River City Came to Life: A Delightful Night with The Music Man at the Lied Center

by Amber C. Nore

The Music Man, The Lied Center for Performing Arts, Thursday March 5, 2026

Last night, the stage at the Lied Center transformed into the charming, bustling town of River City, Iowa, as the national tour of The Music Man rolled into Lincoln. Produced by Big League Productions, the beloved classic proved once again why it remains one of the most joyful and enduring musicals in American theater.

From the very first moments, the production radiated warmth, humor, and a sense of nostalgic magic. The story of charismatic con man Harold Hill and the pragmatic Marian Paroo is familiar to many, but this cast brought a fresh spark that made the tale feel lively and new.

Elliott Andrews stepped into the role of Harold Hill with just the right mix of swagger, wit, and irresistible charm. His fast-talking confidence and easy stage presence carried the show effortlessly, particularly during the iconic musical numbers that make Hill such an unforgettable character. Opposite him, Elizabeth D’Aiuto’s Marian Paroo was both poised and deeply heartfelt. Her performance balanced intelligence and warmth beautifully, and her vocals floated gracefully through the theater during some of the musical’s most tender moments.

But The Music Man has always been more than just its two leads—it’s a story about a whole town—and this ensemble cast embraced that spirit fully. Performers including Charles Antenen, Patrick Blashill, Addie Jaymes, Dylan Patterson, Michael Santora, Madison Sheward, Savannah Stevenson, Paul Urriola, and Emmanuelle Zeesman filled the stage with vibrant personality. Each character felt distinct, helping River City feel like a living, breathing community rather than just a backdrop.

One of the standout elements of the evening was the visual design of the production. The scenery, designed by Ann Beyersdorfer, beautifully evoked the turn-of-the-century Midwestern setting, creating a world that felt both quaint and expansive. Meanwhile, the costumes by Santo Loquasto were an absolute feast for the eyes. Every dress, suit, and uniform felt thoughtfully crafted to reflect the era while adding delightful splashes of color and character. From the elegant dresses of the town’s ladies to the unforgettable boys’ band uniforms, the wardrobe added an extra layer of storytelling to nearly every scene.

Ken Billington’s lighting design also played a subtle but important role, shifting the mood seamlessly from bustling town scenes to more intimate, romantic moments. Together, the creative team built a stage picture that was consistently engaging and beautifully polished.

Of course, no production of The Music Man would be complete without its unforgettable music. Classic numbers like “Seventy-Six Trombones,” “Pick-a-Little, Talk-a-Little,” and the beloved “Till There Was You” filled the theater with energy and nostalgia. The ensemble numbers in particular brought the house to life, with choreography and harmonies that showcased the cast’s infectious enthusiasm.

What made the evening especially memorable was the sense of joy radiating from both the stage and the audience. There’s something uniquely satisfying about watching a musical that celebrates community, optimism, and the transformative power of music. By the time River City’s boys’ band finally came together, the audience was fully swept up in the magic.

This national tour of The Music Man is a reminder that sometimes the most timeless stories are the ones that simply make us smile. For a few hours on a March evening in Lincoln, River City felt very real—and the music was impossible not to believe in.

If you go: The Music Man runs March 5-8, 2026, evenings at 7:30PM, Saturday Matinee at 2PM and Sunday Matinee at 1:30PM. Ticket information at https://www.liedcenter.org.

Amber C. Nore is a singer/actress/writer who has performed locally with Angels Theatre Company, TADA, Pinewood Bowl and Lincoln Community Playhouse and nationally with Spokane Repertory Theatre and Rogue Players. She sings in the band Andy Pappas & Jukebox Gyro, the debut album “Inside Voices” is available on iTunes and Spotify. Her favorite role has been Stage Mom to her daughter, Chloe and Foster Mom to niece, Mars. Amber is the Director of Community Engagement for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

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