Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country | Founded 05-05-05

Seventy-Six Trombones Parade into Watauga High School May 17 to 19

Story by Ron Fitzwater

Watauga High School’s theater department will present Meredith Willson’s Broadway Classic The Music Man at the school on Thursday to Saturday May 17 to 19. All shows begin at 8:00 p.m.

The Music Man tells the story of traveling salesman Harold Hill (played by senior Luke Nelson) and his visit to a small Iowa town in 1912. While there he meets and falls in love with the willful, spinster librarian, Marian Paroo (played by senior Maggie Saunders). With his fast-talking style, "Professor" Harold Hill convinces the town that unless they embrace his innovative music program, the youngsters of River City will be lost forever. Hill flimflams the parents into buying expensive instruments and uniforms in order to form the River City Boy’s Band, and chaos ensues as his credentials are questioned and he is called upon to prove himself to the town.

People who attend the show should be ready for a fast paced energetic program full of big songs and big voices. Director Sarah Miller did not hesitant to take on the challenge of the production. “It is a very complex show, but I knew we had the vocal and acting talent to pull it off,” she said.

Rehearsals to this point have been done in small groups and individually. “We are right at the point where we are putting it all together,” said Miller.

Miller’s pride in the ensemble’s progress thus far is evident as she speaks of the hard work done by the cast members. “We are just polishing off the rough edges and putting it all together now, but things are great.”

The entire ensemble, according to Miller, is fabulous. Nelson said, “I really enjoy playing Hill, he is a fun and challenging role.” For people familiar with the film version, Nelson said they should not expect him to mimic Robert Preston’s portrayal, but rather to expect a fresh approach to the role. “I really enjoy this role,” said Saunders on playing Marian. “It is challenging because this role is older than anything else I have played so far.” The role according to Saunders is very broad and allows for a lot of character development. “It is wonderful to have a role I can dig my hands in to and really get into playing someone so different from me.”

“Everyone has really taken to their roles,” said Saunders. “You could not have picked a better show for the cast members we have this year and that created a show unlike others because of the hard work and dedication needed to do it.”

Will Barbour plays Marcellus, Hill’s friend and cohort, and according to Nelson “has really stepped up to the role. It was surprising because he is only a sophomore, but he has come in to his own.”

Emily Hopkins plays Eulalie Shinn, wife of River City’s mayor. However, her talents go well beyond her role. “Emily has stepped into the role as musical director; she is a wonderful singer and piano player and has really helped me arranging the music for the show,” said Miller. Additionally, Hopkins has earned the respect of her fellow cast members who welcome and respect her direction.

One of the favorite performances in the history of the show has been the barbershop quartet, and this performance promises to continue the tradition. “We have four great young men as our quartet: Jason Krontz, Murray Nickel, Jonathan Hopkins and Drayton Aldridge. I never knew that four teenage boys could have that kind if sound,” said Miller. “It is just amazing, if I didn’t know them, I would think by their sound that they were ten years older, the pieces are just so complex.”

Tickets for all shows are $10 and go on sale beginning Monday, May 14, from 11:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. daily, and will also be available at the door.

Want To Go?

Dates: Thursday to Saturday, May 17 to 19
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Location: Watauga High School
Cost: $10 per person