‘The Music Man’ coming to stage at Chocolate Church Arts Center

Joshua Beach Submitted photo

A stylized production of Meredith Wilson’s classic show, “The Music Man,” will kick off the 2022 performance season at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 9, at the Chocolate Church Arts Center in Bath.

The musical, with books, music, and lyrics written by Meredith Wilson, first became a hit on Broadway in 1957, when it won five Tony Awards. The show tells the story of con man Harold Hill (played by Joshua Beach of West Gardiner), who poses as an organizer of children’s bands, and sells instruments and uniforms to the people of River City, Iowa. Harold’s plans to then skip town are complicated when he becomes romantically involved with the town librarian and piano teacher, Marian Paroo (played by Hope Horton of Bath).

The CCAC production is co-presented with Studio Theatre of Bath, and will be a slightly nontraditional version of the show. Under the co-direction of Marc Rodriguez and Thom Watson, several actors will take on multiple roles, and the show will be presented in choreographed and staged scenes. Musical Director Courtney Babbidge will provide accompaniment, while using software to control a virtual orchestra, and Ashley Steeves will provide delightfully playful choreography.

Performances of The Music Man will take place over two weekends – Friday, Sept. 9, to Sunday, Sept. 11, and Thursday, Sept. 15 to Sunday, Sept. 18. All shows will begin at 7:30pm, with the exception of the two Sunday matinees, which begin at 2 p.m.

Tickets for The Music Man are $18 in advance or $22 on the day of the show. Tickets, and a full schedule of Fall 2022 performances at the Chocolate Church Arts Center can be found at www.chocolatechurcharts.org or by calling (207) 442-8455. The Chocolate Church Arts Center is located at 804 Washington St., Bath.