LINCROFT: SENSORY-FRIENDLY ‘MUSIC’ AT CBA

Opening tonight, March 3 and continuing through March 11, the Pegasus Production Company staging of The Music Man finds the student-run theatrical company at Christian Brothers Academy revisiting Meredith Willson’s golden-age Broadway classic for a total of six performances inside the Henderson Theatre on the CBA Lincroft campus.

Boasting such showstoppers as “Seventy-Six Trombones,” “Ya Got Trouble” and “Shipoopi,” the tale of how traveling con man Professor Harold Hill brought a much-needed infusion of dreams, schemes, music and romance to the citizens of small-town River City, Iowa has been a perennial favorite on American stages, winning the Tony for Best Musical in 1957 and going on to countless productions in “River Cities” across the continent and overseas. As a special distinction, the Pegasus troupe will be offering a very special performance on Friday, March 10.

That 7 p.m. show will be a “sensory friendly performance” geared towards individuals who are affected by sensory-input disorders such as autism — a performance which will soften the sounds of the louder musical instruments, refrain from the use of loud or quick special effects, and leave the house lights on for the duration of the performance. All are welcome to attend the March 10 show, a portion of the proceeds from which will be dedicated to Our Special Place, a local charity that assists those with autism.

Those “Seventy-Six Trombones” will sound loud and clear during the remaining performances of The Music Man, scheduled for 7 p.m. on March 3, 4 and 11; at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 5, and at 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 9. Any CBA students who attend can earn Colt Nation App points and “dress down day” privileges on March 16. Take it here to reserve tickets to any of the scheduled shows.