Simsbury Summer Theatre presents "The Music Man"

The Simsbury Summer Theatre (SST) presents the classic fun-for-all-ages Broadway musical, “The Music Man,” on August 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th. Tickets are available online at www.simsburysummertheatre.org. For box office times or more information, call 860-480-0951.

This is the 51st year for the non-profit, self-funded organization. SST provides a comprehensive theatre experience for high school and college students; members come from towns all over the Farmington Valley and Western Massachusetts, and many are planning a career in musical theatre.

The professional staff includes 18-year SST artistic director and Simsbury resident, Joe Campolieta; musical director and Director of Music and Arts at AHCC, Jack A. Pott; and New England School of Dance and SST choreographer, Lesley Lambert. Under their direction SST members spend six weeks at Westminster School’s Werner Centennial Theater rehearsing blocking, learning songs and dances, constructing sets and participating in makeup, hair, acting and other workshops to hone their skills.

Simsbury Summer Theatre alumni have gone on to star on Broadway, regional and national tours, as well as countless community theatre productions. SST alumni also include orchestra conductors, instrumental soloists and symphony members, technical theatre professionals, playwrights, Disney characters, composers and Emmy, Tony, and Oscar nominees and winners.

“The Music Man,” one of the most popular musicals of all time, won five Tony Awards and not only did the cast recording win a Grammy Award, it spent 245 weeks on the Billboard charts. The plot revolves around con man Harold Hill who poses as a band leader, convincing the naïve townsfolk of River City, Iowa to purchase musical instruments for their children, promising them music lessons in return. His plan is soon foiled by town librarian and piano teacher, Marian, but Harold risks discovery to win her heart. The beloved family-friendly musical, with its charming, delightful story, fabulous dance numbers (tap included!), memorable songs such as “Ya Got Trouble,” “Till There Was You,” and “Seventy-Six Trombones,” provides wonderful all-American fun for every age!

Performances are at 7 p.m. on August 3rd, 4th, and 5th and at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on August 6th at the Werner Centennial Theater at Westminster School in Simsbury.