South Island Musical Theatre Society’s production of The Music Man is a splendid symphony of sights and sounds to satisfy the senses.

The production hits a high note for harmonizing the acting of a terrific cast with the music and dance numbers that bring River City, Iowa of 1912 to life. If only we could feel this good about the impending Harmonized Sales Tax.

Con man Harold Hill (aptly portrayed by Grant Mellemstrand) arrives in town as a boys’ band organizer with the intention of selling musical instruments to the townsfolk and taking off with the cash. Music soothes the savage beasts and every time there’s an uprising against him, Hill wins them over with his smooth moves.

The lone skeptic is Marian (The Librarian) Paroo (wonderfully played by Christine Fagan), who’s the only one in town with any music credentials as a piano teacher.

Despite all his dirty deeds, Hill eventually gains the admiration of Paroo for helping her lisping brother come out of his shell and other moments of inspiration when everyone else just wants to lynch him.

There is much to enjoy about the all-ages cast and the corresponding appeal for an all-ages audience.

The two principal actors are both terrific in their characterizations and vocals.

Some standouts among the huge cast of talented performers include Georgie Weeks-Heyd, in only her third time on stage and second year in voice training with Meredythe Broadway, as the heavily-accented Mrs. Paroo; Claire Freidrich, as the somewhat ditzy Zaneeta Shinn, the daughter of Mayor Shinn, for her shrieking and convincing ‘eee god’ reactions; and Parker Schmidt, who handles the difficult lisping role of Winthrop Paroo so well.

The young people and the seniors in the cast deserve special kudos for their strong stage presence, especially during the singing and dancing routines.

This is also truly a family affair, with brothers and sisters, husbands and wives performing together.

The first half of the performance ran a bit long at an hour and 20 minutes. And a few times the younger cast members didn’t project their voices quite high enough to be heard over the orchestra. Otherwise, it was perfect.

Many catchy lines provide comic relief.

At one point, a flustered and bumbling Mayor Shinn (Cliff Braaten) says to his wife Eulalie MacKecknie Shinn (Maria Ridewood): “Not one poop out of you.’’

The great pit orchestra, conducted by Hilary Coupland, enriches every scene of the play.

As always, Mark Ridewood’s set design and construction is as good, if not better, than many high-budget professional productions.

“There’s never a dull moment in the music business,’’ Hill says in one scene. The same can certainly be said for this entertaining spectacle that showcases community theatre at its best.

Big band rating: Nine cornets out of 10.