BUTLER TWP — Although many people would think that the 1958 Tony Award for best musical would have been for “Westside Story,” it wasn't. The best musical that year was “The Music Man.”

This musical was and still is one of America's favorite shows and has everything from big music numbers to scenes that will pull at your heart strings.

This show-stopping musical is being performed by Butler's Summer Dramatics Program. It has the typical community theater caveats such as a low budget and a scaled-down orchestra.

However, director Gordon Cavalero and assistant director Danielle Sickle hit the proverbial “nail on the head” with this show. The directing and casting was excellent.

The music numbers, although rocky at first, finished strong and full of excitement. They were fun, and the actors looked like they were enjoying themselves.

As with many productions of this musical, the audience is rooting for an unlikely underdog — Harold Hill, played by Zach Frye — who is a con man and a liar selling band instruments.

Frye has great musical talent and his acting skills will grow as his career in theater advances. Along with his singing in songs such as “Ya Got Trouble” and “Seventy-Six Trombones,” he has the audience on his side the whole way to the end.

Austin Uram plays a convincing Marcellus Washburn as he bounces across the stage singing the infamous song, “Shipoopi.” His quirky animations make his role all the more humorous.

Along with Uram, Deedee Evans plays a hilariously funny Eulalie Shinn and her acting resembles the original Mrs. Shinn, Helen Raymond.

Ty Kunzelman is a great selection for the role of Tommy Djilas, and he is one actor theatergoers will be watching in the future.

The lead female role of Marian Paroo is performed by Holly Boyce, who shows great poise and recognizable talent.

One final actor to note is Ri Shields. Although new to the musical stage, he has excellent stage presence and helps carry the storyline.

The show has fabulous period appropriate costumes, nonstop music, dancing and complex singing roles. It also features a lot of energy and the audience can tell these performers put a lot of work into this production.

This is a great opportunity for youth and young adults alike to get a taste of mounting a full stage production. The show gets five stars for being family friendly and full of zest.