OFFBEAT: Gary, Ind. part of Broadway 'Music Man' stage legend

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Stef Tovar as Professor Harold Hill and the Gossipy Women of River City

The gossipy ladies of River City (from left) Anna Hammonds, Liz Pazik, Elizabeth Dowling, Caron Buinis and Lauren Villegas surround traveling salesman Harold Hill, played by Stef Tovar, in Paramount Theatre's production of "The Music Man," directed by Rachel Rockwell.

OFFBEAT: Paramount Theatre's exciting season includes 'Grease' and Olivia Newton John

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Charlie Blum and Cast of Ross Summer Music Theatre's "The Music Man"

Charlie Blum credits a talented cast of all ages as the reason he has enjoyed his repeated annual returns to Ross Summer Music Theatre playing the Professor Harold Hill lead in 'The Music Man.'

Charlie Blum as Professor Harold Hill in "The Music Man" in 1979 at Rockville Musical Theatre

Charlie Blum, (center) sporting a mustache, plays Professor Harold Hill a stage production of 'The Music Man,' in this photo from 1979 at Rockville Musical Theatre.

Charlie Blum Sporting His Costume as Professor Harold Hill from "The Music Man" with Shirley Jones in 2008

Charlie Blum donned his costume as Professor Harold Hill from 'The Music Man' when he met Shirley Jones in 2008 during her performance at Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville. Jones played the female lead in the 2008 film of the same name.

Charlie Blum's run in 'Music Man' in Merrillville may be his final time behind the baton

Star Plaza Theatre CEO Charlie Blum describes the lead role in stage favorite "The Music Man" as "the role of a lifetime."

Join the band at 'The Music Man'

MERRILLVILLE | Charlie Blum reprises the lead role of lovable flim-flam man Harold Hill as Ross Summer Music Theatre celebrates it 49th year with "The Music Man" at Merrillville High School's Reinhart Auditorium.