'The Music Man Jr.' Presented by Patel Conservatory Theater

The Patel Conservatory Theater will present the beloved Meredith Willson musical, The Music Man Jr., in the TECO Theater at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts April 11-13 and 18-20.

This American musical classic will be performed by 37 students, including 11-year-old  Mia Cintron from Carrollwood. The children in the show range in age from 10 to 15, enrolled in Patel Conservatory Theater. Cast members have been studying the play, acting methods and other aspects of theater since classes began in January.

“The faculty has quickly raised our level of expectation for our students. With their hard work and commitment, these kids are growing into smart, exciting, dynamic performers,”said Director and Musical Theater Instructor Adam Wagner.  “I am inspired at every rehearsal by their desire to make this show better than the last and grateful this age group is being exposed to a truly professional theater experience. The only thing ‘junior’ about this show is its running time, which is a great benefit for parents wanting to introduce their young children to theater. Fast-paced, energetic dance numbers and old-fashioned comedy make this a family treat!”

The Music Man Jr. tells the story of fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill as he visits River City, Iowa and falls in love with the willful librarian and piano
teacher, Marian Paroo. With his word-a-second style, "Professor" Harold Hill convinces the town they must adopt his revolutionary music program,
"The Think System," or face the moral decline of River City youngsters. Chaos ensues as Hill's credentials are questioned and he is forced to prove himself to the community.

Favorite songs such as “Seventy-Six Trombones,” “Ya Got Trouble” and “Til There Was You” will leave audiences humming. The Grammy ® Award winning cast album from the 1957 Broadway show, The Music Man, was number one on the Billboard charts for 245 weeks. The musical’s success led to a 1962 film, a 2003 television movie, two Broadway revivals and countless other professional versions worldwide.

Performed Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., regularly priced tickets to The Music Man Jr. start at $15 and may be purchased by calling 813.229.STAR (7827) or 800.955.1045 outside Tampa Bay, in person at the Straz Center Ticket Office or online at www.strazcenter.org.

The not-for-profit Straz Center is committed to arts education as an essential part of its mission, and the fully accredited Patel Conservatory makes it all happen. Each year, the lives of more than 50,000 children are enriched in classrooms, on stages and through outreach programs. The conservatory offers classes in dance, music and theater for students of all ages and experience levels. Registration, tour scheduling and more information are available at www.patelconservatory.org
and by calling 813.222.1002.