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There's trouble in River City - or in Parker County, it seems - as the Weatherford College Fine Arts and Communications Department presents Meredith Willson's The Music Man November 5, 6 and 7 at the Alkek Fine Arts Center. Each performance begins at 7:30 p.m., and admission is free. 
Brent Baker, WC vice president of Institutional Advancement, center, is shown in costume as con man Harold Hill in Meredith Willson's The Music Man, set for Nov. 5-7 at Weatherford College Alkek Fine Arts Center. Playing the female lead of Marian Paroo is Elizabeth Baker, far left, who, in real life is Baker's wife. Their son, John Thomas Baker, far right, also has a part in the production as Winthrop, Marian's little brother. Lana Robinson, second from the left, plays Marian's mother, Mrs. Paroo, and Morgan Richards portrays Amaryllis, one of Marian's young piano students.
The story focuses on River City, Iowa, in the summer of 1912 and the hubbub caused by con artist Harold Hill, who convinces the citizenry that the town's new pool table will send their children into trouble and degradation. His solution: a band with instruments and uniforms that he will sell them. He plans to bilk them of their money and leave town quickly. Circumstances beyond his control, such as falling in love with the local librarian, change his plans. Classic songs include "Trouble," "'Till There Was You," "Seventy-Six Trombones," "The Wells Fargo Wagon" and "Marian the Librarian." "Not only will you walk out humming the great music from the show, but you might see a resemblance of River City, Iowa,to our own community of Weatherford, Texas," director Nancy McVean said. "Delightful, refreshing, fun and exhilarating - don't miss one of the greatest musicals ever written!" The production was first introduced to Broadway in 1957, with book, music and lyrics by Meredith Willson and story by Willson and Franklin Lacey. The original production won five Tony awards, inspired an Oscar-winning movie in 1962, and has found revival in several Broadway runs and a recent television adaptation. The Weatherford College production will feature members of the community along with a talented group of WC drama and choir students. Elizabeth Baker stars as prim and proper librarian Marian Paroo, who seems to be the only River City resident who doesn't initially fall for the scheme of Hill, played by Brent Baker, who happens to be Elizabeth's husband in real life. The Baker family connection continues with eight-year-old John Thomas Baker, who plays Winthrop Paroo, Marian's shy little brother, who is enlisted to play in Hill's "boys' band." Lana Robinson plays Marian's mother, Mrs. Paroo, who is hoping upon hope that Marian won't become an "old maid." Nine-year-old Morgan Richards plays Amaryllis, one of Marian's adorable piano students. "For me, the most impressive thing so far has been the college students involved in this production," said Baker (Harold Hill). "These students are hilarious, they can sing, and they can even dance. It's been fun watching them in rehearsals." Those talented students include Joshua Sherman as Mayor Shinn; Katie Morrell as Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn; Rebo Hill as Zaneeta Shinn; Stephen Medellin as Charlie Cowell; Hunter Baugh as Marcellus Washburn), and Aledo High School student Payne Parker as Tommy Djilas, as well as many other students and community members. Musical direction is by Rob Laney with orchestra direction by Cal Lewiston, costumes by Diane Simons and technical direction by Joseph Nicikowski. The set was provided by Christ Chapel Bible Church in Fort Worth, who graciously agreed to loan its set from their own recent production of The Music Man. Since this is a free production, no tickets will be sold, so audience members are encouraged to arrive at the theater early to ensure good seats. Doors will open at 7 p.m. for each performance. For information on the production, contact McVean at 817-598-6307 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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