SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Regional School’s production of the classic The Music Man will take the stage this weekend.
Performances are April 1 at 7 p.m., April 2 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., and April 3 at 1 p.m. Tickets are available at the door for $9 for adults, $7 for students and seniors, and $5 for children 12 and under.
Janet Grunwald, drama club producer at SRS, said The Music Man was an easy choice.
“It’s a classic,” she said. “Everyone knows the songs.”
There are also a lot of parts, which was important because the SRS Class of 2016 is one of the largest classes in recent history and there are many seniors participating in the show.
“We have a cast of 35 and about that many in the crew as well,” said Grunwald.
The Music Man plot concerns con man Harold Hill, who poses as a boys’ band organizer and leader and sells band instruments and uniforms to the naive Iowa townsfolk, promising to train the members of the new band. But Harold is no musician and plans to skip town without giving any music lessons. Prim librarian and piano teacher Marian sees through him, but when Harold helps her younger brother overcome his lisp and social awkwardness, Marian begins to fall in love. Harold risks being caught to win her.
In 1957, the show became a hit on Broadway, winning five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and running for 1,375 performances. The cast album won the first Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album and spent 245 weeks on the Billboard charts. The show’s success led to revivals, including a long-running 2000 Broadway revival, a popular 1962 film adaptation and a 2003 television remake. It is frequently produced by both professional and amateur theater companies.
SRS Senior Jacob Blumenthal stars in the role of Harold. And he loves being the con artist, but says he is not trouble with a capital T.
“I’m really grateful I was given the role,” said Blumenthal. “It’s a lot of fun.”
A veteran of productions at the school, The Music Man is Blumenthal’s seventh and last show.
“I will miss it,” he said.
While Blumenthal enjoys acting and singing, playing guitar is more his style off-stage.
“I hope to continue playing recreationally, but I’m not cut out for it as a career,” said the soon-t0be mechanical engineering major.
Grunwald said there are a lot of set changes, movement and choreography. Former student Erica Paul is assisting with the choreography, which us not unusual at SRS.
“We do have some kids who come back to help out, and we have a lot who come back to watch the shows,” said Grunwald.
Southwick has its share of talented young people. Grunwald said several former students are currently working in theater in New York and California.
“Our productions are a good experience for students,” said Grunwald.
