Director shares magic behind 'Music Man'
The Music Man is being performed May 15-16 by 58 students at St. Peter School in Antioch. Director Bridget O'Connell provides a look behind the scene of the production.
Q. Briefly, what is this play about?
A. The Music Man is a musical with book, music and lyrics by Meredith Willson. The show is based on a story by Willson and Franklin Lacey. The plot concerns con man Harold Hill, who poses as a boys' band organizer and leader and sells band instruments and uniforms to naive townspeople before skipping town with the cash. In River City, Iowa, prim Marian the librarian sees through him, but when Hill helps her younger brother, Marian begins to fall in love with Harold. Harold, in turn falling for Marian, risks being caught to win her.
This musical features the brilliant songs: "'Til There Was You," "Seventy-Six Trombones," and "Good Night My Someone," to name a few.
Q. Check one: comedy drama comedy-drama drama-comedy musical
A. This is a musical and a comedy.
Q. Tell us what you know about the author, and the history behind this play.
A. Meredith Willson was inspired by his boyhood in Mason City, Iowa, in writing and composing The Music Man.
Q. What's the appeal of doing this play from your point of view?
A. The Genius of The Music Man is it has great music and is pure comedy. This is a junior version but has it has kept enough of the humor in tact to amuse adults.
Q. What makes this play fabulous?
A. The music, dancing and comedy.
Q. Without giving too much away, is there a "don't miss" moment, and when does it come?
A. When Professor Hill gets the young boy Winthrop to smile again. Winthrop lost his father and has a lisp so he is sad and self-conscious. It's a beautiful story.
Q. Has the play received awards or notable nominations?
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 Original Cast Album. The show's success led to revivals and a popular 1962 film adaptation. In 2003 Disney produced a remake with Matthew Broderick, Kristin Chenoweth, Victor Garber and Molly Shannon, which created another resurgence of this popular musical by both professional and amateur theater companies.
Q. List the main cast and crew in your production.
A. There are 58 kids in the production!
Q. Who are you?
A. Bridget O'Connell, director. I started the St. Peter Theater program years and 8 productions ago. At this point we have four directors. Most productions average 55-80 kids. Everyone who tries out gets a part. This has been a labor of love; introducing children to the theater experience is very fulfilling for our directing team.
<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p> <p class="News"><b>What:</b> St. Peter School in Antioch presents The Music Man</p> <p class="News"><b>When:</b> 7 p.m. Friday, May 15, 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday, May 16</p> <p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Father Hanley Hall, St. Peter School, 900 St. Peter St., Antioch</p> <p class="News"><b>Tickets:</b> $7 for advanced bleacher seating, $5 for advanced floor seating, $3 for general admission. Children under 12 are $2. Purchase tickets at the school; at Ipsen's American Family Insurance, 509 Lake St., Antioch; or by calling (224) 629-6598. </p>