Willowbrook Theatre to present fall musical, ‘The Music Man’

Top: Willowbrook junior Emily O’Brochta (center, who plays Marian Paroo) helps Shannon Freer, 10 (left, who plays Amaryllis), on the piano as they rehearse a scene from Willowbrook's upcoming fall musical, "The Music Man." Performances will take place on Nov. 15, 16 and 17. Also pictured is Willowbrook senior Leela Wolgemuth (who plays Mrs. Paroo). Bottom left and right: (From left to right) Willowbrook junior Emily O’Brochta (who plays Marian Paroo), senior Joe LaPointe (who plays Harold Hill), sophomore Jack Cullerton (who plays Marcellus Washburn), sophomore Sean Shepherd (who plays Tommy Djilas) and junior Emma Cismesia (who plays Zaneeta Shinn) rehearse a scene from the show.

Willowbrook Theatre invites you to step back in time to 1912 for a story full of nostalgia and family-friendly fun as the school presents its fall musical, the critically acclaimed Broadway classic “The Music Man.”

The show follows fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band he vows to organize – despite the fact 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 Paroo, the librarian and music teacher, who transforms him into a respectable citizen.

Performances will take place on Nov. 15, 16 and 17, and a Kiwanis Club of Villa Park Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser will take place on Nov. 16. See details below.

“This production really focuses on people and their interactions and how they treat one another,” said Willowbrook senior Joe LaPointe (who plays Harold Hill) and junior Emily O’Brochta (who plays Marian Paroo). “It subtly shares the message everyone can change, and things aren’t always what they seem. The ambiance and quality of the show have the feel of an old soul.”

Theatre Director Regina Wathier said the show features a cast of 36 Willowbrook students and 13 local children. There also will be a special appearance by the Willowbrook Marching Band.

“What I love about this production is it’s an example of how life truly imitates art,” Wathier said. “The story is about community and building community through music. And the act of putting this show together has built community as well.”

Willowbrook senior Leela Wolgemuth (who plays Mrs. Paroo) said “The Music Man” offers something for everyone.

“The style of the musical can appeal to all ages, and there are aspects for all audience members to enjoy,” Wolgemuth said.

“The Music Man”
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 15, 16 and 17

Where: Willowbrook, 1250 S. Ardmore Ave. in Villa Park

Tickets: Tickets cost $7 for adults, $5 for students, $3 with an Activity Pass and are free with a District 88 Senior Gold Card. Children younger than 12 years old (accompanied by an adult) are free. To buy tickets, go to www.dupage88.net/WBMusicalTickets2018-19.

Kiwanis Club of Villa Park Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser: 5 to 6:45 p.m. on Nov. 16 – see details, including ticket prices, at www.dupage88.net/WBSpaghettiDinner2018-19