Music Man



The Music Man "Professor" Harold Hill and Winthrop Paroo.  

Christian Youth Theater's production of Music Man opened Friday night at the Bing Crosby Theater in downtown Spokane. 

Music Man tells the story of con man "Professor" Harold Hill who starts a fake marching band in River City, Iowa in 1912. He convinces the local citizens that the band will prevent youth corruption and "keep the young ones moral after school," but Professor Hill has no real musical training. He uses a combination of flattery, evasion, and personal charisma to swindle the unsuspecting town's folk. His deception begins to unravel when local librarian Marian Paroo suspects a scam and in turn, Professor Hill falls in love with her.

My three children each have a role in the play, Dakota as quartet singer Jacey Squires, McKenna as Margie Parsons, and Whitney as the mayor's daughter Gracie Shinn.  

Show times are still available. Purchase tickets now by clicking HERE.



"Professor" Harold Hill and Marian Paroo.

Professor Hill convinced Eulalie Mackechnie Shinn to lead an interpretive dance.

When confronted by questions or doubts, Professor Hill turns on the flattery and charm. He nearly gets away with his scheme by convincing the citizens of River City that they possess some extraordinary talent.

Professor Hill sang "Marian the Librarian."

The finale of "Shipoopi."

My family will be singing the songs for many months to come. The music and choreography are phenomenal. It's amazing what these kids can do in just a few short weeks of rehearsal.  

The "Pick-a-Littles" wear really big hats from 1912.

The play is set in the American Midwest in 1912 when women wore extravagant dresses with large feather hats. CYT did an amazing job with the costumes by capturing the grandeur and elegance of the times.

The quartet sand "Good Night Ladies" with Dakota as Jacey Squires.

My son sang high tenor in the men's quartet. I'm always amazed at his talent. I'm especially amazed that he can still hit those high notes.

Whitney as "Gracie Shinn" accompanied by her stage parents Mayor Shinn and Eulalie Mackechnie Shinn.

The Shinn family sang "Wells Fargo Wagon."

Whitney took the stage during several of the large dance performances. The thing I love the most about watching Whitney is that she always stays in character and always maintains a high level of energy and stage presence.

McKenna wore a yellow dress as "Margie Parsons" while singing "Wells Fargo Wagon."

The quartet.

Tommy Djilas performed in the marching band at the beginning of the grand finale.

CYT's Music Man is a delightful show. If you haven't seen it, I encourage you to get your tickets now.