North Central to stage 'The Music Man'

"The Music Man," one of the most loved musicals in American musical theater, will conclude North Central College's Summer Musical Theatre series.

Six performances will be staged at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 31 and Aug. 1 and 7-8, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2 and 9, in North Central's Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave., Naperville.

Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for students and senior citizens and available by calling the North Central College Box Office at (630) 637-7469 or visiting www.northcentralcollege.edu/showtix.

Written by Meredith Willson, "The Music Man" features the fast-talking, slipperier than a Mississippi sturgeon Harold Hill, who wins the hearts of stubborn River City, Iowa, residents. In the process, he gets his foot caught in the door, falling for Marian Paroo, the town librarian.

A show filled with catchy tunes, dancing and a barbershop quartet, this is perfect entertainment for the entire family.

Brian Lynch, North Central's fine arts director and veteran of Broadway touring productions, is the show's director and choreographer. Ali Kordelewski, a 2012 North Central graduate with degrees in choral and instrumental music education, gives musical direction.

"By far, 'The Music Man' is one of my all-time favorite shows, especially for the summer audiences," Lynch says. "It captures what we try to present with summer theater at North Central - smiling faces, bright lights and a sense of accomplishment at the end of the summer.

"It's much like Marian's lines to the people of River City when they want to run Harold Hill out of town on a rail. The town ended up having the best summer they'd ever experienced. Our goal for 'The Music Man' company and everyone who comes to see it is to have the best summer they've ever had."

The cast for "The Music Man" features nearly 100 community residents as singers and dancers.