‘Music Man’ to open at Clear Space March 15

Clear Space Theatre will present “The Music Man,” Friday to Sunday, March 15 to 17, 22 to 24, and 29 to 31.

Meredith Willson’s beloved musical is the tale of con man Harold Hill, his efforts to relieve the River City, Iowa townsfolk of their cash, and his fateful encounter with an unforeseen complication: Marian, the local librarian.

“This show is just so much fun,” said Don Gerberg, an ensemble member. “It’s a great, rip-roaring musical with some wonderful songs, including well-known ones like ‘76 Trombones’ and ‘Till There Was You.’ It’s one of my favorite shows.”

This is not Gerberg’s first time in “The Music Man.” He said, “I was in local productions as a high school student and during my first couple years of college; this is one of the shows I was in. I’m retired now, and being in it again has been on my bucket list. I’m loving this opportunity to cross that off the list!”

Asked if he had any advice for those with similar ambitions, Gerberg said, “Most of all – remember that the worst that can happen is that you don’t get called. Even an audition can be an enjoyable experience - have fun with it! Arrive early - there were 128 auditions the day I went, and I was number 86. That meant a three-hour wait before I got my 90 seconds in the spotlight. And bring water! I hadn’t done that; sure wished I had.”

“The Music Man” is Gerberg’s first appearance in a Clear Space production. “It’s my first show as a cast member – and it’s wonderful! The people are fascinating – all of them – the younger ones and the ones closer to my age. So many different stories; so much fun!” He concedes there also are some challenges: “Especially the few dance steps I have to learn, and remembering where to come and go – it’s been a while since I did those things!”

Gerberg is confident audiences will enjoy the show: “This show has a great cast, wonderful characters, and terrific music. It’s funny, there’s a romance, and a con man is redeemed – I mean, what’s not to love?!”

Friday and Saturday performances are at 7 p.m., and Sunday performances are at 3 p.m. There also is one Thursday performance, at 11 a.m., March 21. Tickets for all shows are $17 to $32.

For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.clearspacetheatre.org or call 302-227-2270.