Arts & Entertainment

Mountain Play's 'The Music Man'

The Mountain Play Association Presents its 99th season:

 The Music Man

The Mountain Play – ‘A Great Outdoor Adventure’ and the San Francisco Bay Area’s most magical outdoor theater experience, is proud to present the Tony Award© winning musical The Music Man for its 2012 season.  

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A valentine to small town, U.S.A., Meredith Wilson’s The Music Man follows the fast-talking, charismatic traveling salesman Harold Hill (Robert Moorhead) as he cons the people of River City, Iowa into buying musical instruments and uniforms for a marching band he knows will never come to be. The town’s lovely Marian the Librarian (Susan Zelinsky) just may end up being Hill’s trouble with a capital “T.”

The Music Man is family musical entertainment at its best.

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DATES: Performances will be on Sunday May 20, 27, June 3, June 10, June 16 (Saturday) and June 17.

TIMESAll shows begin at 2 pm. Please arrive at least one hour prior to the show.

COST: Tickets range from $15-$40 General Admission.  Children 3 and under are FREE. Information for Group discounts & Reserved Seating and Tickets are available at the Mountain Play website – www.mountainplay.org

RESERVED SEATING AVAILABLE: Cushioned reserved seating is available in both the shade and the sun FAN Club sections of the amphitheatre with prices starting at $56.  More information can be found at the Mountain Play website – www.mountainplay.org

HOW TO GET THERE: The Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre is located off scenic Highway 1 in Marin County, CA.  Patrons are encouraged to carpool, take the FREE shuttle buses from Mill Valley, hike or bike to the venue as parking is limited. For more information and schedules visit the Mountain PlayExperience section of the website for directions, tips and detailed explanations. 

CONTACT: Call (415) 383-1100 or visit – www.mountainplay.org  

About the Play 

Last seen on Mount Tamalpais in 1993, this Tony award-winning, critically acclaimed Broadway classic is a timeless salute to Americanaand small town values.  Set in River City, Iowa on the Fourth of July 1912, The Music Man is full of whimsical characters and a musical score rich with the sounds of barbershop quartet, marching bands and songs that have become popular standards such as “Seventy Six Trombones,” “Wells Fargo Wagon,” “Gary, Indiana,”  “Goodnight My Someone,”  “Ya Got Trouble” and “Till There Was You” which rose to even greater popularity after being recorded by The Beatles.  Always a popular favorite, the musical inspired two films - the 1962 version starred Robert Preston as Harold Hill and Shirley Jones as Marian and in 2003 starred Matthew Broderick and Kristin Chenoweth of Wickedfame. 

Entertainment: 

In addition to the headline show, preshow activities and bands provide entertainment for the whole family.  Children of all ages will be entertained by the puppet shows of Fratello Marionettes. Puppet show times are 11:30 am and 1 pm daily.  At 12:30 pm, on stage bands featuring local music students entertain the crowds. Preshow entertainment schedule - Saxopoly of Miraflores Academy (May 20th), Tam High School Brass Quartet (May 27th), Marin School of the Arts Brass Quintet (June 3), San Rafael High School Brass (June 10), Brasskateers (June 16) and Redwood High Brass Quartet (June 17).

An ASL professor at the College of Marin for many years, Pat Sirianni will perform and sign for the hearing impaired at the first three shows, May 20th, 27th and June 3rd in her 31st year on the mountain.

The poster art for this year’s play was created and designed by Rob Roehrick/Roehrick Designs of San Rafael.  He is an accomplished graphic designer with over 30 years experience.

Post show entertainment:

The fun doesn’t stop when the show is over! For your listening pleasure while waiting to board the bus back down the mountain, you’ll be entertained by the music of groups like Beachcombers (Barbershop Quartet, May 27, June 10,16 & 17) and San Francisco Gold Quartet(May 20).

Dining on the Mountain 

The Mountain Play isn't just a wonderful theatre and outdoor experience, it can also be an incredible dining experience. Patrons are encouraged to pack a picnic and their favorite spirit, enjoy the Dining in the Woods Reserved Seating experience featuring cuisine byMelon’s Catering and Events and wines from Reata Winery or enjoy a variety of delectable foods at the Mountain Play Café, courtesy ofFred Martin EventsBarefoot Wine and Lagunitas Brewing Company

Amphitheatre Shade Structure:

In 2008 with generous support of donors, the Mountain Play was able to purchase a shade structure for the amphitheatre that provides shaded seating for 500 patrons. Please arrive early for a seat in the shade as seating is on a first come, first served basis. 

NEW This Year:

Half priced tickets for children ages 4 to 13 on sale online for $15. The Mountain Play is an affordable experience for the whole family.PLAYland on the Mountain features a designated children’s area for children to enjoy puppet shows, face painting and snow cones.

The Mountain Play Association’s mission is to produce an annual, spectacular, outdoor theatrical experience that nurtures an appreciation of Mt Tamalpais, involves and strengthens the community, and builds on decades of tradition. The Mountain Playis a non-profit (501c3) organization that has been serving the Bay Area community since 1912. www.mountainplay.org


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