WEST CHESTER TWP. — Seventy-five students, including 16 children from the district’s elementary and junior schools, are part of the cast in the Lakota West Theatre production of “Music Man.”

The performance will be held at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 8 p.m. March 9 and 10. A matinee performance will be at 2 p.m. March 11 at Lakota West, 8940 Union Centre Blvd. in West Chester Twp.

“Music Man” tells the story of Harold Hill — played by senior Drew Hamilton — a fast-talking traveling salesman who tries to convince the residents of River City, Iowa, that his new marching band is the only hope to reform the wayward youth of town.

All fall prey to Hill’s trickery except Marian the librarian, played by senior Katie Davis, who questions his suspicious “think system” to learn music.

“Music Man is a classic for many reasons,” said Karen Eldridge, director of the show. “People know the music. They know the story. There’s a lot of pop culture that makes references to ‘Music Man.’ ”

For this production, the theater group, which also includes 70 students playing in the pit orchestra or working behind the scenes, is teaming with Reach Out Lakota, the district’s Head Start program, and three area churches so that community members in need, especially youngsters, can see a special performance of the musical at 8 p.m. today.

“We wanted to reach out to families that wouldn’t be able to afford to bring the whole family. We believe this is a musical that every kid should see. It is very family-friendly,” said Eldridge, who added that the theater group has always offered a free performance for senior citizens.

Eldridge said she remembers participating in “Music Man” when she was in the sixth grade in 1984 at Adena Elementary.

In fact, she said she thinks the classic production has only been staged in the district three times in the past 30 years.

“We have a cast of 75, which it’s always great to do large cast shows to really reach out to the community. It’s kind of the perfect musical, because there’s elements of plot and good music and good story, and dancing and cool costumes.”

In addition, she said the musical is familiar to people.

“Most people have some sort of memory. Either they’ve seen it or they saw the movie or they were in it in high school,” Eldridge said.

Tickets cost $12 in advance and $15 at the door, said Paula Dolloff, business manager for the theater group. For more information or to purchase tickets or download an order form, go to www. lakotawesttheatre.com or call (513) 682-4115, ext. 10211.

Contact this reporter at (513) 483-5219 or dewilson@coxohio.com.