'The Music Man' indicates 'Trouble' at the Tivoli

Sunday, January 1, 1905

photo JC Smith, Andrew Boone, Chuck Nalley, Jonathan Ingle, Bob Marsden , from left, will perform in "The Music Man."

IF YOU GO

* What: "The Music Man."* When: 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday.* Where: Tivoli Theatre, 709 Broad St.* Admission: $20-$28.50 (plus fees).* Phone: 757-5156.*chattanoogaonstage.com

There's "Trouble" at the Tivoli.

Indeed, there's "Trouble" and about 20 other beloved songs in Closed Door Entertainment's presentation of "The Music Man" tonight, Saturday and Sunday at the downtown theater.

There's also a lovable con man, an attractive but stuck-up librarian, impressive choreography and lots of laughs in Meredith Willson's summer-themed musical.

The musical centers on Harold Hill, who wants to start a boys band in the town in which he's just arrived but who is "slipperier than a Mississippi sturgeon," according to River City's mayor.

Nevertheless, the town wants to embrace its new bandleader, played by Chuck Nalley.

"They fall for the man they believe him to be," Smith said. "They want to believe the good in people."

He hopes the characters who fall for Hill are as real as the actors who portray them.

The idea, according to Smith, "is being able to convey that familiar atmosphere River City, Iowa, is supposed to have." Instead of being portrayed as caricatures or over the top, the townspeople should be "portrayed as real people."

"Simplicity of nature is comedic," he said.

In addition to producing and directing, Smith also is acting in the musical, portraying baritone banker Oliver Hicks, who falls under Hill's sway and becomes a quartet member.

Other well-known songs in the musical include "Seventy-Six Trombones," "Marian the Librarian," "Shipoopi" and "Till There Was You."

The production, Smith said, also benefits from members of Closed Door Entertainment's orchestra, choreographer Kristin Nalley, musical director Paul Stone, artistic director David Riall and Abba's House technical services director Scott Austin.

Contact Clint Cooper at ccooper@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6497. Subscribe to his posts online at Facebook.com/ClintCooperCTFP.

SEASON PASS?

"The Music Man" producer/director J.C. Smith said patrons can buy a season ticket to Closed Door Entertainment shows at the Tivoli. Other shows in the season are "Grease" and "A Christmas Carol."