Easton Middle School presents Meredith Willson’s classic musical The Music Man. The show will march into Easton High School’s Auditorium for five performances February 1, 2, 8 & 9 at 7:30 pm and February 3 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and may be purchased in advance from Easton Middle School, Crackerjacks, Little Rascals, Old Mill Deli or by contacting 410-829-9811.

The Music Man is the story of con man Harold Hill, played by 8th grader Erik Bell, who travels to the small town of River City, Iowa, to earn his fortune. But “there’s trouble in River City” as Hill, who claims to be a professor of music, decides to convince the townspeople they need a boys’ band and then plans to run away once the boys have paid for instruments and uniforms. His scheme is moving along perfectly until he falls in love with the town piano teacher, Marian Paroo, played by 8th grader Claire Anovick. Hill runs into an old friend, Marcellus Washburn, played by Joey Bridges, who tries to persuade him these “stubborn Iowans” won’t be fooled by the “Professor.” This, of course, piques Hill’s interest and he takes up the challenge with gusto. River City’s Mayor Shinn, played by 8th grader Nicholas Satchell, is not convinced and he asks the local school board members (Jacob Mueller, Teddy Bennett, Patrick Firth, and Bryan Harris) to “get this man’s credentials.” But the smooth-talking Hill wins over the school board and many of the other locals.

Also featured in the production are Walter Morris as Tommy Djilas, Will Dickerson as Winthrop, Sarah Kilmon as Mrs. Paroo, Claire Weedon as Amaryllis, Deirdre Gallagher as Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn, Alanah Fillion as Zaneeta Shinn, Pyper Keeney as Gracie Shinn, Maleah Nichols as Alma Hix, Emily Wittman as Maud Dunlop, Kim Culver as Ethel Toffelmeier and Sarah Bonnette as Mrs. Squires. Easton Middle School’s production of The Music Man is produced through special arrangement with Music Theatre International, Inc.

For more information or to reserve tickets, please call 410-829-9811.

In photo: Marian Paroo (Claire Anovick) looks on skeptically as Harold Hill (Erik Bell) tries to convince her that there is trouble brewin’ in River City and the only solution is a boys’ band!