BWW Blog: Seventy-Six Trombones and A Whole Lot of Fun!

Oh, we got trouble, right here in D.C. Well, not really but I have been singing that song non-stop since I had the honor of seeing The Music Man on Thursday, February 7. The Music Man was presented as part of the Broadway Center Stage series at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

The cast included Norm Lewis as Professor Harold Hill, Jessie Mueller as Marion Paroo, and Rosie O'Donnell as Mrs. Paroo. This classic musical is sure to lift your spirits, and have you smiling for two and a half hours. Surprisingly, this past Thursday was my first time ever seeing The Music Man. I've wanted to see the show for a long time, but have been waiting for the perfect opportunity to see it live. Thankfully, I'm studying in D.C. and when it was announced that the show would play at the Kennedy Center starring Norm and Jessie, I knew that perfect time has finally come.

Everything about the show was incredible and to think that this production was put together in two weeks is astounding. Something unique and quite remarkable was the nineteen-piece orchestra which filled the length of the stage led by Musical Director and Conductor James Moore. Another striking addition to this production was the University of Maryland Marching Band pouring into the theatre at the end of curtain call to play a reprise of Seventy-Six Trombones while the cast on stage, led by Norm Lewis, sang along. It's a memory that I'll associate with this show forever! A stellar directing choice, indeed!

To top the entire night off, and make this experience even better was our stage-dooring adventure at the conclusion of the performance. Once the show ended, my three friends and I headed to the stage-door for the Eisenhower Theatre which is located on the side of building. It is there where we waited for cast members to come out and eagerly anticipated their arrival to congratulate and thank them for a memorable night at the theatre and a performance for the books. The stage-door crowd was friendly, full of smiles and some (including my friends and I) were humming and singing our favorite songs from the show. The crowd erupted in excitement and awe when Norm Lewis and Jessie Mueller came to greet us, sign programs, and take pictures. Norm was especially gracious and friendly to every single person. He made sure to pose for a picture with those who wanted one. Even after playing Harold Hill, and his incredibly successful career, Norm still remains humble and is so generous with his time.

It was great meeting the cast of this incredible show! So, take note: RUN to see Norm in anything he is in. He's an incredible talent, nice person, and class act! Also, remember if you stage-door it's not required that the actors come out, but if they do, show respect and gratitude and they will in return. It's a memorable experience meeting legends from Broadway and beyond. That's exactly what seeing The Music Man at the Kennedy Center felt like...Broadway in D.C. You can't beat that! See you next week!

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