Ask a person playing a trivia game to name a classic Broadway musical from the 1950s, and shows like “West Side Story” or “My Fair Lady” may quickly come to mind. However, not many people may remember “West Side Story” did not receive the Tony Award for best musical in 1958. It was “The Music Man” by Meredith Willson, which won the top honor, one of eight Tonys it garnered on Broadway.

Bothell High Theatre Arts’ production of “The Music Man” will open at 7:30 p.m. May 14 in the Northshore Performing Arts Center. Performances will also be on May 15, 20, 21 and 22. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. with a 2 p.m. May 22 American Sign Language-interpreted matinee for the deaf and hard of hearing.

“The Music Man” is set in early 1900s River City, Iowa, a state near and dear to the heart of Willson, who was born in Iowa in 1902. It is a story about the power of love and redemption. Willson believed through the power of love, people really can change.

And that’s exactly what happens in “The Music Man” when Professor Harold Hill, a no-good traveling salesman, comes to town to start a boys marching band.

Bothell junior Tucker Cholvin, who plays Hill, loves his character’s public persona best.

“He can be witty, charming, sincere or whatever he wants to be when he needs to,” said Cholvin. “The songs that Harold sings are a kick, too.”

Cholvin also believes “The Music Man” is perhaps the best American musical ever written. Audience members will enjoy barbershop performances, whirlwind romance and music all wrapped up into one family friendly show about American life in early 20th century Iowa.

“The Music Man” is senior Jessica Atkinson’s last production at Bothell. She plays Marion the Librarian, a stubborn young woman who is very head strong.

“What I like most about her is she is very intelligent and able to handle things on her own,” said Atkinson. Professor Hill becomes smitten by Marion the first time he sees her, and through her growing affection for him, he begins to change.

For Mike McCoy, “The Music Man” also caps his tenure as an actor in Bothell’s Theatre Arts productions. He credits the theater with helping him develop a confidence in being onstage.

“I feel confident in pushing my character as far as I can take him,” said McCoy. “I play Mayor Shinn, a bumbling old goon with good intentions at heart. He’s always thinking about the people of River City.”

Tickets for reserved seating are available in advance through www.bothelldrama.org. General-admission tickets will be available at the door beginning one hour before each performance. Admission is $14 for adults; $8 for seniors and students with Associated Student Body cards.

A benefit silent auction is also slated during the May 20-22 performances in the center lobby. Many local businesses have contributed items to help fund the Bothell High theater program.

The Northshore Performing Arts Center is located on the Bothell High campus at 9180 N.E. 180th St.