The Music Man is a musical with book, music, and lyrics by Meredith Willson, based on a story by Willson and Franklin Lacey. The plot concerns con man Harold Hill, who poses as a boys’ band organizer and leader and sells band instruments and uniforms to naïve Midwestern townsfolk, promising to train the members of the new band. Harold is no musician, however, and plans to skip town without giving any music lessons. Prim librarian and piano teacher Marian sees through him, but when Harold helps her younger brother overcome his lisp and social awkwardness, Marian begins to fall in love with him. He risks being caught to win her heart.
Notre Dame Preparatory students performed The Music Man this month. The production featured multiple Building Bridges students, including Xochitl Aranda, Alexandria (Allee) Cumbus, A’lana Osborne, and Alondra Pedroza. Read about their experiences below.
Xochitl Aranda, Stage Crew
Why did you get involved in The Music Man? I listen to a lot of music, but musicals tend to be my favorite types of performances. I get a huge adrenaline rush during every show…it’s so exiting.
What have you learned from this process? Organization is key. I now always make sure that I have a set list in the proper order. Also, practice makes perfect! A well-practiced and prepared stage crew makes for a smooth show.
If you could be a part of any production, what would it be? The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals, Heathers, La La Land, and Mamma Mia.
Alexandria (Allee) Cumbus, Pick-a-little Lady (Ensemble)
Why did you get involved in The Music Man? I’ve always loved theater. I danced for twelve years and my favorite dance styles were musical theater and ballet. I watched my big brother do shows for years and loved it. Everyone involved in the productions seemed to become so close.
What was my experience like? In the past, I was a stage head, so The Music Man was my first time being on stage…and it was something of a dream. I became so much closer to my classmates, even those I thought I’d never talk to. My interest in the arts certainly won’t stop here.
If you could be a part of any production, what would it be? The Princess and the Frog and High School Musical
A’lana Osborne, Stage Manager
Why did you get involved in The Music Man? I’ve always had a thing for musicals, so I just naturally veered towards theatre.
What other productions have you done at NDP? I was also a part of The Play that Goes Wrong, Grease, and Clue. I hope to continue being involved with stage productions as a stage manager in college.
If you could be a part of any production, what would it be? Little Shop of Horrors
Alondra Pedroza, Prop Master
Why did you get involved in The Music Man? My freshman English teacher encouraged me to get involved in theatre after studying Shakespeare in class.
What other productions have you done at NDP? I was also a part of The Play that Goes Wrong, Grease, and Clue–all as Prop Master.
What have you learned from being involved? Patience and Teamwork
If you could be a part of any production, what would it be? Mamma Mia.