“Seventy-six trombones led the big parade

With a hundred and ten cornets close at hand…”

— Harold Hill, The Music Man

Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre’s second major production of the season will march next week onto the Kroc Center stage.

“The Music Man” opens July 14 and will run on selected dates through July 31 at the Kroc, 1765 W. Golf Course Road, Coeur d’Alene.

A piece of classic American theater by Meredith Willson, the six-time Tony Award-winning musical comedy has been entertaining audiences since 1957.

It’s the story of Harold Hill, a fast-talking salesman who tries to con the parents of River City, Iowa, into investing in instruments, uniforms and training for a huge, 76-trombone-strong boys’ marching band. But Harold has no plans of coming through with the musical goods. In the meantime, his heart is stolen by the town librarian.

Tyler Krieg, the show’s director, said the timeless nature of “Music Man” attracted him to participate in the production.

“I love how quickly it moves, and its themes haven’t aged beyond its time a bit. The show can be just as relevant now as it was when it first premiered,” Krieg said.

While the content remains true to the original play, one of CST’s focuses with this production is on the storytelling, Krieg said.

“In his writing, Meredith Willson digs deeply into the minds of these small town characters, and we want to show that through deeply grounded characters, relationship, and let’s be honest: spot-on dancing,” Krieg said. “It’s imperative that these people be seen as real, even if real means silly. I think our production will show the heart of the piece.”

Krieg said the production is unique in that its cast, while being top-notch actors, tends to run younger than most professional Music Man casts. It was a decision CST made intentionally, he said.

“This, I believe, helps support the underpinning theme of youthfulness and young love that pervade the script,” Krieg said.

Kasey Davis plays Marian Paroo, a single woman who lives with her mother and younger brother and runs the town library. Although she is only in her 30s, Paroo is considered on the edge of spinsterhood, Davis said.

“There is a slight feeling of panic from her mother that Marian will miss her opportunity to settle down while Marian’s experience with men so far has left her a bit disenchanted,” Davis said. “This role is unique for me because until now I have mostly been cast as young characters. I have yet to originate an adult leading lady, and I’m thrilled.”

Callie McKinney, who plays Marian’s mother, Mrs. Paroo, said she loves playing a mom with an Irish accent.

“It’s great to expose a new generation to this classic musical. I grew up with the Robert Preston/Shirley Jones version,” McKinney said. “I remember listening to the record with headphones in elementary school. In all my years of theater, I’ve never been in this show.”

McKinney did, however, perform a Broadway review show on the Mississippi Queen riverboat, and sang the soprano songs from Music Man, in front of Shirley Jones, the actress who played Marian Paroo in the 1962 film version of the show.

“She was the first to stand in our standing ovation,” McKinney said. “I will always have a fond memory of these wonderful songs.”

Tickets cost $27 for children, $42 for seniors and $49 for adults.

For showtimes and to purchase tickets, visit www.cdasummertheatre.com or call (208) 660-2958.