UKIAH, Calif. – The Mendocino College Theatre Arts Department and Ukiah Civic Light Opera will present “The Music Man” April 12-21 in Mendocino College’s Center Theatre.  

This classic American musical is Meredith Willson’s affectionate tribute to Smalltown, USA of a bygone era.

The beloved show features some of the greatest songs in American musical theatre history, including “76 Trombones,” “Goodnight my Someone” and “The Wells Fargo Wagon.”  

The musical is based on a story by Meredith Willson and Franklin Lacey, and features a book, music and lyrics by Willson.

This joyous family friendly show will delight audiences of all ages.

“The Music Man” follows fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, circa 1912, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boy's band he vows to organize – this despite the fact he doesn't know a trombone from a treble clef.  

His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian the librarian, who transforms him into a respectable citizen by curtain's fall.

According to the show’s director, Mendocino College theater professor Reid Edelman, “Producing a major musical such as ‘The Music Man’ is always exciting. It is a joyful opportunity to collaborate with our wonderful dance and music faculty and to involve a large cast of enthusiastic performers.  This is one of the greatest musicals ever written, one that celebrates life, love and the transformative power of music.”

David Strock, a talented local theater artist with dozens of musical and dramatic theatrical credits, plays the central role of Professor Harold Hill.

Veteran local performer, former Miss Mendocino, and real-life local librarian Roseanne Wetzel plays the role of Marian the librarian.

Other performers in principal roles include Ryan Eldredge as Hill’s sidekick Marcellus Washburn, Joyce Boghosian as Marian’s mother Mrs. Paroo and the adorable Marcus Phillips in the role of Marian’s 12-year-old brother Winthrop.  

The town mayor and his wife will be played by Harvey Baumoel and Margo Sellick. Charlie Cowell, a traveling salesman bent on exposing Hill as a fraud is being played by Mendocino College theater student Will Moody. Another college theater major, Andrew Corpuz, plays the important role of Tommy Djilas and is also the production’s dance captain.

Sarah Martin, an experienced dancer with the Mendocino Ballet Co., plays opposite Corpuz as the female dance lead Zaneeta Shinn, the mayor’s daughter. The show also features Dave Peterman, John Ratto, Frank Braverman and Jim Howlett as a delightful barbershop quartet.  

“The Music Man” company includes nine energetic local children, including 10 year old Taylor Bowser in the principal role of Amaryllis.

In all, the radiant and enthusiastic cast includes 40 talented singers, dancers and actors as well as a full orchestra (under the direction of music director and Mendocino College professor Les Pfutzenreuter).

Ukiah High School drama teacher and Mendocino College dance instructor Maria A. Monti is choreographing the extensive dance sequences and Mendocino College music instructor Marilyn Simpson is the production’s vocal director and co-musical director.  

College theater technician Larry L. Lang is designing scenery and lighting, while college costuming instructor Kathy Dingman-Katz is creating the many costumes with the assistance of her costume construction classes.

This show is expected to sell out quickly, so audiences are encouraged to purchase tickets early.  

“The Music Man” opens Friday, April 12, and runs through Sunday, April 21, in the Center Theatre on the Mendocino College campus.  

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. There also is a performance at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18.

Tickets are available now at the Mendocino College Bookstore on the college campus, at the Mendocino Book Co. in downtown Ukiah and also online at www.artsmendocino.org .

Prices are $15 for adults and $12 for students, seniors and ASMC cardholders.

For additional information or group sales, please call 707-462-9155.