LAS VEGAS -- "The Music Man," a production of the Nevada Conservatory Theatre at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, debuted last weekend at the Judy Bayley Theatre with bass singer Stuart Smith of Pahrump as part of the cast.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal gave the production a grade of A minus. The critic said director Michael Barakiva and a skilled blend of performers took what is perhaps America's greatest musical and turned it into an evening of non-stop fun.

"The Music Man" was originally played by actor Robert Preston when it opened in 1957. Preston played the role of Harold Hill, a traveling salesman who conned residents of a small Iowa town into forming a band back in 1912, though he knew nothing about music.

Smith makes up part of what the Review-Journal called a "hilarious and smooth barbershop quartet."

Smith sings with the City of Lights Barbershop Chorus in Las Vegas, according to the program notes. He formerly sang bass with two highly regarded barbershop quartets and at one time performed with the American Male Chorus.

The Music Man is scheduled at 8 p.m. today, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. tomorrow and at 2 p.m. Sunday. Judy Bayley Theatre is on the UNLV campus at 4505 Maryland Parkway. Tickets are $20 and $30. The box office phone number is 702-895-2787.