Western Nevada Musical Theatre Company presents ‘The Music Man’

The Western Nevada Musical Theatre Company opens its 25th anniversary season in Carson City with the Broadway blockbuster “The Music Man.” Performances are weekends, May 8 through 17. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees are at 2 pm. There is also a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, May 16.

The critically acclaimed, award-winning musical is a high-stepping favorite, featuring the high-stepping 76 Trombones, the romantic ‘Til There Was You, and the comical Trouble in River City.

The story tells of charismatic, fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill who sells band instruments and uniforms with the promise of teaching children how to perform, then takes the money and skips town each time the band instruments arrive. His plans fall apart, though, when he falls in love with Marion, the local librarian, and he decides to stay and face the music so he can marry her. Willson’s award-winning score includes several styles of music, ranging from barbershop quartet to early rap.

The cast album for The Music Man won the first Grammy Award ever presented. The show won eight Tony Awards — beating West Side Story for Best Musical.

Playing Harold Hill and Marian Paroo in this production are Matt Wilkerson and Andie Anderson. Phoenix Burke plays young Winthrope. Some 50 people complete the cast. Stephanie Arrigotti produces and directs, Gina Kaskie Davis is the choreographer and Kevin Murphy is the conductor. Tickets are $28 or $25 per show. Those who buy season tickets receive an additional discount. Shop early for best seats, as all seating is reserved.