The rural central Iowa town of Ogden took a step back in time this past weekend, back to a simpler time, back to the turn of the last century and River City, Iowa, the mythical home of Iowa’s most beloved theatrical play, Meredith Wilson’s “The Music Man.”
This is the third time in 31 years in which the Ogden Community Theater has chosen to present this classic, and the cast, crew, orchestra and volunteers hit all the right notes.
Michael Huey-Jones had the honor of portraying Professor Harold Hill, who poses as a boys’ band organizer and leader and sells band instruments and uniforms to the naïve Iowa 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.
But the local librarian, Marian Paroo, played by Hannah Huey-Jones, suspects Hill of being a con man. Her feelings change as she sees Hill bring her troubled little brother Winthrop, played by Dylan Busta, out of his shell, and a romance begins.
All three actors gave tremendous performances as did the entire cast. And if you’re wondering whether Harold and Marian are married in real life, you would be right — as was quite evident by their kiss on the footbridge!
“The Music Man” garnishes many well known show tunes, such as “76 Trombones,” “Gary, Indiana” and “The Wells Fargo Wagon,” and the Ogden Community Theater had the 15-piece pit band to pull it off, directed by Jeremy Britton.
This four-day Ogden Community Theatre production was co-directed by David Larsen and Michael Huey-Jones, assisted by choreographer Micki Larsen, with stage direction by Hanna Huey-Jones.
The cast included more than 50 people of all ages and hundreds of behind-the-scenes volunteer hours, from set building to costumes and props, sound and lights, stage crew and tickets sales.
Having taken part in this production myself with the Perry Community Theater some 17 years ago, I truly appreciate the commitment these River Cityans gave to this performance. I know the cast and crew had to forgo many summer activities in order to rehearse, build sets, design costumes and much, much more.
Your reward for your sacrifice was the laughter and applause of your audience, and to you I say, Bravo!
