(Gananoque, ON) Can even 76 trombones and 110 cornets save conman Harold Hill from the righteous wrath of River City if they should discover the truth about him? Or can Marian the Librarian work her magic to save him from himself? Find out when The Music Man marches onto the stage at the Thousand Islands Playhouse’s Springer Theatre in Gananoque starting on July 19.

“I’ve been working on this one for three years,” said Brett Christopher, Managing Artistic Director for the Playhouse. “It’s been a long haul to get it to finally see stage light.”

Describing the cast and crew as an “absolute dream team”, Christopher encourages everyone to come out and enjoy this family classic by Meredith Wilson. Most of the cast is new to the Playhouse stage, but audiences will be glad to see the return of Rennie Wilkinson as Mrs. Paroo, Seana-Lee Wood as Eulalie Mckecknie-Shinn, David Talbot as Mayor Shinn, Hal Wesley Rogers as Oliver Hix, and Rob Torr as Jacey Squires.

Harold Hill (David Leyshon, seen elsewhere in “Fiddler on the Roof”, “It’s a Wonderful Life”, and for seven seasons at the Shaw Festival) and Marian the Librarian (Kate Blackburn, known on other stages for roles in “Shrek”, “The Hockey Sweater”, and “Singin’ in the Rain”) sing and dance their way from trouble to true love with a brilliant cast of new players, including an amazing youth ensemble of players. Director and choreographer Stephanie Graham will be recognized by Playhouse fans from her stellar work on “Back in ‘59” and “Anne of Green Gables”, and Rachel Cameron of “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder”, “Falsettos”, and “Guys and Dolls” handles the music direction.

“Originally slated for summer 2020, this gorgeous production will finally hit the Springer Theatre stage in late July 2022 and run for 39 performances,” said Christopher.

Christopher has been working for several years now to create a stable of local talent to work on the Playhouse stages. This project more than paid off in the production of “Anne of Green Gables” in 2019 by bringing extra life and excitement to the stage as area children helped populate the stage. Working with a young, talented and enthusiastic team of performers enhances the show and truly brings River City to life.

“The venue recently re-opened after being shuttered for more than 900 days due to the pandemic,” said Christopher. “Since then, the seats have been filled with eager patrons longing for the experience of live performance. The Playhouse season will run from May 26 to October 23, featuring eight full productions, five concerts, and dozens of opportunities to learn more about the plays, the artists, and the company itself.”

“The Music Man” runs from July 19 – August 20 at the Springer Theatre, 185 South Street, Gananoque (previews July 19 at 7:30 p.m., July 20 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., July 21 at 7:30 p.m., opening July 22 at 7:30 p.m. Highly recommended for people of all ages. Running time for the play is about 2.5 hours plus intermission. Dock Talks (Pre-Show Q&A): Wednesdays 1 p.m. Show times are Tuesday through Saturday 7:30 p.m. with matinees on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. (starting the Saturday after opening night). Tickets are Musical Adult Ticket: $41, Musical Perimeter Seating: $34, Previews & Tuesday Evenings: $31, Youth Ticket (Under 20): $19, and Gan Rush Rate: $25. HST is applicable to all ticket prices. For more information, go to www.1000islandsplayhouse.com or contact the box office at 613-382-7020 or boxoffice@1000islandsplayhouse.com . The box office is open Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and two hours before performances.