The Highlands Latin Drama Troupe presented Meredith Willson’s The Music Man in front of sold out crowds on April 13 and 14. Fifty-eight students were involved in this year’s musical production, which was dedicated to the school’s founder, Mrs. Cheryl Lowe. Teresa Boling directed the show and Dr. Louie Bailey returned as the musical director and conductor of a nine-piece orchestra for the performances. Mrs. Janice Murdoch choreographed the many dance numbers, including the largest ever performed on a Highlands Latin stage. The show also featured a unique projector screen background which displayed artwork created by Highlands Latin students.
The Music Man starts with trouble hitting River City when fast-talking con man “Professor” Harold Hill tells the town he wants to form a boys’ band, promising it will keep the youngsters out of trouble and morally straight. He convinces the parents to buy instruments and uniforms for their kids, but Marian Paroo, the piano teacher, discovers that Harold might not be all that he claims.
Senior Aiden Arnold played the lead role of Harold Hill. The Music Man was Aiden’s third show and third leading role with the Highlands Latin Drama Troupe. One staff member said of Aiden, “He IS Harold Hill!” Katelyn Miller, a senior who has had a role in every HLS performance, played the role of Marian. According to Mrs. Boling, Katelyn “was exactly what Marian needed to be; confident, winsome, smart, risky, and extremely talented.” Aiden and Katelyn were not only exceptional leads onstage, they led the cast offstage as well by buying gifts for the younger students and taking the time to meet with them prior to opening night to pray and calm their nerves.
Senior Maggie Roy received lots of laughs for her lively performance of Mrs. Paroo, Marian’s mother. Maggie worked extensively with her Irish voice teacher to perfect the accent that brought so much energy to her humorous role. Another senior in the show, Helen Mariah Murdoch, delivered a brilliant performance in the role of the mayor’s wife, Eulalie Shinn. Helen Mariah showed her dedication to the show as well as her servant-hearted spirit by staying late with her brother Judah after every rehearsal to clean up and make sure everything was put away. Joseph Collum, a senior who will be attending Dartmouth College in the fall to study theater and English, displayed his exceptional talent in the role of Marcellus Washburn, a former con man and friend to Harold Hill. Joseph was a founding member of the Drama Troupe and previously had major roles in the Highlands Latin performances of Little Women, The Pirates of Penzance, and The Curious Savage, as well as several outside productions.
The talented students of the Highlands Latin Drama Troupe put their heart and soul into this production of Meredith Willson’s The Music Man, an American treasure that beautifully blends story, comedy, music, dance, and romance.
The full performance is below for your viewing pleasure!