The highly acclaimed musical “The Music Man” was created by Meredith Willson, drawing inspiration from his hometown of Mason City, Iowa. Many of the characters were based on real-life individuals whom Willson knew, contributing to its widespread appeal among audiences. However, another significant factor in the show’s success is its exceptional musical score. Numbers such as “Gary, Indiana,” “Seventy-Six Trombones,” “(Ya Got) Trouble,” “The Wells Fargo Wagon,” and “Till There Was You” have become timeless classics in their own right.
In the musical, Harold’s objective is to swindle the townspeople out of their money, seduce Marian, the librarian, and then depart for the next town to repeat his deceptive scheme. However, his plan takes an unexpected turn when he ends up doing good and falling in love with Marian. This transformation and redemption are the central moral of the show, setting it apart from a mere musical extravaganza.
The exuberance and energy displayed by this particular production can be attributed to its brilliant direction and choreography by Katie Spelman. She remains faithful to the original storyline while adding a touch of romance to the show’s finale. The set design by Collette Pollard, featuring old-fashioned shops with expressive lighting by Jesse Klug and colorful costumes by Raquel Adorno, adds an old-world charm to the staging.
Spelman made one notable change to the show, transforming the ending from a triumphant children’s band playing “Seventy-Six Trombones” to Harold and Marian singing the romantic duet “Till There Was You.” This alteration adds an extra layer of emotional depth to the production.
A significant reason for this particular rendition’s success is its talented cast. KJ Hippensteel delivers a compelling performance as the charming conman Harold Hill, reminiscent of the unforgettable Robert Preston. His energetic portrayal is matched by his impressive singing voice and elegant dancing abilities. Hippensteel captures both the cunning nature of the salesman and his likable charm.
Another outstanding performance comes from Alexandra Silber as Marian Paroo, the librarian who remains skeptical of Harold’s intentions until she ultimately falls in love with him. Her portrayal of a woman transforming her life through love is captivating.
Other noteworthy performances include Ron E. Rains as the hilarious salesman Charlie Cowell, Alex Goodrich as the comical Mayor Shinn, Janet Ulrich Brooks as Mrs. Paroo, Marian’s sharp Irish mother, and Kai Edgar as Winthrop Paroo, a young boy whose life is changed by Harold and serves as the catalyst for Marian’s change of heart.
Lastly, Kevin Reeks’ orchestra delivers an outstanding rendition of Willson’s vibrant musical score, which is further enhanced by sound designer Michael Daly’s excellent acoustics.
The Music Man” is a delightful and enchanting musical that will leave theatergoers humming and dancing in the aisles long after the curtain has fallen.
