Helmed by artistic director Jack Cummings III and hosted by Joe Iconis, the evening included 58 actors and the original orchestrations — featuring 20 instruments — conducted by Joey Chancey. Jeffry Denman choreographed.
Laura Osnes, Santino Fontana, Alexandra Silber, Andrew Samonsky, Betsy Wolfe Lead Cast of 58 in Unforgettable Staging of The Music Man
The starry concert featured Betsy Wolfe, Andrew Samonsky, John Ellison Conlee, Ann Harada, Jessica Hershberg, Jonathan Hammond, Bob Stillman, Bob Walton, Jason SweetTooth Williams, Richard Costa, Robert Lenzi, Michael Di Liberto, Bob DuSold, Diane Findlay, Jim Fyfe, Jim Hindman, Danette Holden, Tina Johnson, Susan Blair Ross, Laura Osnes, Santino Fontana, Andrew Keenan-Bolger, Alexandra Silber, Mary Testa, Jill Paice, Heather Mac Rae, Jeffry Denman, Stanley Bahorek and David Greenspan.
The 24-member ensemble included Zach Bencal, Whitney Brandt, Michael-Shane Brewster, Sarah Dacey Charles, Clinton Clark, Vivienne Cleary, Michael De Souza, John Dewey, Tim Dolan, Erika Henningsen, Dylan Jackson, Susan Lehman, Christiana Little, Ivory McKay, Conor McGiffin, Kristen Michelle, Becky Moyes, Molly Nordin, Conor Ryan, Sydney Shepherd, Ryan Speakman, Tara Tagliaferro and Maureen Taylor.
Artistic director Cummings III said in a previous statement, “I'm so thrilled to treat New York to this treasured show with Broadway's finest bringing it to life. The Music Man perfectly captures everything we love about The Golden Age of musicals - from its hearty, tuneful score filled with Broadway standards, to its middle-America town that has charmed audiences for generations. It's one of those shows that holds a dear place in many people's hearts and remains there for a lifetime.” The Music Man, according to press notes, "follows shyster businessman Harold Hill as he tries to dupe the citizens of River City, Iowa with false promises of a boys' band. But when the town's beautiful yet hopelessly stubborn librarian catches Harold's eye, this town suddenly becomes harder to skip."
The Music Man is the hit 1957 musical with book, music and lyrics by Meredith Willson, based on a story by Willson and Franklin Lacey. Opening on Dec. 19 at The Majestic Theatre, the show became a hit, winning five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and running for 1,375 performances. The original production starred Barbara Cook and Robert Preston. Preston reprised his role in the 1962 film version alongside Shirley Jones.
The Irene Diamond Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center is located at 480 West 42nd Street. The evening is sold out.
