Children's Theatre of Elgin sounds '76 Trombones' in 'The Music Man Jr.'

Seventy-six young actors will take on “76 Trombones” in a children’s adaptation of the 1959 hit musical “The Music Man.”

The Children’s Theatre of Elgin performs Meredith Willson’s “The Music Man Jr.” starting with a 7 p.m. show on Thursday, Oct. 22 at the Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin. The show also plays at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23 and 24, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25.

Marian (Amanda Furtick) speaks with her mom, Mrs. Paroo (Maddie Dulabaum). SUBMITTED PHOTO

"The result will be a true test of character for the performers," says Jen Prise, director. "The actors will have slightly less music and dialog to convey the development of the characters. Although most of this show's most notable songs will be included in this production, such as '76 Trombones,'  'Goodnight My Someone,' 'Good Night, Ladies,' 'Gary, Indiana,' and 'Till There Was You.'

"The slightly abbreviated script will mean that cast members will need to be emotionally charged for each performance in order to lead the audience through the full range of character development within the slightly shorter running time than the original musical."

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. Group discount of 20 individuals or more is $7 per ticket.

For tickets, call the Hemmens Box Office at (847) 931-5900 or visit www.hemmens.org. For more information, contact the Children’s Theatre of Elgin at (817) 214-7152 or visit www.cteelgin.com.