The Music Man at Lubbock Moonlight Musicals Amphitheatre
Extra show added! Final Shows: Thurs. 7/5, Fri. 7/6 and Sat. 7/7
There are so many reasons that The Music Man is the ideal escape, right here in River City, er, the Hub City!, to enjoy some family time during the mid-summer, lazy, hazy, firecracker days of the 4th of July holiday week! The multiple Sousa-esque marches entice the little ones to march along and everyone to clap and tap in time! And there may even be a few new musical conductors as a result: we noticed several kiddos standing and leading the band! Even if the kids haven’t seen the movie, they will be amazed that they already know some of the songs, like “Seventy-six Trombones.” 
The ‘barbershop’ quartet, who appear during various scenes, treats the audience to “Ice Cream” (it’s a song and actually as good as the cold stuff!) and their smooth harmonies just scream of summer.
The beauty of this huge production is the introduction of musical classics to many in the family who need to be inspired by it! Our 16 year old has a new favorite song from the show that she loved learning and has been singing at home since the show… “Goodnight My Someone.” A beautiful ballad, performed magically by Shayna Tayloe as Marian. Who knew it would be a sweet melody that would touch a teen!
That’s the benefit of sharing the experience of as many musicals, live, as we can with our kids – we don’t know what will touch them and in what way. Giving them more connection to culture and history as well. As we were leaving the park, we overheard a conversation between what appeared to be a grandmother and her grand daughter…. maybe about 8 years old. Grandma asked the girl if she liked the show, and the bouncing girl responded with a squeal “yes!” but wished that her cousin had been there too… then the 8 year old asked grandma if they could come see it again so she could share it with her cousin. Proof that the music and the lively dialogue and all the children on stage keep the show interesting to even the youngest e-connected set!
So many of the songs are full of movement and percussion and alliteration: “Rock Island” chorus is a mesmerizing tongue-twister… we still don’t know how they all remembered all the words! And be prepared for your kids to take “Pick-a-Little, Talk-a-Little” and make it their summer theme-song!
The story revolves around teaching the children of a small town that they can play music and become a marching band with the proper instruments, and uniforms, and instruction – by the The Music Man of course! It creates a statement of the importance of being exposed to music and learning music for all children: “Teach them kids to play”…. which is the mission and the moral of the story.
The story is set in the summer of 1912 in River City, Iowa, so there are several fun words and themes the the kid can learn and explore. One is “Billliard”… our kids didn’t realize what that was and what it symbolized especially during that time period. Another learning opportunity was explaining why it was that walking with books on your head, was a method of training young girls to walk gracefully and “lady-like.” 
And speaking of graceful: the costumes are beautiful and truly appeal to the nostalgia of simpler times. The kids will love them and will have fun watching all the kids in the show in their vintage band uniforms, playing their instruments and having fun themselves.
Parent Pointers: Tips for making your experience more enjoyable
Reminders: The venue is perfect for even the youngest of children. It’s outside with wiggle room and lots of tiered grass seating perfect for blankets and chairs. Hills for rolling. Bahama Bucks for snacking (which is a fundraiser for Moonlight Musicals – remember they are a nonprofit!), and aisles for MARCHING. Picnics are always allowed!
The doors open an hour before showtime, so try to get there as early as you can to stake your claim on a favorite spot. It’s open seating in the General Admission-designated area, which is the top section and sides… perfect when you have little ones anyway! Be sure to bring sunscreen, mosquito repellant, and also a light jacket or blanket because regardless of the heat index during the day, our wonderful West Texas evenings are cooling down nicely.
There is plenty of time to stay after the show and take the kids down to the stage where they can meet and greet the characters. They may even know some of the cast members and can grab some hugs, program autographs and photos.
After the show, just for fun, plan to have a movie night with the kids to see the movie version and discuss the differences…
Just the Facts!
When: June 15-16, 22-23, 29-30,
Thursday 7/5, Friday 7/6, Saturday 7/7. Gates open at 7pm and performance starts at 8pm.
Where: Moonlight Musicals Amphitheatre at 413 East Broadway Lubbock, TX 79403.
How: Tickets are available online, or by calling 806-770-2000. Prices start at $20 for adults and $7 for children. *For General admission child age is 5-9 years and Premium admission child age is 0-9 years.
Length: Lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes with a 20 minute intermission included..
Age: Recommended for ages 4 and up. Younger kids will still enjoy the open venue and the dancing and singing.
Planning to go? Let us know how you like the show! Write your reviews below.
Credits: Book, Music and Lyrics by: Meredith Willson, Story by: Meredith Willson and Franklin Lacey.
Images from Gypsy Arts Design & Photography, Lubbock Moonlight Musicals 2018 production of The Music Man and LubbockForKids.com.
