'The Music Man' comes to Monrovia theater

MONROVIA, Calif. (KABC) -- There is something new happening in the city of Monrovia this week and they're pretty excited by it. "The Music Man" is marching into Monrovia High School, only it's not a high school production.

"The Music Man" is about to become the first professional production to take place inside Monrovia High's Louise K. Taylor Performing Arts Center. Thanks to bond money, this 1928 facility was beautifully restored for the community. Now it's time to give back.

"We want to be able to provide really amazing theater for the San Gabriel Valley. So we're really hoping people will come from far and wide," said Patrick Garcia, producing artistic director.

And in the 1,700-seat theater, there's plenty of room.

"You don't often get an opportunity to work in a space like this," said co-director Dominic Catrambone. "Such a big house, state-of-the-art equipment and room to play. It really changes things."

The goal here is to turn Monrovia into an arts destination. Garcia wants to see a few professional productions here every year and that's only the beginning. The Boone Foundation is excited to fund this first production.

To me, the theater is great because it just raises the whole almost spirit of a community," said Nick Boone.

Monrovia's Mitch Rily, who acted in college, returns to the stage, this time with his daughter.

"I'm thrilled to be back and I know absolutely that I, and probably my little sidekick, will be doing this for many more years to come," said Rily.

"The Music Man" takes the stage Thursday through Sunday in Monrovia.

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