 p.m.
Tickets, which start at $20, are already on sale via phone at 1-800-838-3006 or online at www.musicmanconcert.bpt.me.
Find out what's happening in Westfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The show is a benefit for New Jersey Youth Theatre, which offers a free, professional summer training program for aspiring young talent. That program, now entering its 24rd year, has produced a multitude of students who have gone on to successful theatrical careers, including several on Broadway.
Featuring a 20-piece onstage band, “The Music Man in Concert” tells the story of charming con man Harold Hill and his encounter with Marian the Librarian and the people of River City, Iowa.
Find out what's happening in Westfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“It will be an exciting and highly entertaining evening -- something for all ages,” said Cynthia Meryl, who is directing the show. Meryl, a Broadway veteran, is NJYT’s Artistic Director and also appearing in the show as Eulalie, the wife of the mayor of River City.
Meryl explained that that show will be performed in a style similar to the “Encores!” musical concert series in New York City. It will include the script of “The Music Man” and all the show’s wonderful songs -- including “Seventy-six Trombones” and “Till There Was You.” Performers will be dressed in semi-formal attire.
Running time is a little over two hours, with one intermission.
Most of the concert cast members are NJYT veterans, and many are graduates of area schools.
In addition to its summer program, NJYT offers year-round classes in acting, dance, musical theatre and voice during the school year to children ages 8-18 from all over the state. Classes are held at the NJYT studios at 172 W. Westfield Avenue in Roselle Park, just ten minutes from downtown Westfield and five minutes from downtown Cranford.
The Presbyterian Church in Westfield is located at at 140 Mountain Ave., at the corner of East Broad Street.
