Palos Verdes Performing Arts Marks 60th Anniversary of THE MUSIC MAN

Palos Verdes Performing Arts concludes its 34th season with a new production of Meredith Willson's musical comedy "The Music Man" to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the critically acclaimed Broadway classic. The production will run for 11 performances, April 21-May 7 at the 450-seat Norris Theatre.

"The Music Man" is directed by Todd Nielsen with music direction by Sean Alexander Bart and choreography by Daniel Smith. The cast includes national Broadway tour veteran Brent Schindele (Harlold Hill); Katharine McDonough (Marian); Cathy Newman (Mrs. Paroo); Greg Nicholas (Mayor Shinn); Austin Rea (Marcellus Washburn); Mary Murphy-Nelson (Eulalie); and Travis Burnett-Doering (Winthrop).

A sparkling homage to a bygone era, "The Music Man" follows fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill who brings trouble to River City, Iowa when he cons the townspeople into buying instruments and uniforms for an imaginary band - but his plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when his heart is stolen by the town librarian. With its heartwarming story and cast of colorful and unforgettable characters that discover the power of music and romance, the musical's themes remain timeless.

Soaring voices and an 18-piece orchestra will deliver all of "The Music Man" classics including "Seventy Six Trombones," "Goodnight, My Someone," "Wells Fargo Wagon," "Till There Was You" and "Ya Got Trouble." The brilliant score won the first Grammy Award for Best Original Cast Album.

"The Music Man" features book, music, and lyrics by Meredith Willson, who based the musical on his own childhood in Mason City, Iowa. A Broadway sensation when it opened in 1957, starring Robert Preston and Barbara Cook, the production was nominated for 11 Tony awards, winning five awards including Best Musical (beating out "West Side Story").

Performances for the April 21 - May 7 run of "The Music Man" are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, plus 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday April 29 and May 6. Ticket prices range from $30-$65, and discounted group sales tickets are available. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the box office at (310) 544-0403 or go to palosverdesperformingarts.com. The Norris Theatre is located in the South Bay area of Los Angeles at 27570 Norris Center Drive, on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

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