Enthusiasm begets enthusiasm. That was evident on the opening night of The Music Man at the John Dowdall Theatre last Friday. The audience and cast matched each other in obvious enjoyment and appreciation in the presentation of Meredith Willson’s whimsical Tony Award winning musical. Final performances this week are May 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. and May 20 at 2 p.m.

Outstanding were Bob DiGiallonardo as Harold Hill and Nancy Lindsey as Marian the Librarian, both outstanding vocalists and actors. Two youngsters, Bella Smith, 9, and Kellen Wright, 8, as Amaryllis and Winthrop Paroo, respectively, delighted the crowd – Bella, in a duet with Nancy Lindsey, astounded viewers with her beautiful singing voice. Kellen was transformed in his role from a shy, silent lad with a poor self-image into an outgoing song and dance guy. Both have attended the Port Polson Players theatre camp since they were 5 years old.

Several other students are also kids’ theatre camp veterans, and are putting their stage skills to work. The future is bright for community theatre in Polson.

Local viewers last saw The Music Man on the high school stage 25 years ago, also directed by Karen and Neal Lewing. The only people involved in that show were Neal Lewing, band director Bob Mazurek, and band percussionist Ralph Campbell. Several cast members from 1987 were in the audience enjoying this year’s show.

This summer’s theatre season is shaping up nicely, too. Port Polson Players will present “Those Boomer Boys” back by popular demand, June 7, 8, 9, 10; Murder at the Howard Johnson’s, June 30-July 15; Peach Pie Reunion, July 19-Aug. 5; and Boomer Babes, Aug. 9-26.