Ferrum, VA, March 10, 2026—The Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre at Ferrum College will present its spring musical, “The Music Man,” in Sale Theatre March 19-22. This production is directed by Emily Blankenship-Tucker, program coordinator for Music and Theatre, with a multigenerational cast of Ferrum College students, faculty, staff, alumni, local children, and other community volunteers.
JoBeth Hilton is choreographer for the lively musical numbers throughout the show, while Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts Rebecca Crocker ‘02 is designing sets and costumes.
Faculty and staff in the cast include Cleive Adams ‘02, John Martin, Sophia Fonseca, Gage Shelton ‘25, Ryon Johnson ’24, ’25, Emily Blankenship-Tucker, and Rachel Blankenship-Tucker. Professor Emeritus Mike Trochim is also performing, along with alumnae Rita Sigmon ‘00 and Caroline King ‘22.
This musical is presented through arrangement with Music Theatre International, which describes the play as “by turns wicked, funny, warm, romantic and touching. Meredith Willson’s six-time, Tony Award-winning musical comedy has been entertaining audiences since 1957 and is a family-friendly story to be shared with every generation.” Full of light-hearted satire of Midwestern small-town life in 1912, the story depicts a traveling salesman trying to swindle gullible parents by selling them band instruments and accessories to improve the morals and skills of their children. But Harold Hill’s outlook and plans shift after he is attracted to the aloof local librarian, Marian.
Performances will take place in Sale Theatre on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, March 19-21, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, March 22, at 2 p.m.
Thursday is Student Night, when all area high school students will be admitted for $1.00 and all elementary students are free.
On March 19 and 20, guests may enjoy dinner without a reservation in Franklin Hall, including, on Friday, Ferrum College Dining Services’ popular Fish Fry Friday all-you-can-eat buffet. For the March 21 and 22 performances, reservations are required for meals served by the play’s cast and crew in the Blue Ridge Mountain Room in Franklin Hall, which is located next to the theatre in Schoolfield Hall.
Tickets for the show only are $10 for adults, and $5 for children from Friday to Sunday. They can be purchased online at www.ferrum.edu/theatre-tickets. Tickets are free for Ferrum College students, faculty, and staff; those eligible should check their Ferrum College email for instructions on how to claim them. For additional information, please email theatre@ferrum.edu or call the box office at (540) 365-4355 and leave a message. Both Schoolfield Hall, home of Sale Theatre, and Franklin Hall are fully handicapped accessible.
Junior Danielle Wilburn wrote the article below about the cast after the “Music Man” auditions last month. In the photos, cast members begin practicing movements after their auditions February 6.
By Danielle Wilburn, Assistant Editor, The Iron Blade
February 20, 2026
The cast list for “The Music Man” has been posted for theatre members to accept their roles, marking the end of auditions and the beginning of a new chapter for the company. With a mix of familiar faces and new additions, the cast is already buzzing with enthusiasm as the production prepares to begin.
Beyond the excitement of auditions and casting, the moment also represents a reminder of why they fell in love with theatre in the first place.
“I am beyond excited for this production to finally come to life,” said Caroline King ‘22. “The cast is truly amazing, and seeing the show take shape already feels special. I was honestly shocked when I found out I was cast as Marcellus. I shed a few happy tears because it felt like all of the hard work and dedication I’ve put into growing as a performer finally paid off.”
King also reflected on how meaningful it is to return to the stage for a third time, especially after graduating.
“After I graduated, I never would have expected to be back and so involved with the college again,” she said. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity and wouldn’t have it any other way.”
She also expressed appreciation for the creative team.
“I’m especially thankful for Emily and the rest of the team,” she said. “They are some of the most brilliant and kind women I know, and being able to work alongside them and learn from their light means so much to me.”
Other cast members shared similar optimism about the audition process and the ensemble that has been formed.
“Auditions turned out nicely,” shared Nick Gore, senior. “The cast list is full of familiar faces with some new people as well. I’m excited to see how this one plays out.”
Student band members rehearse in the photo, directed by Emily Blankenship-Tucker.
Follow Ferrum College Theatre Arts in Facebook and ferrumtheatrearts in Instagram for cast photos and other previews.
