When Delta resident Michelle Collier heard that Richmond’s Gateway Theatre would be mounting a production of Meredith Willson’s classic The Music Man, she jumped at the opportunity.

“It’s a story that will make you cry it’s so lovely,” Collier said. “It’s a wonderful holiday experience.”

Collier, who plays the role of Mrs. Paroo, has been acting her whole life, treading the boards in over 50 plays.

She will join castmates Jay Hindle (the titular music man Harold Hill), Meghan Gardiner (Marian Paroo) and two dozen others as they bring the play to life beginning this week.

The Music Man, directed by Barbara Tomasic, is a heartwarming story about personal redemption and how a big brass band can change everything.

It tells the story of con man Harold Hill who comes to a small town in Iowa in 1912 singing empty promises about starting a marching band to organize the local youth and save them from corruption.

Although all the townspeople seem eager to follow his lead, the local librarian, Marian Paroo, threatens to out him as a fraud. Sparks fly as the two butt heads, inspiring Harold to change his tune.

Collier said she enjoys the opportunity to work with professionals in all the different areas of the production, including design, directing and choreography.

The Music Man runs from Dec. 8 to 31 at the Gateway Theatre (6500 Gilbert Rd., Richmond). Tickets start at $29. For more information or to buy tickets, call 604-270-1812 or check it out online at gatewaytheatre.com/musicman.