Hilton Head Christian Academy (HHCA) Fine Arts has been preparing all year to dazzle audiences with its grand-scale rendition of Meredith Willson’s classic musical, The Music Man, which will take place March 21-23 at the Seahawk Cultural Center.
Marian Paroo (Emma Kate Dalzell) and Professor Harold Hill (Connor White)
Directed by Michelle McElroy-Cox, HHCA assistant director of fine arts, the production boasts a talented cast and crew of students from fourth through 12th grades. McElroy-Cox, who is celebrating 15 years with the school, said, “We are always excited to bring excellent performances to our community and The Music Man is no exception. Our students have poured their hearts and souls into this production, and we cannot wait to share their talent and passion with our audience.”
Among the show’s cast, tech crew, student production team, and live orchestra, more than 70 students will be involved, nearly 20 of whom are seniors. The two leads – Connor White (Harold Hill) and Emma Kate Dalzell (Marian) – won Best Actor and Best Actress in this fall’s SCISA State One-Act Competition. White also performed in Jersey Boys last summer at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, and Dalzell recently co-directed Main Stage Community Theatre’s production of Into the Woods, Jr. alongside fellow cast member Millie Gilbreath (Mrs. Paroo; double cast with Audry Atkins).
James Berry, HHCA director of fine arts and the show’s musical director, will conduct a 20-piece live orchestra composed of students and professional musicians. Touted as “One of the sunniest musicals ever” by the New York Times, The Music Man features favorites like “Trouble,” “Goodnight My Someone,” and, of course, “Seventy-Six Trombones.”
Jamal Edwards’ choreography will have audiences dancing in their seats, and impeccable costuming by Kathy McGill brings it all to life and captures the essence of the era.
This Tony Award-winning classic is Americana at its best. The sleepy rural town of River City, Iowa, receives an unexpected visit from a fast-talking traveling con man named Harold Hill. Along with his charm, he brings big dreams and a grand promise of a marching band. But the smooth-talking swindler can’t tell a trombone from a treble clef – and Marian, the local librarian, knows it. In his attempt to steal her heart (and save his hide), Harold learns a thing or two about moral responsibility – and unexpectedly enriches the town with a love of music.
With elaborate set designs, vibrant costumes, and a live orchestra bringing Willson’s unforgettable score to life, The Music Man promises to be an unforgettable theatrical experience for audiences of all ages. Whether one is a longtime fan of the musical or experiencing it for the first time, this production is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
Performances will be held March 21-23 at 7 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on March 23. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students/seniors and are available at hhca.org/musicman.
Seahawk Cultural Center is located at 70 Wilborn Road on Hilton Head Island.
Hilton Head Christian Academy (HHCA) is an independent Christian school serving students in Kindergarten through 12th grade offering comprehensive academics, athletics, and fine arts programs. Founded in 1979 on Hilton Head Island, HHCA, now located in Bluffton, has remained steadfast in its vision “To Know Christ and Make Him Known.” Learn more at hhca.org.