'Music Man' at Sparta Salt and Light Theater
A&E. On Nov. 22, 23, and 24 "The Music Man" will be performed at the Presbyterian Church of Sparta. Purchase tickets at the door or call 973-729-6167.
Music Man is Coming to SpartaSalt and Light Theater of First Presbyterian Church of Sparta will be performing four shows of Meredith Willson’s The Music Man (Jr) on Nov. 22, 23, 24. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with 3 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets are $10 for all seats at any show. Tickets can be purchased at the door, or reserved by calling the church at 973-729-6197. Meredith Willson’s The Music Man, a six-time Tony award winning musical comedy, tells the story of a charismatic con-man, Harold Hill, who galvanizes a stodgy, entertainment-starved Iowa town at the turn of the 20th century. Intending to fleece River City’s citizens with a fake boy’s band, Hill’s plans hit a sour note when he falls for Marian, the town librarian. This is a beautiful story about how music transforms a person and a community.
Michael Yannuzzi stars in the leading role of Harold Hill, with Jennifer Enberg as Marian. Yannuzzi is reviving his favorite Broadway role, having performed in the show six times in the tri-state area. The cast ranges from age 4 to 70+ and brings an energy and vocal dynamic that is truly inspiring. Former leading men from Wallkill Valley RHS Albert Weiss and AJ Rosario, along with Austin Reza and Joseph Spagna share their vocal acumen as the bickering River City School Board who become best friends while singing barbershop quartet.
And the pick-a-little ladies try to emulate Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn, played by Sabrina Lucas, alongside Mayor Shinn, played by Peter Canales. Peter Sileo rounds out the colorful characters with his portrayal of Marcellus Washburn, as Jean Stephens portrays Mrs. Paroo and Andrew Reza becomes the lovable Winthrop. Salt and Light Theater has been offering family-friendly theatrical experiences since 2003. Past shows include three renditions of Godspell, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol, The Sound of Music, The Fantasticks, C. S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, among others.
After a stage renovation and some smaller productions, this year’s musical marks the return of a large scale musical. Costume mistress Jenise Sileo is creating one-of-a-kind turn of the 20th century original costumes for the 35+ member cast. Technical Director Joe Young has a talented crew of graphic artists, painters and engineers designing the set pieces. Lighting Director Dennis MacFarlane and Stage Manager Susan Knauss-MacFarlane share their gifts and talents in numerous ways. Artistic Director Christa Piper and Music Director Karen McEver once again team up to bring the show to life.