"The difference between mediocrity and magnificence is to pay attention to the countless unseen details," said Deb Kline-Smith, who will retire from teaching music at Warwick High School (WHS) at the end of the school year. As director of "The Music Man," the WHS spring musical production, Kline-Smith plans to leave a legacy of quality.

"The Music Man," a production that will involve about 120 elementary, middle, and high school students in cast, crew, and pit, will be staged at the school, 301 W. Orange St., Lititz, on Friday, March 18, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 19, at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, March 20, at 2 p.m.

The plot of the musical revolves around Harold Hill, played by AJ Germaine, a con man who pretends to be a band leader. He sells musical instruments and band uniforms to the residents of River City, Iowa, while promising to train the members of the new band. The townspeople, with the exception of librarian and piano teacher Marian Paroo, played by Tori Guhl and Emma Walls, fall for Hill's tricks. Although Paroo sees the truth, after witnessing Hill helping her younger brother, Winthrop, played by Carter Geesaman and Isaiah Stoltzfus, overcome his lisp, she begins to fall for the trickster. The show is known for toe-tappers such as "Seventy-six Trombones" and "Ya Got Trouble," along with the softer melodies of "'Till There Was You," and "Goodnight, My Someone."

Although Kline-Smith admitted there are communication challenges with working with so many students on one show, she said that she specifically chose a show that would involve students at all levels of education. She also wanted to give a number of students an opportunity to take part after not being able to have a show in 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Kline-Smith said that another reason she selected "The Music Man" is that she knew she had students with the talents to do the show well. "('The Music Man') is a traditional show from the era of classically trained voices," said Kline-Smith. "They have to understand proper vocal technique to sing this music."

In spite of the challenges, Kline-Smith noted the students are enjoying learning their parts and the many dance numbers set to upbeat music. "It is fun for the (high school) students to watch the elementary school characters act and do such a fine job at such a young age," she said, adding that the interaction between the different aged performers is satisfying. "You have so many different kinds of people who come together to do this kind of production, and I have always enjoyed that interaction."

Kline-Smith said that she and the students are excited about a special ending planned for the show, which will include a large number of musicians from the school.

Readers who wish to purchase tickets may do so at http://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/60548. Tickets may also be purchased at the Warwick High School Performing Arts Center lobby on Thursday, March 10, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Remaining tickets will be available at the door beginning 75 minutes prior to each performance. Individuals who have questions may call 717-925-0030 or email tickets@warwicksd.org.