Classic con man returns in ACT's 'The Music Man'

ALBANY - Forty-four actors from all over the Mid-Willamette Valley between the ages of 20 months and 74 come together for the hilarious musical "The Music Man," opening Thursday, July 16, at Albany Civic Theater.

In "The Music Man," Harold Hill, played by Brad Townsend, is a noted con man among salesmen. He is known for scamming towns out of money through various scenarios. He is intrigued with River City, Iowa, and embarks on a journey to sell boys band equipment and to train them, passing himself off as a music professor.

In an attempt to fleece the community he instead learns a valuable lesson about moral responsibility, trust and love from the town's librarian, played by Kimberly Marrett. The uptight librarian also learns that hope is out there if you just open the door.

"'The Music Man' is a story of looking past the exterior of others," said director Christi Sears. "The old saying 'don't judge a book by it's cover' applies to many of the characters throughout this story."

Sears has been involved with theater since she was 3. Her mom was a theater major and one of the original Play Box Players in Portland when Sears was a child.

Her involvement locally started about 17 years ago. She has worked at almost every theater in the area and directed 12 shows including "Hello, Dolly," "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," "Into the Woods" and "The Pirates of Penzance."

Sears added that she fell in love with "The Music Man" as a child because of its upbeat music and the fanfare.

"We are thrilled to bring this amazing production to our stage at ACT," she said.

Rehearsals have been going very well, according to Sears. Everything fell into place. Her directing staff has years of musical experience and have all worked and played together for many years.

"We have been together for so many years that we respect and understand the jobs we all do," Sears said. "We are a team and it takes a team to create any production of this magnitude."

Sears is not only happy with the production staff, but also with the actors.

"The only difference between our volunteers and professionals in this business is that the volunteers do not receive a paycheck," Sears said. "Their talent is equally matched."

Next season Sears will direct the adult musical/

comedy "The Producers."

The opening night performance of "The Music Man" on July 16 will benefit Albany Civic Theater's special projects fund. The Albany Kiwanis Club has joined with ACT to provide annual improvements to the interior of the theater. The first project has been completed with the installation of new carpeting in the lobby and theater.

CHECK IT OUT

WHO: Albany Civic Theater.

WHAT: "The Music Man" by Meredith Willson. Directed by Christi E. Sears.

WHEN: 8 p.m. July 16 - 25, July 30, 31, Aug. 1, and Aug. 6 -8; 2:30 p.m. July 26 and Aug. 2.

WHERE: Albany Civic Theater, 111 First Ave S.W., Albany.

COST: $13 for adults. $10 students and seniors. Advance tickets available at Sid Stevens Jewelers in Albany and Rice's Pharmacy in Corvallis.

INFO: www.albanycivic.org.

NOTES: Originally a Broadway hit in 1957, "The Music Man" includes such beloved songs as "Seventy-Six Trombones," "Till There Was You" and "Goodnight, My Someone." Suitable for all ages.