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Inside Iowa State, a newspaper for faculty and staff, is published by the Office of University Relations.

April 13, 2007

SOV's Music Man sports colorful twist

by Dave Gieseke, LAS Public Relations

The Music Man

Micah Morgan plays the lead of Harold Hill, while Cathy Compton is Marian (the librarian) Paroo in the Stars over Veishea production of The Music Man. Photo by Patrick Gouran.

The quintessential Iowa musical, The Music Man, is the perfect vehicle to help kick off Iowa State's 150th anniversary celebration at Veishea.

"It just felt like the perfect fit," said Brad Dell, ISU Theatre faculty member and The Music Man director.

But this Stars Over Veishea version of the Meredith Willson musical about fast-talking salesman Harold Hill and the people of River City, Iowa, has a different twist. Not to worry: Hill still cons the citizens of River City into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys' band he vows to organize. You'll hear all the songs that have made the production famous, including "Ya Got Trouble," "Wells Fargo Wagon," and "Seventy-Six Trombones."

The spin is a visual one, Dell said, a contrast between black and white and full color.

"When we first see River City, the town and the actors are all in black, white and gray," he said. "Only Harold Hill is in color, and as he influences and awakens the sensibilities of the Iowans, they transform into color."

The effort isn't without its challenges. Double costumes (there are 120 different costumes for this production) had to be created for every character. Scenically, it's an even tougher challenge.

"Obviously we can't make two separate sets for the same locations," Dell said. "We just have to be creative in what we do to make that transformation."

The color transformation was created by Dell; Rob Sunderman, scenic designer; Gregory Duckett, costume designer; and Jim Trenberth, lighting designer.

Donald Simonson is the musical director for the production and Mary Creswell serves as vocal coach.

Micah Morgan plays the lead of Harold Hill, while Cathy Compton is Marian Paroo.

Performances begin at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 20-21, in Stephens Auditorium.

Tickets are $14 to $19 for adults ($8 to $12 for students) and available through Ticketmaster.

Quote

"We just have to be creative in what we do to make that transformation."

- Music Man director Brad Dell