Running to Places starting off 10th season with ‘Music Man’

Tompkins Weekly Staff

ITHACA – Running to Places is kicking off its 10th anniversary season with the classic show, “The Music Man.”
The R2P show will be on stage at the State Theatre of Ithaca Friday, January 13, through Sunday, January 15.

The story of “The Music Man” follows con artist Harold Hill, portrayed by celebrated Ithaca thespian Joey Steinhagen, as he arrives in highly conventional River City, Iowa, and announces his intention to form a boys’ band. The independent and educated librarian Marian Paroo (played by Lynn Craver) sees right through Harold, but her lisping brother Winthrop (Kii Kinsella) jumps at the chance to play in a band. Harold’s old friend Marcellus (Nick Mras) tries to help him run his grift despite the efforts of rival salesman Charlie Cowell (Ari Cummings), who has evidence that could unmask Harold. As romance grows between con man and librarian and band supplies begin to arrive, change comes to River City – and to Harold.
“This is a timeless and beautiful story which illuminates the possibility of change and growth,” said show director Tucker Davis. “Harold Hill ultimately has the fortune of opening his heart to a family, and in turn this family and the entire town of River City are able open their hearts and minds to a world of new ideas brought to them by an outsider.”
Steinhagen not only plays the lead role, but serves as Running to Places’ artistic director.
“The story of this show mirrors the mission of R2P,” he said. “The kids of River City ultimately are transformed through exploring the arts – as are their families and community. Being part of a community that has allowed our ragtag youth theatre company to reach a tenth season is deeply gratifying and humbling.”
Steinhagen plays Harold, and artistic director of Opera Ithaca Lynn Craver plays Marian, because the board wanted to do something special to honor the anniversary, according to R2P board President Lilly Westbrook.
“We are so pleased and excited that we can give our company members the opportunity to work alongside professionals,” she said.
“Lynn is an incredible musician and her voice is show stopping,” added Davis. “The cast erupts into applause every time she sings.”
Serving as an actor rather than director enabled Steinhagen to be a different kind of role model for the company, Davis said.
“His bold and brave acting choices in the rehearsal room serve as a great example and inspiration to the student actors,” he said.
Davis has a long history with “The Music Man”; he was on the first national Broadway tour of the show, directed by five-time Tony Award winner Susan Stroman. “The Music Man” is the fourth show Davis has worked on with R2P and is his first time directing for the company.
“I’m tough on the kids: I ask of them what I ask of my Ithaca College students and what I’d ask of professional actors as well,” he said. “I believe if you trust in them they will deliver. And they do.”
The grandest number in the show is “Shipoopi,” Davis said, an all-hands-on deck extravaganza of singing and dancing. “Marian the Librarian” is a “web of movement and storytelling,” he added, that includes partner dancing and soft-shoe tap work.
The design team includes Liz Woods, for period costumes; Jim and Deb Drew, scenic design; and Jeremy Pletter, resident music director. Davis, who is an instructor in dance and musical theatre at Ithaca College, also serves as choreographer, in addition to his director duties.
The show will only run for one weekend, with shows at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, January 13-14, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, January 15.
Tickets are $20 for general admission, $14 for students and seniors, and $12 per person for groups of 10 or more. They are available at the State Theatre box office, located at 105 W. MLK Jr./State St., by calling (607) 277-8283 and at www.StateOfIthaca.com.
More information about R2P and the show is available at www.RunningToPlaces.org.