Local adaptation of 'The Music Man' premiering at Glenn Massay Theater

PALMER — Triumvirate Theatre's local adaptation of "The Music Man" opens at the Glenn Massay Theater Friday, Jan. 26 at 7 p.m.

"The Music Man" follows the story of Harold Hill, a fast-talking traveling salesman who cons the people of River City, Iowa but ultimately falls in love with the town's librarian, Marian Paroo. Hill goes through a transformative character arc and becomes a respectable citizen by the end of the play.

Meredith Willson's Tony Award-winning musical has entertained audiences since 1957. The classic family-friendly story has been adapted onstage and through motion pictures numerous times over the last six decades.

"It's just a feel-good show. I like that about it.

I think we need that today," Director AJ Seims said. "We hope people come. It's going to be an awesome show."

Triumvirate Theatre's take on "The Music Man" features a large cast and crew with about 75 community members participating. Seims said they have a nice blend of new and seasoned actors

"It's been fun. We've got a great group," Seims said. "It's fun to see something come to life that wasn't there before. It's awesome to encourage folks to use their creative juices. It's a good feeling to create."

The Music Man also features a live orchestra with over 20 local musicians led by Sara Guhl. Seims said having the live orchestra enhances the overall experience.

"It's a whole different dimension. The sound is always more rich with an orchestra," Seims said.

Seims said it's great to be back at the Glenn Massay Theater.

"It's lovely. The Massay is a nice theater," Seims said.

Haakan Bohman plays Harold Hill. He said it's great to see so many different walks of life come together for this production.

"I think that's the cool part of community theater. We're not all professionals but we take it seriously," Bohman said. "It's a good experience to see people in and out of their elements."

Mckenzie Mann plays Marion Paroo. She's also helping build the set.

"It's really fun to be really involved," Mann said. "I'm having a really good time getting along with everybody… The talent we have here is amazing. The attitude of everyone here has been upbeat and positive and it's just made a world of difference being in the musical."

Mann said that she really enjoys being a part of such an iconic musical.

"I love this style of music.I am a sucker for the old timey things," Mann said. "It's very kid friendly and energetic."

For tickets and more information, visit glennmassaytheater.com.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com

"The Music Man" showtimes:

Friday, January 26: 7 p.m.

Saturday, January 27: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Friday, February 2: 7 p.m.

Saturday, February 3: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Friday, February 9: 7 p.m.

Saturday, February 10: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.