The Music Man 1985 Homecoming play signifies success T he highlight of the 1985 Homecoming "Musical Weekend" was the production of "The Music Man." Junior Brad Carter and senior Lisa Lemmon played the lead roles of Professor Harold Hill and Marian, the librarian. The plot revolved around a scheme by Hill, a conman, to stir the sleepy Iowa town of River City to action against the corruption of its youth by proposing to form a boy's band. The citizens are taken by Hill and plan excitedly for the band. An advocate of the "think" method, Hill teaches music by having the children think the tune. Aided by Marcellus, played by Jay Walls, Hill fully intends to slip away with the townspeople's money without ever directing the band. Hill is drawn by the standoffish charm of the town librarian and music teacher , Marian Paroo. He wins her, bringing hope and joy to her single life. His attention to Marian costs Hill his freedom as the angry townspeople catch him before he can escape . In spite of Marian's soliloquy in Hill's defense, the cit izens tum against him. The "think" method saves the day. The children of River City interrupt Hill's trial dressed in their new uniforms and carrying their new instruments. To the amazement of the crowd, Hill leads the band in a recognizable "Minuet in G, " thus saving Marian's pride and his own neck. Cast mostly from the families of faculty members, the children were the highlight of the show. Jan Miller, who choreographed and directed the children's roles, said, "They were very talented and cooperative. They have gotten an experience in drama that they will never forget." "After the play was choreographed," Miller said, "we tried to fill in the dead spots with games children would have actually played." The players fit their respective roles well. "I think they typecast the whole show," said Lemmon . "I am a lot like Marian in a lot of ways and it came naturally." The produc t ion ' s d irector, Robin Miller, was especially pleased with the lead roles . "I was pleased with the chemistry between Brad and Lisa. It showed up consistently in the performance. " Sound played a major role in the success of the production. The addition of two large speakers to the side of the stage, as well as four cordless mikes placed on the principal actors, helped the players project to the entire audience. "Sound was better this year because we agreed at the beginning to significantly improve it ," said Arthur Shearin, music director. "The orchestra was exceptionally good," he said. "I was pleased that all the players came from Harding's student body and staff. " "The sound was solid," said Miller. 'We had full orchestration, exactly what the show was written for ." "As far as audience appeal, " Miller concluded, "It was one of the most enjoyable and entertaining shows Harding has ever produced . I didn' t feel like there was a weak link in the entire show." 1m Sing it out. Laura Davidson , a senior Music Education major from Judson ia, Arkansas sings a solo , while playing Maud Dunlop in the Homecoming play, "The Music Man " - photo by John Radcliffe . 20 Homecoming Musical
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