'The Music Man!' Opens Saturday Night at Plainview Jewish Center

Plainview will be magically transformed into River City, Iowa, tonight, as Meredith Willson's classic Broadway musical, "The Music Man!" comes alive on the stage of the Plainview Jewish Center this weekend.

Featuring an immortal score that includes "76 Trombones," "Wells Fargo Wagon," the tongue-twisting "Trouble," and the eternal love ballad "'Til There Was You," the 1957 musical won five Tony Awards. There have been two movie versions and the play has been performed by countless theater troupes around the globe.

The story revolves around the fast-talking con man Harold Hill, who poses as a boys' band leader bent on swindling naive townsfolk. The prim librarian Marian is on to him and, since it's a musical, a grand music-laced love story breaks out. (See some of the musical highlights here from the show's final dress rehearsal.)

The Plainview Jewish Center's Patio Players, supported by the PJC's Men's Club, are again presenting this year's musical. It features a gifted group of local and regional talent and some adorable local kids; directed by Mark Lord, choreography by Debbie Izzo, musical direction by Gary Eisele, and produced by Robert Cohen.

See a complete cast list here:

Tonight's opening performance will be followed by three others at the Theater of Plainview Jewish Center, 95 Floral Drive, Plainview:

• Two Saturdays: March 16th & March 23rd at 8:15 p.m.
• Two Sundays: March 17th & 24th at 3 p.m.
• Tickets in advance: $20 each first two seats, $18 each additional seat. $22 at the door. For Tickets: 516-938-8296.

Editor's Note: Plainview Patch Editor Joe Dowd is a member of the cast.