Meredith Willson’s The Music Man at Birmingham Village Players

Meredith Willson’s The Music Man Opens May 2 at Birmingham Village Players

Birmingham, MI – Meredith Willson’s The Music Man has been delighting audiences for over 60 years. The six-time Tony-award winning Broadway classic has entertained generations of theatergoers with a whirlwind of laughter, romance, and toe-tapping tunes! Birmingham Village Players (BVP) is excited to introduce this beloved musical to a new generation beginning May 2, 2025.

This family-friendly tale tells the story of Harold Hill, a charismatic con man who intends to swindle the townspeople of River City by selling them on the idea of boys’ band. However, his ambitious plans to steal their hard-earned cash are dashed once he meets Marian the Librarian and she steals his heart.

“The Music Man has been appreciated over many generations with songs that most every theatergoer knows by heart,” said Director Joe Vercellone. “Who doesn’t walk out of the show marching and singing Seventy-Six Trombones? It is entertainment that appeals to all ages and is appropriate for the entire family – a great night out for mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, and the kids.”

It’s a great night for the audience, but it’s also a show loved by generations of performers.  The BVP cast and crew have at least 10 people who have been involved with previous productions.  Here’s a quick look at some of them:

Long-time BVP member Kevin Branshaw who plays Charlie Cowell is appearing in The Music Man for the sixth time.  He first played Winthrop as a child.

Holly Hellsten Conroy, another long-time BVP member, played Marian the Librarian 45 years ago. It was her first leading role.

The Music Man was also Molly Dorsett’s first show and it’s also where she met her husband.

Kathleen Duffy is playing Pick-a-Little Lady Alma Hix. That was the same role her mother once played.

Although this is a first appearance in The Music Man for both Jessica (Mrs. Paroo) and Emmeline Gamarra (Winthrop Paroo), it’s also the first time the mother-daughter pair have appeared on stage together.

Udi Kapen is making his fourth appearance in The Music Man since high school where he played Harold Hill. This time he’s the constable and a salesman.

Ethan McMurray’s first musical was The Music Man where he was Marcellus and he’s Oliver Hix in this production. 

‘Everyone leaves the theater feeling happy about themselves and others with a smile on their face and a bounce to their step,” said Vercellone, “and I am thrilled to bring it to our Birmingham Village Players patrons.”

Don’t miss your chance to experience this delightful production.  Meredith Willson’s The Music Man runs May 2-18, 2025 at Birmingham Village Players. Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8PM. Sunday matinees start at 2PM.

Individual reserved tickets are $30 (includes ticketing fee). Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office, 248-644-2075, or by placing an order on the website, www.birminghamvillageplayers.com. The Book, Music and Lyrics were written by Meredith Willson and based on a story by Meredith Willson and Franklin Lacey. Meredith Willson's The Music Man is licensed by Music Theatre International.

Photo Caption - Jeannie DeLong as Eulalie complains to Kristen Dittus as Marian about her choice of books in Meredith Willson's The Music Man at Birmingham Village Players. Photo credit: Paul Manoian Photography.