The lights dimmed in the Huss Center for Performing Arts as students stepped onto the stage for this year’s production of “The Music Man,” bringing one of Broadway’s most well-known musicals to life over performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The audience laughed at the jokes, clapped along to the music and stayed engaged from beginning to end as the cast filled the theater with energy. With strong acting and lively musical numbers, the production turned the auditorium into the small town of River City, Iowa.
The story follows Harold Hill, a traveling salesman who comes to town pretending to be a music teacher. He convinces families to spend money on band instruments and uniforms, even though he has no real plan to start a band. At first, Hull only plans to take the money and leave, but things begin to change after he meets Marian Paroo, the town librarian.
As the story continues, Hill slowly becomes more connected to the people of River City instead of just trying to trick them. The musical mixes humor, romance and music while showing how one person can change a community. Even though “The Music Man” first appeared on Broadway decades ago, the student production gave the classic story a fresh and entertaining performance for modern audiences.
Sophomore Kieran Ahearne-Kroll played Olin Britt, one of the four members of the River City school board who shifted roles, singing in a barbershop quartet during the musical. Ahearne-Kroll said the quartet became an important part of the show as the story developed and Harold Hill convinced the group to sing together. “At the beginning of the play, we’re just the four members of the school board, but then Harold comes in and turns us into a barbershop quartet,” Ahearne-Kroll said.
The cast had been preparing for the production since February, spending months rehearsing music, scenes and choreography before opening night. Rehearsals often changed throughout the week depending on which cast members were needed. “The schedule wasn’t like a regular thing every week,” Ahearne-Kroll said. “It would change.” While the leads focused heavily on scenes early in the process, other performers worked on learning songs and group performances.
The rehearsal process also came with challenges as illnesses affected both students and staff members during the final weeks before the show. Ahearne-Kroll said the barbershop group hoped for more rehearsal time, especially as performances got closer. “We got around one barbershop rehearsal per week, which we didn’t love,” Ahearne-Kroll said. “We wanted more.” Even with those setbacks, the cast continued preparing for the performances throughout the spring.
By the end of the weekend, Ahearne-Kroll said the cast felt more confident with each performance. “I’m exhausted, but I think they went really well,” Ahearne-Kroll said. “I think each day got progressively better.”
Through months of rehearsals, long evenings and final performances, the cast and crew of “The Music Man” brought a classic Broadway story to life in the Huss auditorium. With energetic performances, memorable songs and strong audience reactions throughout the weekend, the production gave students the chance to showcase their hard work on stage.
