Orchestra Presents Meredith Willson’s ‘The Music Man’
Central Florida Vocal Arts singers perform songs of beloved American classic
(VERO BEACH, FL) August 4, 2025 – Get ready for a heaping helping of small-town nostalgia—circa 1912—when over two dozen singers from Central Florida Vocal Arts join the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra to recount the tale of Professor Harold Hill, a dishonest-but-charming traveling salesman. The two groups will present the concert version of Meredith Willson’s beloved classic, The Music Man, in a costumed performance at 3:00 PM on Sunday, August 17 at the Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center, 1707 16th Street in Vero Beach, 32960. Set in the fictional small town of River City Iowa, The Music Man tells the story of fast-talking con artist Harold Hill, who plans to swindle the locals by posing as a bandleader—only to have his heart changed by Marian, the town librarian. Full of unforgettable songs like “Seventy-Six Trombones,” “Till There Was You,” and “Ya Got Trouble,” the beloved American classic is a joyous celebration of community, redemption, and the transformative power of music. The Central Florida Vocal Arts (CFVA) cast is led by veteran performers Christopher Fahmie as Harold Hill and McKenzie Pollock as Marian Paroo. Youngster Finn Dancaescu plays Winthrop, whose friendship with Hill helps him overcome a reluctance to speak. All of the major characters are represented by talented singers from the CFVA for this concert version of the musical. Included is a quartet, performing the story’s barbershop harmony numbers made famous by the Buffalo Bills. In 1957, the show became a hit on Broadway, winning five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and running for 1,375 performances. Robert Preston immortalized the role of Harold Hill in its Broadway run and reprised the role in the popular 1962 film adaptation, which also starred Shirley Jones as Marian. Tickets for The Music Man are $35 in advance for adults, available through the orchestra website at SpaceCoastSymphony.org or at Marine Bank & Trust beachside and mainland branches. Tickets at the door are $40. The Music Man is free for those aged 18 and under or with a student ID. For more information, call 855-252-7276 or visit SpaceCoastSymphony.org.
Meredith Willson was inspired by his own boyhood in Mason City, Iowa, to write and compose The Music Man. Aaron T. Collins, Artistic Director and Conductor of the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra, explains why the story and the music still resonates with modern audiences today.
“The Music Man is one of America’s great musicals– and the benefit of this concert version is the full sound and lush orchestration,” said Collins. “The story still works today because underneath it all, there’s the recognition that music and love can change people – even whole towns—for the better.”
Concertgoers aged 18 and under or with a college ID are admitted free to every SCSO concert. For more information about the Space Coast Symphony’s 2025-26 Season, please visit SpaceCoastSymphony.org or call (855) 252-7276.
ABOUT THE MUSIC MAN– The Music Man is a musical with book, music, and lyrics by Meredith Willson, based on a story by Willson and Franklin Lacey. The plot concerns a con man Harold Hill, who poses as a boys’ band organizer and leader and sells band instruments and uniforms to naïve Midwestern townsfolk, promising to train the members of the new band. Harold is no musician, however, and plans to skip town without giving any music lessons. Prim librarian and piano teacher Marian sees through him, but when Harold helps her younger brother overcome his lisp and social awkwardness, Marian begins to fall in love with him. He risks being caught to win her heart.
In 1957, the show became a hit on Broadway, winning five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and running for 1,375 performances. The cast album won the first Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album and spent 245 weeks on the Billboard charts. The show’s success led to Broadway and West End revivals, a popular 1962 film adaptation and a 2003 television adaptation. The Music Man is frequently produced by both professional and amateur theater companies and is a popular choice for high school and college productions.
About Christopher Fahmie – Christopher Fahmie is thrilled to take on the iconic role of Harold Hill in The Music Man. As a dedicated performer with a passion for musical theatre, he is excited to bring this beloved character to life and be part of such a cherished production. With recent roles including Van Helsing in Dracula and The Ballad of Baby Doe with Central Florida Vocal Arts, as well as Tully Mars in Escape to Margaritaville, Christopher looks forward to immersing himself in the world of River City and creating unforgettable moments with this talented cast and crew.
About McKenzie Pollock – McKenzie Pollock is over the moon to continue her journey with CFVA as Marian Paroo in The Music Man. She has had the pleasure of performing in A Little Night Music (Petra) and Dracula the Musical (Lucy/Mina/Vamp Bride Swing) as well as working as assistant director for the comic opera Scalia/Ginsburg and choreographer for Pirates of Penzance. Most recently, she was seen in The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals (Charlotte). With a dynamic career as a casting director, entertainment coordinator, and music director for various projects, she’s also showcased her talents as a singer, actor, and dancer at Legoland Florida Resort, Busch Gardens Entertainment Co., Pirates Dinner Adventure, and Universal Orlando Resort. McKenzie holds a BA in Music from the University of Southern Mississippi and has trained in musical theatre at the International Performing Arts Institute in Germany. When not performing, she enjoys kayaking and reading.
About Finn Dancaescu – Finn Dancaescu is a rising 7th Grader at Park Maitland Middle School. He is an avid pianist, soccer player and scuba diver! He loves animals, especially his many pets, and learning about space. He has previously acted in the Park Maitland Productions of Cinderella, Matilda, and A Christmas Carol. He is excited to share his portrayal of Winthrop with Central Florida and the Space Coast.
ABOUT THE SPACE COAST SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA— The SCSO is a lively and passionate Central Florida orchestra comprised of professional musicians, music educators and mentored amateurs of exceptional ability. The Orchestra was formed by Conductor and Artistic Director Aaron T. Collins with a two-fold mission: to provide mentoring and performance opportunities for Florida’s finest young musicians as well as to provide professional concerts at genuinely affordable prices. The ultimate goal of the organization is to help ensure the symphonic tradition for the enjoyment of future generations. The SCSO is dedicated to supporting the work of living composers and shining a light on new music. By performing and commissioning today’s brightest composers, the SCSO brings fresh, exhilarating sounds to life in the concert hall. Roughly thirty percent of all SCSO performances include a work by living composers, many of whom call Florida home. The SCSO actively promotes diversity by programming works by composers who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Since 2009, the SCSO has presented dozens of World Premieres and Southeastern U.S. Premieres.
Aaron T. Collins continues to garner recognition for his achievements. LEAD Brevard named the ambitious Collins one of their “4 under 40” Young Professionals, the youngest-ever recipient of the honor. Space Coast Business magazine listed him as one of Brevard’s “100 Most Admired Businesspeople.” Collins is a past recipient of the Richard A. Stark Award for cultural leadership from the Cultural Council of Indian River County. Through his personal involvement with more than a dozen performing arts groups, pioneering reciprocal ad program and social media cross promotions, Collins has gained a reputation for generosity; championing other arts organizations throughout Central Florida for the cultural enrichment of the community.
School-aged children 18 years and under are admitted free of charge, as are college students with a valid ID. In keeping with their mission, the symphony provides a unique Symphony for Everyone ticketing program, a “pay-what-you-can” option designed to provide substantially discounted admission to any Space Coast Symphony concert. Relying on a non-traditional orchestra model and a slim budget, the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra is one of only a handful of U.S. orchestras to perform year-round. The nonprofit organization also maintains the Space Coast Symphony JAZZ Orchestra and the Space Coast Symphony Wind Orchestra, with several free performances each year. More information about the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming concerts, ticket sales, venues, directions and sponsorship opportunities is available at SpaceCoastSymphony.org by calling (855) 252-7276.
