There may not be a cake and presents, but the departments of theatre and film and music and dance will celebrate two anniversaries in their own way this weekend with a banquet and performances of “The Music Man.” This year marks the 50th anniversaries of both Murphy Hall and the popular musical.

John Staniunas, director of “The Music Man,” said the show was the perfect choice for the occasion because in addition to the shared anniversaries, it connected with audiences today.

“It’s pure Americana; it was about us, and it still is about us,” Staniunas said. He said the show had stood the test of time and would continue to do so.

Charla Jenkins, public relations director of the University Theatre, said the production committee had wanted to do something special for the 50th anniversary of the building with a performance of either “The Music Man” or “Westside Story.” She said “The Music Man” ultimately was chosen because it shared the 50th anniversary with Murphy Hall and because it was a musical that the department hadn’t put on for quite some time.

“We did ‘Music Man’ years ago, and it’s just nice to do a show that has something for everybody,” Jenkins said. “It might be a little bit corny, but there’s just something about it­ — the songs stick in your head.”

Dress rehearsals for the show took place Monday through Wednesday, but the show was in the works all semester. Whitney Juneau, Lawrence junior, is a theater and voice major and is performing in the show. She said that the 41-person cast was working hard to put on a great show and that they became friendly while doing so.

“It’s been a good time putting together the show,” Juneau said. “There’s a lot of freshmen in the production, so we have new people becoming friends, and it’s really exiting.”

In addition to “The Music Man,” the departments also will celebrate Murphy Hall’s 50th anniversary with a banquet dinner and a rededication of the building starting at 5 p.m Saturday. A banquet will follow in which alumni will have a chance to speak.

Larry Mallett, chairman of the department of music and dance, helped planned the anniversary and said this weekend’s events were part of an agreement between the department of theatre and film and the department of music and dance to collaborate on a production each year. He said his favorite part of the night was the open mic session.

“It’s nice to have the people come back and hear their stories,” Mallett said. “It’s a good chance for anyone to talk about an experience they had in Murphy.”

Tickets for the banquet have already been sold, but seats are still available for “The Music Man.” The show takes place at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, with additional shows the following weekend. Tickets cost $10 for students, $20 for the general public and $19 for senior citizens.

Staniunas said he thought the show would connect with audiences and that he hoped students would attend.

“I’m a firm believer, unless you have arts in your life, you’re not fulfilled,” he said. “Music brings us together, whether it’s in church or when you sing happy birthday, this show will connect the audience.”

­— Edited by Meghan Murphy