Rising Stars Youth Performing Arts at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center, 100 Grant Ave., Deal Park, will present Meredith Willson’s iconic Broadway musical “The Music Man” for four performances May 6 and May 13 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
The cast features Joseph Grisanzio (Howell) as Harold Hill, Carlie Goldfarb (Howell) as Marian Paroo, Simon Clissold (Manalapan) as Marcellus Washburn, Gillian Finnegan (Millstone) as Mrs. Paroo, and Max Borish (Old Bridge) as Winthrop Paroo.
Other cast members include Max Fischtchal (Manalapan) as Mayor Shinn, Claudia Tawil (Ocean Township) as Zaneeta Shinn, Zoe Seitz (Freehold) as Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn and Markos Eugenis (Ocean Township) as Tommy Djilas, according to a press release.
Lisa Goldfarb, Rising Stars Youth Performing Arts director, stages “The Music Man” with choreography by Wendy Roman and musical direction by Randal Hurst. Completing the artistic team are scenic designer Fred Sorrentino, lighting designer Jim Lyle, sound designer Gerry Gironda, with props by Susan Bloir and costumes by Donna Silogy-Gigante and Joanne Deluca of Playtime Costumes.
“The cast, Wendy, Randy and I are all having an absolutely fantastic time exploring this classic musical. bringing this all-American feel-good show to life, with energetic dance numbers, fun music, and quirky characters. It’s an incredibly entertaining family fun musical,” Goldfarb said.
“The Music Man” 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. Hill’s plans are foiled when he falls for spirited Marian the librarian, who transforms him in to a respectable citizen by curtain’s fall, according to a press release.
Tickets at $22 may be purchased online at www.axelrodartscenter.com; by phone, 732-531-9106, ext. 14; or in person at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center.
