THE MUSIC MAN Opens at Theater Works This Friday

THE MUSIC MAN, the biggest, brassiest musical of them all, marches onto stage at Theater Works beginning Friday, October 5! Filled with memorable tunes, comic characters, wit, warmth, and wisdom, and winner of 6 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Meredith Willson's THE MUSIC MAN is unquestionably one of the most beloved shows of all time. In fact, America's leading contemporary creator of musical theater, Stephen Sondheim, has stated that THE MUSIC MAN is his favorite musical. Don't miss the chance to see this unforgettable and timeless musical performing October 5th - 28th on the Gyder Stage. Tickets are on sale now!

The critically acclaimed Broadway classic follows fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill, (Mathew Zimmerer), as he cons the people of River City, Iowa into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys' band he vows to organize - this despite the fact that he does not know a trombone from a treble clef. His plan to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian the librarian, played by Patty Neiman (a Zonie-Award nominee and 'Desiree' in last April's acclaimed Theater Works production of Sondheim's A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC). Does he stay? Does he run with the money? Featuring the award winning songs that have long become American standards: "76 Trombones," "Till There Was You" and "Trouble."

Directed by Mark Stoddard, THE MUSIC MAN debuted in 1957 with a story line and music that are as vibrant and popular today as they were to audiences then. Mr. Stoddard has a Masters in Educational Theater from NYU and has been involved in the professional theater for the past 25 years. He is currently the head of the theater program at Glendale Community College. As one of his favorite musicals, he has directed THE MUSIC MAN four times and each time one of his children have performed under his direction. He has also performed in the musical twice (once at the age of 13) as the Head Salesman and in the Barbershop Quartet, although he has always wanted to play the role of Harold because "it is the greatest male musical theater role ... iconic, fun, classic and versatile."

Season Subscriptions and Tickets are now on sale both online at www.theaterworks.org and at the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts. The Box Office is open from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily and may be reached at 623-815-7930. THE MUSIC MAN runs October 5th - 28th with performances Thursday - Saturday* 7:30 p.m. and Sundays 2 p.m. and a special weekday matinee a performance on Wednesday, October 17th at 2 p.m. Theater Works has also introduced a new *Twilight Series on the 1st and 4th Saturday of each production. On these days the performance will begin at 5 p.m. so patrons may enjoy a leisurely dinner after the show. Tickets are only $31 / adult, $28 / senior and $13 / student plus fees. Theater Works is located in the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts at 8355 W Peoria Avenue, Peoria.