b'WELCOMEA message from Deanne McDonald, director of The Music ManMeredith Willson jokingly referred to his 5-time Tony award-winning Broadwaymusical-comedyTheMusicManasanIowansattempt to pay tribute to his home state. While the action takes place during an Iowa summer over 100 years ago, the simple Midwestern charm of Willsons setting feels close to home for this Minnesotan. I am thrilled to share this transformative story of music and joy with my community.Famously,TheMusicManopenswithRockIsland,theopening number that uses onomatopoeia to introduce the sounds of the train car through the Traveling Salesmens discussion of our hero, Professor Harold Hill: The fellow sells bands, boys bands, I dont know how he doesit.Withthat,thefunandinventivenesscontinuewithchoral numbers such as Iowa Stubborn, and Willsons exploration of speak-singing in songs like Ya Got Trouble and Piano Lesson. Willson left home at the age of 16 to begin his career playing flute andpiccoloforfamousmarchingbandconductorssuchasSousa and Toscanini. The idea of a River City marching band is the catalyst of the action in The Music Man, epitomized by the iconic song, 76 Trombones.AnotheruniquelyAmericanmusicalstyleWillsonwas intentonbringingtotheBroadwaystagewhenTheMusicMan premiered in 1957 was barbershop, ingeniously introduced through the four quarreling members of the school board who all speak within their singing ranges.BasedonWillsonsmother,thetownlibrarianandpianoteacher Marian Paroo is a strong yet isolated working class woman yearning for a partner who is not ashamed of a few nice things. Through the course of 4 weeks during the summer of 1912, The Music Man gives usthejoyfultransformationofnearlyeverycharacterinRiverCity, including Paroo and Hill himself.I always think theres a band, kid. Harold HillA goal of IGH Community Theatre is to create opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities to actively participate in the performance of live,high-qualityaffordabletheaterhereinInverGroveHeights.I am grateful and proud of all the challenging work accomplished by our40-personcastmembers,over30-personproductionstaffand volunteers,18-memberpitorchestra,and5-personboard,including the support provided by all our family members throughout creating this production. It is my pleasure to extend the warmest welcome to you, our most important active participant, the audience. Thank you for supporting live theater. Please enjoy the show!Deanne McDonaldArtistic Director'