Rising Stars Youth Performing Arts Presents Meredith Willson's THE MUSIC MAN

Rising Stars Youth Performing Arts at Axelrod Performing Arts Center, proudly presents Meredith Willson's iconic Broadway musical "The Music Man" for four performance Sunday, May 6 and Sunday, May 13 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

The cast features Joseph Grisanzio (Howell) as Harold Hill, Carlie Goldfarb (Howell) as Marian Paroo, Simon Clissold (Manalapan) as Marcellus Washburn, Gillian Finnegan (Millstone) as Mrs. Paroo, and Max Borish (Old Bridge) as Winthrop Paroo.

Other cast members include Max Fischtchal (Manalapan) as Mayor Shinn, Claudia Tawil (Ocean Township) as Zaneeta Shinn, Zoe Seitz (Freehold) as Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn and Markos Eugenis (Ocean Township) as Tommy Djilas.

Lisa Goldfarb, Rising Stars Youth Performing Arts Director stages "The Music Man," with choreography by Wendy Roman and musical direction by Randal Hurst. Completing the artistic team are scenic designer Fred Sorrentino, lighting designer Jim Lyle, sound designer Gerry Gironda, with props by Susan Bloir and costumes by Donna Silogy-Gigante & Joanne Deluca of Playtime Costumes.

"The cast, Wendy, Randy and I are all having an absolutely fantastic time exploring this classic musical. bringing this all-American feel-good show to life, with energetic dance numbers, fun music, and quirky characters. It's an incredibly entertaining family-fun musical," says director Lisa Goldfarb.

Musical director Randal Hurst finds it "so rewarding to see young people discover this classic score for the first time. The students can't believe that Meredith Willson incorporated 'rap music' into a Broadway score 70 years before 'Hamilton.'"

A sparkling homage to a bygone era, "The Music Man" follows a fast-talking travelling salesman Harold Hill as he cons the people of River City, Iowa into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys' band he vows to organize - despite the fact that he doesn't know a trombone from a treble clef! His plans are foiled when he falls for the spirited Marian the librarian, who transforms him in to a respectable citizen by curtain's fall. With such songs such as "Seventy-Six Trombones," "Till There Was You," and "Lida Rose" this award-winning classic boasts a brilliant score of rousing marches, barbershop quartets, sentimental ballads, and, yes, even a rap ("Trouble!") that have earned a place among musical theater's most cherished standards.

Tickets at $22, can be purchased online at www.axelrodartscenter.com; by phone (732) 531-9106, x14; or in person at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center, 100 Grant Ave., Deal Park. The theater offers ample free onsite parking and is completely handicap accessible.

"The Music Man" is presented through special arrangements with Musical Theatre International (MTI).

About Axelrod's Rising Stars Youth Performing Arts Program

The Axelrod's Rising Stars Youth Performing Arts Program is directed by Lisa Goldfarb and produces two musicals a year (winter and spring). The program is opened to young people ages 8 to 19 years. Rising Stars focuses on teaching the basic fundamentals of musical theater-singing, acting, dancing-with the end result of presenting a fully staged musical overseen by the Axelrod's professional theater staff. The production team has been nominated for multiple awards by the New Jersey Association of Community Theaters over the past few years.

In addition to instilling a passion for the performing arts, the program offers young people the opportunity to learn the importance of responsibility, discipline and focus, encouraging a positive attitude, team building, public speaking, self-confidence and much more.

About the Axelrod Performing Arts Center

The Axelrod Performing Arts Center is New Jersey's newest professional theater, offering main-stage musicals with casts and production teams from New York City and beyond as well as original concerts throughout the year. The Axelrod fosters artistic excellence by showcasing varied and distinct cultural programs that enrich the imaginative, intellectual, and creative soul, while cultivating an appreciation of diverse communities through the pursuit of the arts. For more information, please visit www.axelrodartscenter.com.

PHOTO: JOSEPH GRISANZIO of Howell (junior at Howell HS)..............Harold Hill

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