Written by Meredith Willson, and inspired by his childhood, this traditional book musical still pops up from time to time, due, in no small part, that the tunes are memorable and catchy, and a large cast of younger members (especially men and boys) is required to fill the stage in the full chorus numbers.
'The Music Man' tells the story of a con-man, who currently goes by the name of Professor Harold Hill, and his latest trick is to pose as a music band teacher, depriving the hick, mid-western towns of their hard-earned money by getting them to believe he is a musical genius and forming a boys' band. Of course, they will need expensive instruments and uniforms. But before, any of them even learns to play a single note, he absconds with the cash and moves on to the next town! His 'reputation' however seems to be catching up on him, and it seems that his number might very soon be up! Further, this particular town, River City, has a stand-offish and bookish librarian and, despite his best intentions, he finds himself falling in love with her, and she with him. Probably because her much younger brother Winthrop, a shy ten-year-old with a lisp, has really come out of his shell since Hill came along.
On opening night this evening at Stockport's beautiful Plaza Theatre, the pace was a little slow, but as the show went along, the company gave it more energy and umph! Perhaps this was down to first night nerves. The big production numbers too were a little tentative this evening, but hopefully, once the show beds in the cast will feel more at home with their direction and choreography and this latent energy will spill over into the auditorium.
The couple of sound issues and some lamps not illuminating the cast fully this evening, are easily remedied, as is the imbalance of micing in the band - the double bass needs his mic turning down a tad.
The society has obviously worked very hard to bring about a show of this standard, and of course was helped by a full set design and some lovely costumes. The direction (Sebastian Lassandro) was easy to follow and secure, whilst the choreography (Abigail Bradbury) was always within the dancers' capabilities and worked nicely. I liked the way she used smaller groups before filling the stage with the full chorus, and the picture finishes were always photo-worthy!
Heading this enthusiastic cast was of course, the con-man himself, Prof. Harold Hill, Ben Vaughan, whose energy and character infused his every entrance. A good dancer, singer and actor, he lifted the pace and the dynamic of the show considerably. Of course, with such a large cast, it would be impossible to mention everyone, but, perhaps one could not finish this review without mentioning a couple. The librarian and love-interest mentioned above, Marian Paroo, was played this evening by Jess Bray, whose character change from an abrasive and curt nature giving way to liking his advances and losing her edges was nicely measured; Carol Ackers was the more rounded and sympathetic Irish mother, Mrs. Paroo; and Jake Ashworth did extremely well as this young Winthrop.
'The Music Man' is a family friendly feel-good show, and you will leave the auditorium tapping your toes and wanting to join the band along with 76 trombones...!
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 24.10.23
on - 24.10.23
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