The Music Man kicks off
MC's 51st season under tent
Reviewed by Joe Blenkle/Sacramento Stage & Theatre
Michael G. Hawkins and Sarah Tattersall star in THE MUSIC MAN, playing through July 9-15 at Sacramento's Music Circus.
    The Sacramento Music Circus kicked off its 51st season with THE MUSIC MAN, starring Michael G. Hawkins and Sarah Tattersall.

    This is the eighth time for THE MUSIC MAN under the Music Circus tent and surprisingly, the first time we've seen the production anywhere. It's always a delight to see something new and the 2001 production of the musical was refreshing and fast paced.

    The story takes place in 1912 and centers on Prof. Harold Hill (Michael G. Hawkins). Hill is a con-man salesman who travels from city to city selling the townsfolk on setting up a marching band. After collecting the people's money for instruments and uniforms, he skips town and starts all over again in a new city.

    Hill's problem when he arrives in River City, Iowa, however, is that he falls for the lovely librarian Marian (Sarah Tattersall). Does Hill repeat his usual con job on the town? Or does he stick around to try to win over the girl who has captured his heart?

    Both Hawkins and Tattersall are returning Music Circus favorites. Hawkins is making his 18th appearance at the Circus, while Tattersall has been in 25 shows (she's scheduled for another this season, as well).

    THE MUSIC MAN is great fun and has some great, familiar music, such as "Seventy-Six Trombones," its signature tune. It seems like a perfect way to open the summer Music Circus season in Sacramento.

    THE MUSIC MAN performs through July 15 at the Music Circus tent on the corner of 15th and H Streets in downtown Sacramento. Performances are Monday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Single tickets are priced from $27 to $45. Tickets are available at the Wells Fargo Pavilion box office, 1419 H Street (916-557-1999); or any Tickets.com outlet (916) 766-2277. Prices range from $27-$45.
The Cast of THE MUSIC MAN
 Charlie Cowell - Doug Carfrae  Conductor - Seth Hampton  Harold Hill - Michael G. Hawkins
 Mayor Shinn - Lenny Wolpe  Ewart Dunlop - Michael Dotson   Oliver Hix - Rob Sutton
 Jacey Squires - Matt Castle  Olin Britt - Chris Weikel  Gracie Shinn - Bailey Buntain
 Marcellus Washburn - Casey Nicholaw  Tommy Djilas - Brian Shepard  Marian Paroo - Sarah Tattersall 
 Mrs. Paroo - Brooks Almy  Amaryllis - Hannah Mae Sturges  Winthrop Paroo - Mitchel Federan
 Eulalie MacKecknie Shinn - Gina Ferrall  Zaneeta Shinn - Mia Price  Alma Hix - Patti Diamond
 Maud Dunlap - Mary Jo McConnell  Ethel Toffelmeier - Cindy Robinson  Mrs. Squires - Janna Cardia
 Constable Locke - Patrick M. Stratton  Traveling Salesman - Ricky Bulda  Traveling Salesman John Racca
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