Westminster Christian School brings 'The Music Man' to Elgin
The Fine Arts department at Westminster Christian School will stage "The Music Man" this weekend at The Hemmens in Elgin. Performances are at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Nov. 12-13, and 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. All tickets are $12. There is a student/senior rate of $10.
"The Music Man" follows fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys' band he vows to organize - this despite the fact he doesn't know a trombone from a treble clef. His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian the librarian, who transforms him into a respectable citizen by curtain's fall.
"The students at Westminster never stop amazing me with their talent and dedication to musical theater," said Johanna Johnson, musical director, Westminster Christian School. "Their love for music, dance and one another has been so evident throughout our rehearsals. It's been a joy to see the upperclassmen care for the younger elementary cast members at rehearsals, and I can't wait to see that dedication come to life onstage."
Sophomore Brynn Maxwell of Elgin is honored to play the part of Marian.
"Performing as Marian has helped me grow as an actress and singer," said Maxwell. "My confidence onstage has grown immensely over these past weeks of rehearsal. It's wonderful performing with a cast who are equally passionate about theater as I am."
Playing the part of con man Harold Hill is junior Hunter Johnson of Woodstock.
"It has been a lifelong dream for me to get this kind of role, and I just hope that people enjoy what I do with Harold Hill's character," said Johnson.
One of the important components of the musical is the quartet, which is made up of three boys and one girl. Quartet members are: Matthew McNeil, Ryan McNeil, Daniel Murphy and Michaela Newton.
"Being in the quartet has helped shape me into a better leader, better singer and better team player," said Newton, a sophomore. "I've learned how to sing and act with the boys as a team. I've deepened the friendships with the boys, and they've given me some wonderful laughs."
Senior Matthew McNeil explained that being a part of the quartet has made him a better singer.
"I did not know what my voice could do before, but when I received the role and began practicing, I improved my ability to reach higher notes and sing more clearly than I could before," said McNeil. "It has been an amazing experience and I am very proud of the quartet for working so hard."
Tickets are available from the Hemmens box office at (847) 931-5900. The Hemmens is at 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Visit cityofelgin.org/.