Jennifer Hope Wills, David Schmittou to Star in Riverside Theatre's THE MUSIC MAN, 2/23-3/18

Riverside Theatre will present MerEdith Wilson's "The Music Man" February 23 - March 18 at its Stark Mainstage theater. With direction and choreography by Vince Pesce, the production's cast includes Broadway stars Jennifer Hope Wills (Marian Paroo), Beth McVey (Eulalie Shinn), and J.B. Adams (Mayor Shinn). The musical also stars David Schmittou as Professor Harold Hill.

A tribute to the small towns of yesteryear, "The Music Man" follows the plans of fast-talking "Professor" Harold Hill as he cons the people of River City, Iowa into buying uniforms and musical instruments for a boys band he vows to lead. His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian, the town librarian, and decides to stay and face the music when the townsfolk get wind of his scheme. Musical numbers include several barbershop quartets and songs such as "Ya Got Trouble," "Seventy-Six Trombones," Goodnight My Someone," "Gary Indiana" and "Till There Was You."

Riverside Theatre is a regionally producing theatre affiliated with Actor's Equity Association, The League of Resident Theatres, Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, and United Scenic Artists.  For more information, or to buy tickets, visit http://www.riversidetheatre.com.

Jennifer Hope Wills has starred on Broadway as Christine in "The Phantom of the Opera" in addition to performing in "Wonderful Town," "The Woman in White," and "Beauty and the Beast." Off-broadway roles include Maria in "The Sound of Music,"  Julie in "Carousel," and Sandy in "Grease."

Beth McVey has starred in Broadway productions of "42nd Street," "Annie," "Nine," and "Phantom." She also played Mrs. Potts in the Broadway production of "Beauty and the Beast." National tours include "Lend Me a Tenor" (Diana), "Guys and Dolls" (Adaliade), and "Urinetown" (Ms. Pennywise).

J.B. Adams starred in Broadway's "Chitty, Chitty Bang! Bang!," "Beauty and the Beast," "Parade," "Me and My Girl," and "Annie." He has also appeared on television's "Law & Order: SVU" and "Far From Heaven." He can be heard on the original Cast Recordings of "Parade," "Balancing Act," "Annie Warbucks," and "Sondheim: A Celebration at Carnegie Hall."

David Schmittou previously appeared in "Doubt" and "It's a Wonderful Life" at Riverside. Recent credits include "The 39 Steps" (Hannay), "Run for Your Wife" (John), "Victor/Vicoria" (Toddy), "Lend Me a Tenor" (Max), and "The Drowsy Chaperone" (Man in Chair), for which he received the Kevin Kline Award.

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