Multi-generational musical to provide family-friendly entertainment

HARLINGEN — River City is coming to town.

The Harlingen Community Theater will be performing the popular Broadway musical “The Music Man” for two weekends starting tomorrow.

The musical about a con-man attempting to sell the need for a band to the small town of River City will provide live music and a large multi-generational cast.

The family-friendly musical features more than 50 cast members and a live orchestra.

Director TJ Faver said the musical was chosen to highlight the talent of the cast.

“We look at our talent base and we kind of look for shows that can fit that,” Faver said. “This one was one that was able to expose a lot of our different talents.”

With many moving parts to the musical and with such a large and diverse cast, putting together the show required many hours of practice.

Auditions for the show began after Thanksgiving, and the cast has been working to put the show together ever since.

“We did have some people get sick and trying to fight the flu but for the most part it’s been pretty good,” Faver said.

According to actor Vicky Fultz who plays Marian the librarian, the cast and crew worked hard at not only rehearsing their performance but creating the set as well.

“Everything is made from scrap wood and canvases,” Fultz said. “That is part of the fun, getting to be creative.”

Fultz said there are many moving pieces and it requires all hands on deck to make the transition between scenes run as smoothly as possible.

“It’s so neat to see everyone come together and pitch in and have it come to life,” Fultz said.

Fultz started performing in college, but took a break after graduation.

This will be her first lead since getting back into acting.

“I’ve had such a blast working with everyone,” Fultz said. “I didn’t realize how much I’ve missed it.”