Tom Nissley for the Ridgelea Reports on Theatre

I just came from seeing the Summer Theatre of New Canaan’s production of Meredith Wilson’s "The Music Man," at the Rich Forum in Stamford. It was produced by the fabulous Libonati family, who really know how to put a show together, so it is an almost perfect theater event. "The Music Man" tells the story of a con man using the name of ‘Professor Harold Hill’ and how he accidentally falls in love with a librarian named Marian in River City, Iowa, while he is selling the town the idea of a new band with instruments and uniforms. She falls for him, too, so it’s a nifty love story as well, with music you’ll recognize and relax to. ["Goodnight my someone," "‘til there was you," "Seventy-Six Trombones."]The sets and costumes are wonderful, but the real thrill is the direction by Melody and Allegra Libonati and the music directed by Scott Cranston, a great trombone man is his own right. The role of Marian is sung by Allison Gray, who combines beautiful vocals with absolutely perfect acting. Richard Hartley sings professor Harold Hill, and John Blackwell sings Charlie. Plus a large company of great singers and great dancers, including all ages (!) in a cast of fifty.

"The Music Man" is a show worth seeing. So see it, and tell your friends to go with you. Send them this e-mail. You and they will be glad you did. Tickets and information at www.Stonc.org or 966-4634. Wednesday thru Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m. through July 27.