‘The Music Man:’ Dublin Community Theatre to perform broadway hit

The Dublin Community Theatre’s production of Meredith Wilson’s “The Music Man” may not have 76 trombones crossing the stage, but it will present the songs, dances and scenes that have made this show a crowd-pleaser since becoming a Broadway hit in 1957. 

Dublin Community Theatre will perform “The Music Man” this coming week at 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday with 2 and 7 p.m. shows on Saturday. Tickets can be purchased by going to theatredublinga.com or calling the theatre at (478) 272-2560. 

Originally, Dwain Little was directing the group and starring as the music man himself, Professor Harold Hill. Weeks before the curtain was set to rise, Little had to step down due to some lingering symptoms from COVID, said Glenda Berry, executive director of Dublin’s Downtown Development Authority. Calling it a creative team effort, Berry said they realized that, “the show must go on.” 

Berry was able to find Evan Goetz, who knows all about Hill and the music in “The Music Man.”

“Just recently, they did ‘The Music Man’ in concert and he played the part of Harold Hill,” Berry said. “When we realized that Dwayne was going to need to step down, I remembered that the Tybee Post (Theatre) had done ‘The Music Man.'”

By the end of the day, Goetz and Berry talked and by the next morning he had agreed to do the part. 

“There really was a moment that I felt like, ‘Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi, you’re my only hope,'” Berry said. “I think he loves the musical and he loves the part. We are so fortunate to have someone of his talent.” 

Goetz, originally from South Carolina, holds an undergraduate degree and an Master of Fine Arts in theater performance. Currently, he serves as the executive director for the Tybee Post Theatre in Tybee Island, Georgia, which is Dublin’s sister theater.

Goetz recently performed in a concert version – a reduced version of the musical that cuts out all of the spoken dialogue and focuses on the music itself – of “The Music Man” at Tybee Post Theatre as a fundraiser in April. 

“It’s such a wonderful show with the score and the message,” he said.

Describing his favorite things about his character, Goetz mentioned, “the transformation of this con man who thinks he can come into town and swindle people, but falls in love along the way.” 

He sees the musical as a story where the audience can grow, learn and evolve, which he finds incredibly meaningful.

Despite joining the production at the last minute, Goetz feels excited rather than nervous. 

“It was nice to be back on stage. … It’s always nice to be on stage and with other people,” he said. 

Having had his first formal practice with the cast today, Goetz is more focused on mastering his character’s spoken dialogue, as the concert version he previously performed omitted all speaking lines.

Elizabeth Green, who plays the charming and stoic librarian Marian Paroo, is one of the standout performers. Green has been a big help leading the action on the stage.

“We’ve had a huge infusion of energy and direction from Liz,” Berry said. “I’ve been able to do more character development in scenes.”

Berry also credited band directors Michael Duke and Richard Horne for their help and assistance with the production.

“This show, more than any shows I’ve seen in the course of doing theatre, has one of the greatest team efforts behind it,” Berry said. 

Berry, who is also starring as Mrs. Paroo, thought Green was ideal to play Marion. 

“I have so much respect for her talent,” Berry said. “She has been delightful to work with.” 

Green, who previously worked for the Dublin Theatre in the past, is making her debut on the Dublin Community Theatre stage.

“I am thrilled to come back,” Green shared. “It’s been so much fun. I have a degree in musical theater and have been doing this all through high school and college…. It’s fulfilling to do this with the youths and adults.” 

Green’s portrayal of Marian Paroo captures the character’s complex blend of sternness and vulnerability, making her journey towards love all the more compelling. 

“It’s only possible with everyone involved,” she added, emphasizing the collective effort behind the scenes. 

Green also encouraged community members to support the theater by buying tickets or considering auditions for future productions. She expressed how they could always use more talent or backstage help.

Another delightful addition to the cast is 9-year-old Hudson Hatcher, who plays Winthrop Paroo, Marian’s shy younger brother. This is also Hatcher’s first production with the Dublin Community Theatre. Hatcher expressed his enjoyment with his favorite things being “getting to make new friends… and learning the music.” 

He also revealed his favorite aspect of playing Winthrop is “getting to talk with a lisp.” Hatcher noted that it was surprisingly easy for him to get used to.

Elaine Avery is returning to the stage and once again playing a mayor’s wife. She starred as the mayor’s wife in last year’s production of “Bye Bye Birdie.” This year she will be Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn.

“She is a comedic person, but she doesn’t think she’s funny,” Elaine said. “She thinks she is very serious, but she is funny.” 

Elaine’s husband in the show will be Don Avery, who is playing Mayor George Shinn. 

“(Don) is a very professional person, but he is fun and one of the most supportive (members) to the whole cast,” Elaine said.

Neither Don or Elaine are related.

“But we have become really good friends,” said Don, who is the president and CEO of Fairview Park Hospital. “We are having fun being Mr. and Mrs. Shinn.” 

Don was in “The Nutcracker” in Columbus for several years before moving to Dublin. 

“It’s been my dream to be on stage in plays, so this is my first full production,” he said. “I’m a salesman in the opening scene and mayor in the rest of it.” 

He likes Mayor Shinn because he has an unique personality.

“Glenda said make the character as big as I wanted,” Don said. “He’s a funny character who takes himself too seriously. The character is a lot of fun and in a lot of scenes. I have my eye on Professor Hill the whole time.” 

The first musical Don ever saw was “The Music Man.”

“I fell in love with musicals,” he said. “I’ve seen everything that Rodgers and Hammerstein. I’ve seen ‘The Music Man’ on Broadway twice when Hugh Jackman was in it. I love the show.” 

Berry thought Don would do a wonderful job as the mayor. During audition, Hatcher showed up and got the part that was made famous by Ronny Howard in the 1962 movie version of “The Music Man.”

“This is the first stage experience for (Hatcher) and for Don, this is not his first stage experience but his first full production,” Berry said. “We have a number of cast members that this is the first musical they’ve been in.” 

The entire cast, from seasoned performers to newcomers, has invested countless hours into rehearsals, set design and perfecting their musical numbers. Their hard work and camaraderie promise to deliver a performance that will leave the audience thoroughly entertained.

“Everybody knows these songs,” Elaine said. “There is a lot of excitement. I can’t say enough about what I like about this production. I hope people will come out and see the show. It’s really going to be a fun show.”