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76 Trombones for Petts Wood Operatic Society

The show introduced the world to one of the greatest show tunes, '76 trombones'. It premiered on Broadway in 1957 but this will be the first time it has been produced by the Society. It will be playing at the Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks and music rehearsals have just begun. Musical director Alan Thompson temporarily put down his baton and took up the first of the 76 trombones to get things going. ‘This show is one of the great American musicals', he said, ‘and it's as fresh and funny today as it ever was. Being set around 4 July celebrations in small town Iowa, it really is as American as apple pie. The only thing is, I don't know if we can fit 76 trombones in the orchestra pit!'

The show tells the story of how ‘Professor' Harold Hill attempts to set-up the townsfolk of River City Iowa to pay him to establish a boys' band in their town. His plot is to escape with their money before they discover his complete lack of musical credentials. But falling for the town librarian puts the brakes on his plans...

 

One down, 75 to go! Musical director Alan Thompson starts his collection of 76 trombones for a 50th anniversary production of ‘The Music Man ‘ by Petts Wood Operatic Society. 

 Petts Wood Operatic Society was formed in 1935 and rehearses in Orpington on Tuesday evenings. Its production of Meredith Willson's The Music Man is on at the Stag Theatre, London Road, Sevenoaks from 28 November - 1 December 2007 at 7.45pm and also at 2.30pm on the Saturday. Tickets £15 from the Society on 01689 820448