A warm and sparkly `Music Man’ in town> BCT struts its stuff in perfect comeback piece

We got trouble. Ohhhhh yes, I mean trouble. Right here in River City. And it’s the best kind of trouble to have.

Here’s the problem: If you have anything else planned for the weekend, you’ll be missing the Bangor Community Theater’s production of “The Music Man,” performed this weekend at the Bangor Opera House.

It has been a long while since we’ve heard from BCT, a once beloved and now floundering institution that’s hoping to get back on its feet. If last night’s final dress rehearsal was any indication of how dedicated and enthusiastic the company’s players are, then the production will probably be the most fun, frolic and froufrou you can get in town this weekend.

As a comeback piece, Meredith Willson’s “The Music Man” (which turns 40 this year) was a perfect choice for BCT. Its most popular songs — “Seventy-Six Trombones” and “Wells Fargo Wagon” — are infinitely hummable, and although the singers sometimes don’t have the volume to overpower Bob Bahr’s fit orchestra, it’s great to hear the smart tunes. And the theme of a small town’s triumph over a city slicker is particularly pertinent in Maine.

But the big plus for this show is the number of people it can get on a stage, and director Chris Luthin has put together an event that swiftly struts the stuff of about 50 local actors who want to do the big-time musical thing. They strut to beat the band, and the warmth and sparkle they give off really heat up the opera house.

Much of the charm of the production comes from the suave work of Ed Wiseman, as scam artist Harold Hill. He’s evangelizing and smooth — with a spellbinding smile that steals the heart of Marian the Librarian, played prissily by Barbara Grant.

But there are lots of moments that show off Bangor’s good-spirited actors. Steve Robbins as the Mayor unleashes a goofball shtick. Karen McCall, as his wife, is a hoot. As Marcellus, Hill’s scheming friend, Rich Kimball is truly amusing. Young Zachary Robbins, as the lisping Winthrop, bursts with eager talent. The four-part harmony group of Shaun Dowd, Thornton Merriam, Dave Klocko and Robb Seader is a traveling show unto itself. Anne Geel Bahr’s costumes are utterly luscious, and choreographer Gene Syphers makes it all look easy.

In addition to the delight of seeing both old and new faces perform in one of the most splendid venues in central Maine, BCT’s production of “The Music Man” offers every indication that community theater could be alive and certainly well in Bangor. That’s the kind of “trouble” River City needs.

Bangor Community Theater will present “The Music Man” 8 p.m. Jan. 24 and 25, and 2 p.m. Jan. 27 at the Bangor Opera House. For tickets, call 989-9589.