Elmhurst Children’s Theatre has announced production details for The Music Man by Meredith Willson, to be performed Friday-Sunday, Jan. 21-23. Directed by Jason Sperling, The Music Man takes the stage in the spacious auditorium at Timothy Christian High School.
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 that he vows to organize. 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.
Meredith Willson’s six-time Tony award-winning musical comedy has been entertaining audiences since 1957 and is a family-friendly story to be shared with every generation. The Music Man is packed with nonstop thrills and classic tunes and showcases scores of dancing and singing … perfect for every audience.
The Music Man is a Broadway-caliber musical produced under director Jason Sperling, music director Lisa Griffith, choreographer Nina Davalos, and assistant director Laney Toffler, with a live orchestra and professional sets. The Music Man features talented youth performers in fifth through eighth grades, many of whom are seasoned actors in Elmhurst through ECT and their school performances.
Director Jason Sperling shared his insights about the upcoming performance of The Music Man:
“The Music Man is great for this age group because there are a variety of fun and interesting characters, allowing many actors to showcase their singing, dancing, and acting skills,” Sperling said. “This is my seventh show with Elmhurst Children’s Theatre. I love working with this group because the kids are always on top of things, well-prepared, talented, and a lot of fun to direct.”
The cast weighs in
ECT’s performers shared Sperling’s enthusiasm for ECT’s production of The Music Man. Eighth grader Lucas Prine plays the con man Harold Hill in the production.
“Acting in ECT productions has always been fun,” he said. “This is my first time getting an important part, and I am very excited about it.”
“I love the ECT family, and I am so happy to be able to be back onstage and in the theater,” said Dylan Wargin, who has been cast as Constable Locke.
“Pick-a-Little” Lady Caitlyn Burkeen concurred.
“I love being with everybody in person and that I will be able to perform again in front of an audience,” she said.
Performances are Friday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 22 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 23 at 3 p.m. All shows will be at Timothy Christian School, 188 W. Butterfield Rd.
Tickets are available for purchase for $10 at the door prior to each performance. For more information, contact Shannon Goodrich at [email protected].
About ECT
ECT is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit children’s theatre company dedicated to providing an experience in all aspects of live theatre for the students of Elmhurst by promoting a supportive and positive learning environment.
Children in grades 5 – 8 who live in Elmhurst or attend District 205 or parochial schools in Elmhurst are invited to audition for ECT productions.
For more information, visit www.ectshows.com.
