News Photo by Bronwyn Woolman The cast of "The Music Man" poses at a recent rehearsal at Alpena Civic Theatre.

ALPENA ­– Traveling salesman Harold Hill is making a stop in Alpena on Thursday, and he wants to sell you some musical instruments, with a side of wholesome entertainment.

Alpena Civic Theatre presents Meredith Willson’s “The Music Man” opening at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday and running for two weekends. Evening shows are Thursday through Saturday, with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

Set in 1912 in River City, Iowa, the musical centers around Hill, whose charisma and persuasive personality make him a perfect salesman and influencer in his time. However, he’s not an honest man, and the truth is bound to surface at some point. The townspeople of River City are buying his fantastical stories, but Marian the Librarian is smart enough to question his motives, and the mayor and his cronies are becoming skeptical of his antics.

Mike Furtaw plays Hill, an exuberant and animated man with a lot of energy and charm.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Furtaw said. “I’ve been on stage before, but I didn’t know I’d be having this much fun.”

He said he was nervous, but you can’t tell at all as an audience member.

“I love singing,” he added. “This role is kind of like a dream role for me. I’m a salesman, that’s my career. I’ve spent my whole life selling and marketing and singing.”

He is elated with how everything has come together.

“What’s incredible is that every facet of this production — directing, music, set crew, lighting, costumes — the culture that was set up from the beginning, that culture, if that’s right, man, it’s magic.”

He said even those who don’t think they like musicals should come check out “The Music Man.”

“This script is so good, and it’s been around for so long, and there’s so much passion and talent in this cast and this crew,” Furtaw said. “I’d give it a try.”

Olivia Martin plays Marian the Librarian, whom Hill takes an interest in because she is beautiful, smart, and playing hard to get. She is captivated by his charm, despite being initially skeptical.

This is Martin’s third play at ACT, with her first being when she was just 8 years old in “The Miracle Worker.” Her second play was “How to Succeed in Business” in 2019. She studied musical theater in college.

She was asked by her aunt, Musical Director Jean Martin-Baker, if she would like to audition.

“I was like, ‘Of course!'” Martin said. “I’ve just enjoyed being part of the community again, because I just moved back in November, from Chicago. I love performing, I love singing. It’s just so fun.”

She said being a part of this production is truly special.

“This show is just going to be phenomenal to watch,” Martin said. “Everyone has worked so hard, and we’ve put in so much time, and it really shows in this play in the character dynamic, and the way we all work as a team. And our musicians are amazing. I give them full props. They keep up with us. It’s going to be a fun show to watch, with the most fun music.”

Nathan Young is the youngest cast member, at age 8. He plays Winthrop, Marian the Librarian’s younger brother who barely talks because he is embarrassed of his lisp. He takes an interest in music, and starts to come out of his shell, thanks to Hill’s inspirational speeches and the introduction of a musical instrument into his life.

Young explained how it feels to be up on stage with everyone watching him.

“Happy, excited, and nervous, if I’m being completely honest,” the bright young man said.

He said the most challenging part about settling into his role was learning to speak with a lisp.

“Especially that one line I just did,” he said at intermission of a recent rehearsal. “That was a mouthful.”

He explained how he learned about the play, and what made him want to get involved.

“My music teacher actually recommended it to my family,” he recalled. “I was like, ‘Sure! I want to do this!’ So I auditioned. I just wanted to do it so I could get experience of theater life, because I actually want to be an actor when I grow up.”

He’s having the time of his life.

“I am just having so much fun in this play, and if there’s another play next year, I will definitely do it,” Young said.

“The Music Man” is co-directed by Kirstine Furtaw, and Nan Hall, who can’t say enough about the dedication of the cast and crew.

“I’m thrilled,” Hall said. “We have the hardest working cast, the hardest working crew … Everyone’s worked tremendously hard and really put their heart into it, and it’s been a great experience. They’re at that point that they’re going to be ready by Thursday. They’re going to knock it out. They’re outstanding. It’s a director’s dream.”

Vivian Furtaw is hitting the stage for the first time, and it’s a family affair, as her mom is Director Kirstine Furtaw, and her dad is lead actor Mike Furtaw.

“I feel really excited,” Vivian Furtaw said. “It’s really good to be a part of a group of people who really enjoy doing this, and I want to go into performance and vocal performance.”

She said the opportunity to act with her family makes it even more special. She also has made great new friends, such as Dawn Collins, Briana Jasso, and Addison Wesaw.

“The songs and the people,” are Collins’ favorite part.

“It’s so uplifting and so awesome,” Jasso said.

