“The Music Man” centers around the quiet town of River City, where the townsfolk are set in their ways and are suspicious of strangers. But when a handsome, charismatic salesman arrives, he turns their provincial way of thinking upside down. 

Smooth-talking Harold Hill creates controversy right away when he convinces them that the new pool hall will bring nothing but trouble. He persuades them that the answer is his brass band for youth. 

With the townsfolk onboard, Hill goes about collecting money for uniforms and instruments while promising to teach them how to read music using the “think system,” a method where by simply thinking about the notes they can play them. No one is the wiser about his shady venture to bilk everyone out of their money then leave town.

However, when he meets the town’s librarian, Marian Paroo, it throws a wrench into his plans. At first, she rebuffs his advances but is gradually drawn in by his charm, especially after she sees how her shy little brother blossoms when he receives his new band instrument. 

When the youth start to play, Hill continues the reuse by pretending to teach his “think system,” to the band members. All the while, he is also drawing the rest of the town into his scheme by encouraging them to discover their own talents.

In the meantime, a rival salesman comes to town threatening to expose Hill for what he is – a conman. Just as the townspeople are ready to run him out of River City, the brass band come marching in, uniforms and all. Hill sheepishly starts to lead them in a song and although no one is playing the same note, the proud parents are instantly taken by their child’s performance, making him the hero.

In the end, Hill realizes his days as a conman are over when he decides to stay.

“The Music Man” runs through May 15, Monday – Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with Saturday matinees at 2:30 p.m. Tickets range from $18 to $30. Visit CPTUtah.org or call 801-298-1302. CenterPoint Legacy Theater is located at 525 N. 400 West in Centerville.