‘The Music Man’ Hits the Stage Oct. 29-Nov. 8

OBU Theatre and the Division of Music are proud to present Meredith Willson’s six-time Tony Award winning musical comedy “The Music Man,” opening Thursday, Oct. 29 at 7:30 p.m. Performances will take place at Craig-Dorland Theatre inside Shawnee Hall on the OBU campus.

The production will continue through Nov. 8, with evening performances Oct. 29 and 30, and Nov. 5 and 7, at 7:30 p.m. Matinees will take place Oct. 31, Nov. 1 and Nov. 8 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $13 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets may be purchased online at www.okbu.edu/theatre or by calling (405) 585-4350.

This family friendly musical tells the tale of fast-talking salesman Harold Hill, who, while trying to swindle the whole town of River City, gets his heart stolen by the town librarian. Dr. Jeffrey Wells, associate professor of theatre and division chair for communication arts, is directing the show. Dr. Peter Purin, assistant professor of music theory, is serving as musical director, with Julie Purin serving as choreographer. Rebecca Ballinger, assistant professor of voice, is the assistant director. Junior theatre majors Kymber Sage and Conner Gilbert are serving as student choreographers, while also playing the roles of Zaneeta Shinn and Tommy Djilas, respectively.

“I am exceptionally excited about this production,” Wells said. “I believe our audiences will see some exciting new production elements as well as cameo appearances by some beloved OBU and community folks. The show is sure to entertain and enlighten audiences of all ages with this story about how mercy can change a heart.”

“This show is about how love and hope can change hearts,” Purin added. “Even though we may have selfish ambitions, God can still work out for good what people may have meant for evil.”

Ballinger also has high hopes for the show. “I believe this show will bring many things to OBU, but especially a sense of community,” she said. “It changes how you think and see the world when you see that many people working together to achieve a singular goal – which in this case, is telling the story of Harold Hill.”

Hill will be portrayed by sophomore theatre major Caleb Schantz, with sophomore Jillian Pullen playing his counterpart Marian Paroo. Students Trevor Mastin and Brenna Bergeron will perform as Mayor Shinn and his wife, Eulalie, while Mikayla Reuter will play the role of Mrs. Paroo. Trevor Rodman will play Marcellus Washburn, and Christian Givens will play the role of Charlie Cowell. Faculty and staff performers include Kenny Day, Ford Mastin, Dr. Rich Rudebock, Dale Griffin and Dr. Jim Hansford. The production will feature a large cast, including many other OBU students and Shawnee community members.

“The Music Man” is the first show to be featured in OBU Theatre’s 2015-16 ‘Season of Schemes.’ Future performances include “Oedipus the King,” the classic Greek tragedy of fate, and “Emma,” an adaptation of the beloved Jane Austen novel.

Season tickets may be purchased for $30 for adults and $12 for students at the OBU box office located in Sarkey’s Telecommunication Center. .