APU Theater Presents The Music Man

October 10, 2008 | Written By Tracy Prouty '09

The APU theater transformed into River City as the university kicked off its 2008-09 theater season with one of their trademark musicals, The Music Man. Sure to be another feather in their cap of outstanding performances, the production opened to multiple sold out performances. APU Theater has continually proven their excellence over the years, particularly in the musical genre, often selling out performances and providing audiences with great entertainment.

"I am so very proud of this production because of the talented students of APU," said Bart McHenry, director of The Music Man and chair of the Department of Theater, Film, and Television. "The students have worked together diligently to make the show the best it can be."

The all-star cast features several APU Theater veterans. Senior Corey Krueger, no stranger to the APU stage, plays Harold Hill, a traveling con man peddling band uniforms and instruments to an unsuspecting town. His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled, however, when he falls for the stubborn and captivating, Marian the librarian, played by senior Adrianna Lyons. To win Marian's heart, Harold risks exposing his plan.

"This production of The Music Man has a different feel from community theater performances I have seen," said senior communication studies major Rob Schwandt. "The student actors are currently studying and honing their craft, and that technique shines through."

Written by Meredith Willson, The Music Man became a Broadway hit in 1957, winning five Tony Awards and running for 1,375 performances. The play has since been adapted twice into film.

It took more than 40 dynamic and talented APU student performers, 15 local youth, and 14 student musicians to bring The Music Man to life. As the cast energized the crowd and prompted audience interaction throughout the performance, APU Theater once again delivered fun, family entertainment.