Gladstone Theatre to Wrap 26th Season with THE MUSIC MAN, Opening 8/2

Gladstone will close its 26th Season of Theatre in the Park with "Music Man". The show opens Friday, August 2nd and runs three nights consecutively through Sunday, August 4th. All performances begin at 8:30 p.m. and concessions will be provided by Gladstone Rotary.

In the early summer of 1912, aboard a train leaving Rock Island, Illinois, a stranger overhears a group of salesmen saying that Iowa is the biggest test of all sales ability. The conversation eventually turns to another topic; a con man, known as "Professor" Harold Hill, whose scam is to convince parents, he can teach their musically disinclined children to play musical instruments. On the premise that he will form a band, he takes orders for instruments and uniforms. But once the instruments arrive and are paid for, he skips town without forming the band, moving on before he is exposed. As the train arrives in River City, Iowa the stranger stands up and declares, "Gentlemen, you intrigue me. I think I shall have to give Iowa a try." Retrieving his suitcase, clearly labeled "Professor Harold Hill," he exits the train.

The Professor convinces parents that the new pool table, just placed in the billiard parlor, will mean "trouble in River City." How to keep the youngsters "moral after school"; Form a boys marching band!

The book is by Meredith Willson and Franklin Lacey. Music and lyrics are by Meredith Willson. Musical numbers include: "Iowa Stubborn", "(Ya Got) Trouble", "Till There Was You" and "Seventy Six Trombones".

Load up the family, blankets and lawn chairs and prepare for an evening of entertainment under the stars at the beautiful Oak Grove Park.

In order to preserve the grass, blankets and lawn chairs may not be set out on performance nights until after 3:00 p.m. Anything placed before that time will be removed.