Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy’s Theatre Department presented The Music Man on 03/10/23 - 03/12/23 at CHCA’s Lindner Theater. The show was directed by Susan Jung, Director of Theatre, with Technical Direction by Jim Jung, Stage Management by junior Jake Kaesemeyer, and Choreography by Maria Huey and Susan Jung. Accompanying the show was the live orchestra pit conducted by Dr. Dan Grantham.

The Music Man follows fast-talking traveling salesman, Harold Hill, as he cons the residents of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys' band that he vows to organize – this, despite the fact that he doesn't know a trombone from a treble clef! His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian, the librarian, who transforms him into a respectable citizen by curtain's fall.

Junior Noah McRedmond stepped into the role of Harold Hill with confidence and charm. From his high-energy performances in “Ya Got Trouble” and “76 Trombones” to his endearing moments as a man with a change of heart, McRedmond was fantastic in this lead role. Senior Carley Millette was outstanding as Marion Paroo. Her performance appeared effortless as her beautiful soprano voice echoed throughout the theater. The chemistry was dynamic between the two, especially at the footbridge during “Till There Was You”.

Junior Abby Fancett was a delight and fun to watch on stage as Mrs. Paroo, with her impressive Irish accent and entertaining quips. The part of young Winthrop Paroo was played by the adorable Nolan Kaufman (Grade 5) who stole the audience’s hearts with his charming talent. Junior Charleigh Wright was endearing as Amaryllis, most notably as her talent shone in “Goodnight My Someone”. Sophomore Blake Sisney was hilarious and engaging as Marcellus Washburn, particularly in “The Sadder but Wiser Girl” scene and in his leading of “Shipoopi”. Seniors Jack O’Dea and Reese Clary were very amusing as Mayor George Shinn and Eulalie Shinn. Clary was especially entertaining as she led her group of whimsical “Pick-a-Little” ladies around the stage, who were particularly fun and lively on stage.

The entire show was a delight to take in as each performance was full of energy and talent. From the intimate scenes to the large ensemble dance numbers, each was truly impressive. Juniors Madelynn Glenn (Ethel Toffelmier) and Natalie Hudepohl (Zanetta Shinn) shone on stage in their roles and as standout dancers. Junior Peyton Andry was fantastic as Tommy Djilas – he and Hudepohl had great energy together and were fun to watch as courting teenagers. The members of the barbershop quartet – juniors Tobi Aina, Java Kazikhozhaev, sophomore Ryan Eppert, and freshman Topher Slemons – were charming and had fun weaving their way in and out of scenes with their harmonies.

The collaboration of the cast and the live orchestra was inspiring and full of remarkable talent. The musicians brought a beautiful resonance to the theater and performance. 

"I'm very proud of the Pit Orchestra," shared CHCA Music Director Dr. Dan Grantham. "Coming off the Sacred Music concert, they had just two weeks to get ready for the show. The students gave up their lunches, endured after school rehearsals, and did a lot of individual practicing to make this musical special. They are a determined and talented group and it was a pleasure to work with them and hear the great addition they brought to this show." 

Director Susan Jung shared her profound thoughts in the playbill:

I always try to find God’s truth in any show that we do, and as I was thinking about the message of this show, a verse popped into my mind. “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” – Genesis 50:20

 Harold Hill arrives in River City with the intent of swindling everyone out of their money and using a woman’s heart as the center of that deception. He intended harm. But watch as the story unfolds, and you will see something happen. Good things start to happen. Lives are changed. And not just the ones you might think.

 Maybe Meredith Willson never knew the truth of what he was writing – he was just trying to write a love letter to his hometown and the people who helped make him the man he was. But what a gift to be able to see the deeper message – to find God’s love letter to us through this show.

“Bravo to everyone involved in The Music Man,” shared CHCA Fine Arts Director Mona Summers. “It was no small feat to bring together the 110 students who participated; however, the show was outstanding thanks to everyone involved – cast, student production team, pit orchestra, costumes, props, set, direction, volunteer and creative team leadership, and volunteers. What a delightful and entertaining show for our audiences!”

*The show is one of seven theatrical productions at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy this year. Mark your calendars now to see these remaining CHCA productions:  Academy Night Live (April 21-22), and The One Act (May 10th).

*Cast photos courtesy of Dan Ledbetter