There's no trouble seeing 'The Music Man' at ECC

Posted July 10, 2023 11:00 pm

Submitted by Children's Theatre of Elgin

Harold Hill, played by Macky Day, and Marcellus Washburn, played by Emmett Kowall, at a rehearsal for Children's Theatre of Elgin's production of "The Music Man." Courtesy of Children's Theatre of Elgin

Children's Theatre of Elgin and its affiliate troupe, Fox Valley Theatre Company, are excited to bring Meredith Willson's "The Music Man" to the Elgin Community College Arts Center this week.

Performances will be held at the Blizzard Theatre at Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 14, and Saturday, July 15, and 2 p.m. Sunday, July 16.

Tickets are $14 for general admission, $12 for students and seniors, and available at tickets.elgin.edu or by calling (847) 622-0300.

The opening night performance on Friday will feature a red carpet event at 5:30 p.m., where cast members will walk the carpet and answer questions about their role in the production. Sunday's matinee performance will feature ASL interpreters near the stage for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing.

"The Music Man," which features a book, music and lyrics by Meredith Willson, tells the story of what happens when con artist Harold Hill arrives in River City, Iowa, and falls in love with straight-laced librarian Marian.

"'The Music Man' is a bubbly, golden age musical comedy filled with catchy songs and relevant content to our world today," said Director Darian Goulding. "The performers have been working so diligently to create a fabulous production, and we are so excited to bring this classic to the stage."

"It has been so wonderful to bring 'The Music Man' back to the CTE/FVTC stage and hear how it has bridged generations," said Larissa Catalano, the show's producer.

"I had the opportunity to perform in our 2009 production of 'The Music Man' and absolutely fell in love with the show. It has been wonderful to hear multiple cast parent stories about when they did 'Music Man' and how they have shared those memories with their children. I am ecstatic to see the impact that such an iconic show will have on our audiences as well."

Children's Theatre of Elgin/Fox Valley Theatre Company is an Illinois 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation in-residence at the Elgin Community College Arts Center.

The organization is supported, in part, by the Palmer Foundation, Grand Victoria Foundation, Target, The Seigle Foundation, the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission, the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, Elgin Community College, and the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

For information, visit www.cteelgin.com.

Some of the cast of "The Music Man," including Eulalie MaKecknie Shinn, played by Bella Ciancio; Alma Hix, played by Ally Smith; Maud Dunlop, played by Amanda Hansen; Ethel Toffelmier, played by Leah Foerster; Mrs. Squires, played by Kaydence Phu; and the Pickalittle Ladies - Sophia Alexander, Sarah Swanson and Marymellany Velasco. Courtesy of Children's Theatre of Elgin

Featured dancers in Children's Theatre of Elgin's "The Music Man" include Aarushi Thakkar, Evangeline LeMier, Erin Lakoske, Lizzie Lorenz, Aashni Thakkar, Ava Terry, Olivia Eckersberg, Rebecca Roberts, Samantha Dienelt and Mara Maheu. Courtesy of Children's Theatre of Elgin

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