Skylight Opera Theatre presents one of the most classic musicals of its time, The Music Man. For the first time in Skylight's 53-year history the streets of River City, Iowa will come alive on the Cabot Theatre Stage, complete with barbershop favorites and beloved standards such as "Seventy-Six Trombones" and "Gary Indiana".
Also a Skylight first, the cast is a record-breaking 37 strong, including 18 children and teens. Leading the cast is Skylight favorite, Norman Moses as Professor Harold Hill. Playing opposite Moses is Niffer Clarke as Marian Paroo. The cast consists of several Skylight regulars as well as many newcomers.
In 1957, the show became a hit on Broadway, winning five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and running for 1,375 performances. The cast album won the first Grammy Award for "Best Original Cast Album". The show's success led to revivals, a popular 1962 film adaptation and a 2003 television remake.
"The Music Man is a marvelous show, rooted in wholesome and comic tradition." Atkinson, Brooks. Theatre Review: of The Music Man. The New York Times, December 20, 1957
Skylight Artistic Director, Bill Theisen will stage direct the production. He will be joined by Richard Carsey (music director) and Pam Kriger (choreographer). The Theisen-Carsey-Kriger team directed Skylight's wildly successful production of Animal Crackers in 2005. The threesome was also involved, in varying roles with White Christmas, Fiddler on the Roof and Guys and Dolls.
Theisen commented that, "The Music Man is a show that I have wanted to perform on the Cabot stage since I began as artistic director in 2004. It has everything....wonderful characters, hilarious dialogue, glorious music and a huge cast. It doesn't get any better than this! Bringing one of Broadway's most beloved shows to Milwaukee is Skylight's gift to our audience for the holidays.....it truly is the perfect way for the entire family to celebrate the season."
Performances of The Music Man will take place November 18 - December 18, 2011 in the Cabot Theatre at the Broadway Theatre Center, 158 N. Broadway in the Historic Third Ward of Milwaukee. Tickets are $22.50 - $65.50 (plus tax) and can be purchased in person at the Broadway Theatre Center Box Office or by calling (414) 291-7800 Monday - Sunday from noon - 6:00 p.m. Tickets may be purchased online at www.skylightopera.com. Group, student, senior and other discounts are available
