Ironton students recently began preparing the dance moves and songs of the newest musical sensation to hit the high school’s stage – "The Music Man.

Friday, January 28, 2000

Ironton students recently began preparing the dance moves and songs of the newest musical sensation to hit the high school’s stage – "The Music Man."

Filled with deceit and romance, the show is sure to be a great hit among both the school’s student body and the community, said the two main stars of the production, T.J. Parnell and Lindsay Anderson.

"It’s very upbeat and energetic," Miss Anderson said.

"The Music Man" offers many eye-catching performances that are sure to leave the audience spellbound, she added.

"There are a lot of dance numbers and the chorus participates a lot," Miss Anderson said.

The constant activity really gets the audience involved, Parnell said.

"It’s not a sleeper like most musicals," he said. "It’s fun."

Parnell plays Harold Hill, the Music Man.

"I come into this town, River City, Iowa," Parnell said. "And I’m a band salesman. The funny thing is I don’t know how to play a note of music."

Regardless of Hill’s inability to hold a tune, Parnell’s character convinces the entire town to buy musical instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band, which Hill promises to lead.

"And usually my character leaves town before they realize there’s no band," Parnell said. "I’m basically a con man."

Enter Miss Anderson, as the local librarian.

"I play Marian Paroo, the librarian of River City, Iowa," Miss Anderson said. "I’m very innocent and shy when it comes to men. I’m pretty skeptical of Harold at first. Eventually I fall in love with him and his plans don’t work out because he doesn’t get to leave."

"The Music Man" will open for the student body March 28-30. Public performances will begin March 31, and continue until April 2. There will be evening performances at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and a matinee at 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets for the event are $5 for adults and $2 for students.

This year’s cast members include T.J. Parnell as Harold Hill, Lindsay Anderson as Marian Paroo, Rachel Near as Mrs. Paroo, Todd Handley as Mayor Shinn, Abby Kleinman as Eulalie Shinn, Becky Harvey as Zanetta Shinn, Andrew Cronacher as Tommy Djilas, Patrick Milleson as Marcellas Washburn, Alisa Philabaun as Alma Hix, Kim Bowles as Maud Dunlop, Olivia Jones as Ethel Toffelmier and Mary Louise George as Mrs. Squires. Members of the mens’ chorus include Brad Washburn, Bo McGinnis, Travis Reed, Ryan Brislin, J.D. Martin, Shalon Bishop, Josh Irish, Jason Philabaun, Matt Kuehne, Matt Nierman, J.R. Henry, Shawn Keller and Seth Lewis. Members of the ladies chorus include Katie Keller, Jessica Gillum, Marlie Ford, Christy Lilly, Mariah Bently, Katie Scherer, Crystal Justice, Sara Harper, Hilary Porter, Taylor Waldo, Randa Collins, Katie Huff, Kara Fuhr, Shay Hannon, Sissy McCalvin, Niki Fisher and Marla Seward. The children will be played by Rachel Mize, Katheryn Rath, Sunni Clyse, Lauren Knipp, Joe Crowe, Garrett King, Wes Barnett and Crosby Clyse.