Harbor Playhouse
plans sundae bar,
romantic dinner
By Kira Hays / Reporter
With its extravagant set pieces, flawless period costumes and complex choreography, the Harbor Playhouse’s production of “The Music Man” is sure to be fun for the whole family.
Set in 1912, fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill finds himself in River City, Iowa, where he cons the trusting townspeople into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band he vows to organize. Even though he’s never picked up a sheet of music before, Harold continues his deception until he can skip out of town with the cash. Harold’s world is then turned upside down when he meets Marian the librarian and starts to question his motives.
“This show is a lot of fun and completely family friendly,” said director Sarah Contreras. “Our cast includes children and adults ranging in ages from 7 to 70.”
Contreras is a full-time speech professor at Del Mar College and has been involved in theater for many years.
“I have gone from being on stage as an actress to directing to being on the board and I am thrilled to return to directing after about a five-year hiatus,” she said. “I love the Playhouse and I’m excited about the future of this community theater.”
The show, which includes many musical numbers, including a few from the Harbor Playhouse’s very own Barbershop Quartet, is rooted in wholesome and comic tradition.
Contreras leads a rock-star production team including Kenneth Williams (music director), Curtis Lemoine (choreographer), Vanessa Rohrar and Jessica Mathews (co-stage managers), Collin McKeen (technical director) and Karen Mauch (costume designer).
As a special treat, the Playhouse will feature a very special “Sundae Sunday” reception at the Feb. 9 performance. A full sundae bar will be set up in the lobby with all the fixins awaiting the audience after the show. A suggested donation is $5 per person.
And on Feb. 14, the Playhouse will transform its studio theater into a night of romantic splendor. Audience members can start the evening with a romantic Tapas Theatro dinner. Savory hot and cold tapas will be served along with a bottle of red or white wine. The Music Man Quartet will also serenade you and your loved one. The show will be performed following dinner, and during intermission, your VIP table will be waiting with a tray of delectable desserts and two glasses of Champagne. Also, enjoy preferred parking as well as an opportunity to put a Valentine’s message up on the projection screen to show your sweetheart some love.
“The Music Man” is showing at the Harbor Playhouse through Feb. 23, with performances at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays.
For ticket information call 888-SHOW or visit www.HarborPlayhouse.com.
