Hudson Music Club: The Music Man

The Hudson Music Club’s annual stage show has traditionally been a lavish affair which has raised untold thousands for local charities.

This year’s remount of the classic, The Music Man, is no exception.

“It’s a big-scale production, with an all-ages cast of 40 and as many behind the scenes. The set (by renowned designer Jean-Claude Olivier) is elaborate, and the costumes are incredible. It’s very Broadway,” said publicity co-ordinator Josee Santa Maria.

The Music Man opens Friday at Le Grand Theatre in Vaudreuil-Dorion.

“When the musical came out in 1958 it won 10 Tony awards; it has been much loved over the decades, which is why we chose to do it again.”

The HMC presented The Music Man in ’87 and again in ’98.

“But everything grows, and the production – like the club – has evolved,” she said, adding the non-profit company is now in its 51st year.

Other recent shows include Anything Goes and Annie.

This year, as in 2008, the beneficiary of the fundraiser is La Passerelle, an area women’s shelter.

“Members voted, and decided to adopt the shelter as our official charity from now on,” Santa Maria said.

Past recipients of the HMC’s largesse include NOVA, the St. Lazare First Responders, and the Hudson firefighters’ Christmas fund.

Based on the book by Meredith Wilson and Franklin Lacey, The Music Man tells the story of a con artist/travelling salesman who ends up in a small town in Iowa. Posing as a music teacher, he convinces the good denizens to pay for instruments to start a marching band, with the intent of absconding with the money. But his plans go awry.

The musical was also made into a hit movie starring Robert Preston and Shirley Jones.

Among songs audiences will recognize are 76 Trombones, Till There Was You, and My White Knight.

In addition to being a musical theatre troupe, “we’re also a multi-generational social club. Members range in age from eight to 88, and to see the younger and older ones dancing together on stage is fantastic.

“We’re all volunteers, and get involved in community events. We take part in the Canada Day and Santa Claus parades and the Hudson street fair, and we put on a talent show each May,” Santa Maria said..

Dates of the show are March 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, and 21 at 8 p.m.; on the 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, and 21st at 2. The theatre is located at 400 St. Charles Ave., Vaudreuil-Dorion. For tickets contact the box office at 514-848-9696 or www.cshow.ca. The club also welcomes new members – visit www.hudsonstlazare.com