We got trouble. Right here in River City. And it starts with "t," which rhymes with "p," which stands for "pool."

When Suttons Bay students present the all-school musical comedy The Music Man this weekend, the concept of youth hanging out at pool halls serves as part of the story line for an entertaining play that’s suitable for audiences of all ages.

The play stars junior Hans Dalton, who plays the fast-talking salesman Harold Hill, and Patty White, a senior who plays Marian Paroo, the librarian, town piano teacher and Hill’s love interest in the play. Hill convinces the entire town that if they don’t buy musical instruments and uniforms for the children of River City, they will be in big trouble as their young minds are corrupted by the “p” word: pool.

“The Music Man is such a fun script, and the music is really recognizable,” said White. “We’re having a lot of fun with it, and I think people are going to enjoy it a lot,” she said.

“Harold Hill is a con man, but he’s basically a good guy,” added Dalton. “It’s a great part for me.”

Showtimes for The Music Man, which will be performed at the high school auditorium, are Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., and a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Reserved tickets, which are on sale at the high school office, are $10 for adults and $8 for students. Children 5 and under will be admitted for free, and remaining tickets will be available at the door.

Suttons Bay student Luke Wessell plays the part
of Marcellus in The Music Man

Producer Tricia Parrent developed the idea of having part of the set depicting Main Street include images of stores from the area that are helping support the play through program advertisements.

“We’ve just gotten everybody involved in the play. It’s been great to see. For example, Mr. (Scott) Tompkins’ art students have been drawing a lot of the set. It looks great,” said Parrent.

“This is a big undertaking,” said director Toni Manning, “but we’re up for it, and the kids are doing a wonderful job. People are in for a great time when they come see this play.”

The cast includes 30 elementary school students, 11 in seventh and eighth grades and 24 from the high school, plus a technician and backstage crew.

The audience will be treated to singing, dancing, and several costume changes. Songs that will be performed include Gary Indiana, Goodnight My Someone, Seventy-six Trombones, Till There was You, and of course, the ever-popular Trouble.

Other actors include Alex Bruce, who plays Charlie Cowell; Luke Wessels, who plays Marcellus; and members of the school board played by Jaime Lott, Cassandra Buffum, Allison Wodek and Kelsey Wick.

Sam Faught plays Mayor Shinn, and Kaela Parrent is Marion, the librarian’s mother. Marian’s brother, Winthrop, is played by fifth grader Clyde Woods, while the ladies of the town are played by Devin Harte, Lenora Paige, Heather McKitrick, Emma Kelly and Kayleigh Schneider. Mark Parrent plays Tommy Djilas, while Laura Crider is the mayor’s daughter, Zaneeta.

The drama department will be selling flowers and students will be selling refreshments at all three performances as part of their fundraising efforts.