The now classic show “The Music Man,” with book, music and lyrics by Meredith Wilson, is now showing at the Hackmatack Playhouse in Berwick. It is skillfully directed by Sharon Wilson, with eye-catching choreography by Crystal Lisbon. The choral singing was excellent throughout due to Adam MacDougall’s direction, and the costumes designed by Fran Bechtold suggested the time of the action: 1912.

The show opened on Broadway in 1957 and ran for 1,375 performances. It starred Robert Preston as charming con man Professor Hill and Barbara Cook as the clever librarian, Maid Marion. A motion picture soon followed and the show, which looks back toward a happier and less stressful era of Americana, has been popular ever since.

Part of the reason for the show’s popularity must rest with the beautiful music crafted by Wilson. Such songs as the stirring “76 Trombones,” and ballads such as “Goodnight My Someone, Lida Rose” as well as the moving “’Til There Was You” are still sung today.

The story revolves around Professor Hill, a traveling salesman who goes from town to town selling himself as a musical authority even though he cannot read music nor play any musical instrument. He convinces the unsuspecting folk to purchase musical instruments as well as band uniforms and instruction books. He then pockets the money and goes on to the next town, even though he “does not know the territory” and gives other traveling salesmen a bad name.

In River City, Iowa, he gets everyone’s attention with the song “Ya Got Trouble,” because a pool table has been installed in a billiard parlor. Hill is played with a world of charm by Dan Clay. True, he does not have Preston’s voice or persona. He often mouths the words of a song without actually singing the notes. However, he captivates one and all with his manner.

Although there is no production number for “76 Trombones” as there is in the movie with uniforms, etc., Clay gives a convincing portrayal of Hill and sings and dances, charming his way to the cast and audience alike. The female lead is played by Sarah Andrews. She acts the part extremely well and with her sweet lyric soprano sings the hit songs convincingly.

In addition to the leads, there are two small singing groups: a male quartet singing “Lida Rose” in four-part barbershop harmony and a small female group singing “Pickalittle (Talk a Little).” There are also two smaller roles that shine. One is the mayor’s wife, played by Tanya West, and the youthful Jackson Walsh who deserve praise for their singing as well as acting.

Robert Collinge shines in the song and dance in “Shipoopi” and Scott Smith gives a good account as the pompous mayor. The young lovers, Christian Arnold and Amara Decker, are charming while singing as well as dancing.

In the end, Marian could have exposed Hill for claiming he graduated from the conservatory in Gary, Indiana in ’05. Hill could have left town but did not because he realized he found true love in Marion. In the end, the kids in the band saved the day by playing Beethoven’s “Minuet in G” poorly, but it sounded wonderful to their parents. Giving the show its patina of vocal and well-executed dancing were the youthful performers. While the show was not what one would pay big bucks to see on Broadway, I can honestly relate that what transpired was done very well, with flair as well as imagination.

Call 217-698-1807 for tickets ”“ soon.

— Dr. Gold is a composer/conductor and an arts reviewer for the Journal Tribune.