“Everybody wants to be here, and is on task, and it’s a lot of fun,” Wesaw said. “I’ve made a lot of friends. I never expected that I’d be friends with an old man named Harold, but he’s just amazing.”

This is Fallon Gandulla-Ghekiere’s third time on the ACT stage.

“I love the role,” she said. “She’s a bratty little piano student who has a crush on Winthrop. I love the production, and the cast is very kind and supportive of each other.”

Kirstine Furtaw is overjoyed with everyone’s hard work and dedication to this production.

“They’re ready for an audience,” she said. “They feel confident. I think we’ve created an environment that is super supportive of each other, and we’re prepared. It’s a demanding time commitment, and everybody was willing to put forth that effort.”

She is excited to be working with her family, and encourages others to consider getting involved, too.

“I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for families to get involved and create together,” Kirstine Furtaw added.

She is especially grateful for the talented musicians, led by Jean Martin-Baker.

“Jean has been amazing working with all the vocalists and leading the pit orchestra,” she noted. “She has taken singers with all different levels of experience and created this full vocal sound. ”

Nick Stone has been at all of the rehearsals playing piano while they worked on music, choreography, and scenes.

“He is so talented and adaptable and patient,” she said. “Key features in a rehearsal pianist. The other musicians have joined us early ­– Randy Bouchard (drums), Dave Lawrence (bass), Kristin Burrone (clarinet), and MaryAnn Hubbard (flute/piccolo). Normally, a pit orchestra joins right before performances. We’ve had the advantage of working with the complete pit orchestra early which makes a huge difference for the performers. Adding the rhythm section and the reed players has added so much vibrancy to the music. We simply couldn’t do this musical without them!”

The cast includes: Traveling Salesmen Kevin Bey, Matt Southwell, Andrew MacNeill, Jay Kettler, Rex Swope, Harold Ruder, Bruce Michaud, Scott Edgar, Rodney Ayotte, Eric D. Collins, and Alek Degen; Harold Hill — Mike Furtaw; Marian Paroo — Olivia Martin; Mayor Shinn – Matt Southwell; Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn — Linda Suneson; Marcellus Washburn — Kevin Bey; Mrs. Paroo — Pam Swope; Winthrop — Nathan Young; Amaryllis — Fallon Gandulla-Ghekiere; Tommy Djilas — Colin Hainstock; Zaneeta Shinn — Vivian Furtaw; Gracie Shinn — Aria Neumann; Charlie Cowell — Andrew MacNeill; Conductor — Bob Martin; Barbershop Quartet members Ewart Dunlop — Jay Kettler, Oliver Hix/Constable — Rex Swope, Jacey Squires — Harold Ruder; Olin Britt — Bruce Michaud; Pick-a-Little Ladies Alma Hix — Marlo Broad, Maud Dunlop — Marilyn Kettler, Ethel Toffelmier — Traci Boyle, Mrs. Squires — Kristin Loughery; Adult Ensemble members Dani Ayotte, Taylor Ayotte, Marty Cantleberry, and Scott Edgar; Teen/Children’s Ensemble members Rodney Ayotte, Eric D. Collins, Alek Degen, Dawn Collins, Briana Jasso, Addison Wesaw, Callie Barber, Delilah Bobolts, Alivia Muszynski, and Adalynn Scott

Crew members include Directors Kirstine Furtaw and Nan Hall; Music Director Jean Martin-Baker; Rehearsal Pianist Nick Stone; Pit Orchestra: Nick Stone (piano) Jean Martin-Baker (piano), MaryAnn Hubbard (flute/piccolo), Kristin Burrone (clarinet), Dave Lawrence (bass), Randy Bouchard (drums); Choreographer Christine Giordano; Choreographer’s Assistant Brittany Giordano; Stage Manager Doreen Kriniak; Assistant Stage Manager Amber Vesotski; Scenic Designer Grace Morrison; Set Crew: Jackie Herbert, Kirstine Furtaw, Nan Hall, and Bill Powell; Technical Director Jason Luther; Scenic Painters Danyeal Dorr, Nancy Mead, Reggie Bisanz, and Sarah Hainstock; Costume Designer Mary Ann Crawford; Costumers: Christine Elowsky, Viriginia Hulsey, Jackie Herbert, Marilyn Kettler, Sandie Badour, Karen Brindley, and Addison Wesaw; Lighting Designer Jay Kettler; Lighting Crew: Scott Edgar; Properties Master Judy Beyer; Sound Designer Andrew MacNeill; Lighting and Sound Operator Jackie Herbert; Producer Carol Rundell; Publicity/Photos: Bronwyn Woolman, Julie O’Bryan, Bill Powell, Traci Boyle; and Box Office: Fran Hamp.