‘The Music Man’ production starts off on a high note

By Helen Zeidman
Editor-in-Chief

The musical season started with an explosion of emotions when the cast list for “The Music Man” was released on Nov. 28. The normally spacious music wing was filled with a variety of reactions. Some students were hugging with smiles stretching over their faces and others were giving out high-fives to everyone who walked by. There were wide eyes of disbelief and even screams of joy. This energy and excitement will bring life to the musical for the next couple of months.

This year, the musical cast is veering from a Disney theme and productions like last year’s “Beauty and the Beast,” to go back to a classic. Instead of focusing on talking teacups and walking clocks, “The Music Man” features a cast of ordinary people.
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“‘The Music Man’ is a show based on human interaction and basic human emotions,” Ms. Angela Wise, the musical director, said. “Even though this show is completely different in that aspect, leave it to Red Lion to put their own twist on a classic musical. We will be taking this show and going from black and white to color. Our set, costumes and lights will all change throughout the entire show.” ​

The musical centers around con-man Harold Hill, played by senior Kevin Scheetz, and his search for some extra cash, and eventually, love. He travels to River City, Iowa, in hopes of tricking locals into buying instruments, but the tables are turned when he meets the town librarian Marian Paroo, played by senior Tori Smith. The plot is thickened by Hill’s rival Charlie Cowell, played by Johan Unger, and the intervention of Mayor Shinn, played by senior Dante Zumbo.

Scheetz is one of the returning cast members who will bring the musical to life. His previous experience has gotten him excited for his year’s season.

“I tried out for musical again this year because I had an absolute blast last year with ‘Beauty and the Beast,’” Scheetz said. “I was able to get closer to my friends and also become friends with kids I would have never guessed I’d talk to. It’s just such a fun environment.”

The leading lady has been looking forward to her last musical season as well.

“I tried out for the musical this year because it has really become a big part of my life,” Smith said. “It’s the thing that I look forward to most every year.” 

The start of musical season brings enthusiasm to the cast, but it also comes with a fair share of challenges. Students have to complete an entire show with acting, singing, costumes, set design, and much more by spring. A classic show also comes with the task of difficult vocals and arrangements. 

For instance, the Quartet is a standout characteristic of the show that can be difficult to orchestrate. The group consists of school board members – played by juniors Jonathan Rowe, Teague Rudacille, and Eli Lanehart and sophomore Gavin Zieber – who are brought together by Hill in order to gain their trust. 

“It is extremely hard to take four individual singers and make them work together in perfect harmony,” Ms. Wise said. 

The rich storyline and promising cast ensure that the classic will be anything but boring. In fact, with a classic show, the musical talent of the cast can truly be highlighted.
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“The amount of talent we have onstage this year will astound even the avid theater goer,” Ms. Wise said. “Doing a classic show such as ‘The Music Man’ can truly show the talent that Red Lion produces because of the technique that is shown throughout the entire production.”