Local resident, Will Jones, has landed the lead role in “The Music Man”, a production to be held at the Cresson Lake Playhouse, produced by the Allegheny Highlands Regional Theater.
Jones will play Professor Harold Hill in the production.
The musical tells the story of Professor Hill as he visits a small Iowa town, River City.
Hill falls in love with the town librarian, Marian Paroo. He also convinces the town that unless they adopt his music program, the kids of the town will be doomed.
He gets the parents to buy instruments and uniforms in order to form the River City Boys Band. Hill’s credentials are questioned, and he is called upon to prove himself to the town citizens.
“It’s a dream come true to do this role,” said Jones. “It’s something I always wanted to do, but never thought it would come my way.”
According to Jones, the competition was tough, as he waited for nearly two hours just to audition for the role.
Jones has been involved with Tyrone Community Players and has written shows for them throughout the years. He wrote “A Christmas Caroled” and “Sherwood”, and TCP performed both shows.
He’s also performed in “Pump Boys and Dinettes” and was in some music revues for TCP.
Jones said he enjoys writing songs and shows. He is also the owner of Lion Martial Arts School in Tyrone and has two boys, Cody and Cory, with his wife, Joan.
Right now, rehearsals for the production have been keeping Jones pretty busy with his time.
Also, Bellwood resident Joe Grabowski will sing in the barber shop quartet for the production. Oscar Stuckey is the director, and Maria Carnicella plays Marion.
According to its website, the Cresson Lake Playhouse is also known as “the barn theater.” The company changed its name to Allegheny Highlands Regional Theatre in 1987 to reflect its commitment to the nine county region it serves.
Sixteen shows of “The Music Man” are scheduled August 4 through August 20, and according to Jones, some shows are already sold out. For ticket information, call 814-472-4333.
