The Music Man: An engaging production which shines in song and dance
reviewed by Natasha Lomonossoff
The third production to play in the Springer Theatre at the 1000 Islands PLayhouse, Meredith Wilson’s The Music Man, continues the feel-good theme for the Playhouse’s 40th season. Directed and choreographed by Stephanie Graham (who was also responsible for the 2019 production of Anne of Green Gables), The Music Man tells the story of a con hartist who indergoes a change of heart during his most recent swindling attempt in the town of River City, Iowa. The musical numbers and choreography are easily the highlight of this production, as they provide excitement to the action occurring onstage. A lot of laughs are also had, which help to carry the story along.
Set in the early 20th century, the musical opens with a group of men on a train chatting about Harold Hill, a well-known conman. A statement by one of them, “But he doesn’t know the territory,” serves to demonstrate the challenge Hill (David Leyshon) will face when he comes to River City to enact his con; this turns out to be posing as an organizer for a children’s band to sell instruments before leaving without giving any lessons. This sequence, as well as Hill’s arrival in town, are all presented in song. The first three opening songs (“Rock Island,” “Iowa Stubborn,” and “(Ya Got) Trouble”) are lively, yet seem to be reflecting the main character’s maxim that “singing is just sustained talking.”
After he arrives, the librarian character of Marian Paroo (Kate Blackburn) is introduced, giving a piano lesson to her sister. She is later established as the love interest of Harold, which complicates his attempt to swindle the town. Side plots include the growing confidence of her younger brother Winthrop (Matthew Fournier) under Hill’s tutelage and the romance between youth Tommy Dijilas (Daniel Yeh) and Zaneeta Shinn (Meghan Caine), daughter of River City’s disapproving mayor (David Talbot).
The overall story is fairly easy to follow and stresses the importance of truth over appearances, but it is the musical numbers which really stand out in this production of The Music Man. Special highlights include the rendition of “Goodnight, My Someone” by Blackburn and the rollicking dance of the town children in the library during “Marian the Librarian” (Graham’s choreography is especially well-executed in the latter sequence). The two main characters, Harold and Marian, are amply realized by Leyshorn and Blackburn respectively; other exceptional portrayals are made by Talbot as Mayor Shinn, Fournier as Winthrop, Michael MacEachern as Harold’s fast-talking con partner Marcellus Washburn, and Makayla Vanderhost as Marian’s younger sister Amaryllis (the interactions between them are delightful to watch).
On a technical front, the set design by Brandon Kleiman is particularly impressive. The beginning set-up consists of a row of white arches at the sides with well-constructed miniature buildings in the middle of the stage. Hanging on top is a round, blue sign that says “River City, Iowa,” which is present throughout the show. Different sets are used and put together nimbly, such as the walls of books and tables in the library, as well as the bridge and starry backdrop for when Marian and Harold have a romantic meeting. The costumes are also authentic to the period in which the musical is set, something which co-costume designers Robin Fisher and Joshua Quinlan deserve credit for.
Overall, TIP’s production The Music Man is an enjoyable show which is able to provide entertainment for a wide audience, no matter their age.
The Music Man continues at the Springer Theatre in Gananoque, ON until August 20. For information and tickets, see The Music Man – Thousand Islands Playhouse (1000islandsplayhouse.com).
The Music Man: Book, Music & Lyrics by Meredith Wilson
Cast
Marian Paroo: Kate Blackburn
Zaneeta Shinn/Dance Captain: Meghan Caine
Ethel Toffelmier/Farmer’s Wife: Naomi Costain
Charlie Cowell/Farmer/Constable Locke: Michael Cox
Winthrop Paroo: Matthew Fournier
Mrs. Squires: Jasmine Huang
Olin Britt/Quartet/Salesman: Spencer Laing
Harold Hill: David Leyshorn
Marcellus Washburn/Salesman: Michael MacEachern
Alma Hix: Alison J. Palmer
Oliver Hix/Quartet/Salesman: Hal Wesley Rogers
Mayor Shinn/Conductor: David Talbot
Jacey Squires/Quartet/Salesman: Rob Torr
Mrs. Paroo: Rennie Wilkinson
Eulalie Mackenzie Shinn: Seana-Lee Wood
Amaryllis: Makayla Vanderhost
Tommy Djilas/Newspaper Reader: Daniel Yeh
Ewart Dunlop/Quartet/Salesman: Robert Yeretch
Creative Team
Director & Choreographer: Stephanie Graham
Music Director: Rachel Cameron
Asst. Choreographer: Keleshaye Christmas-Simpson
Set Designer: Brandon Kleiman
Co-Costume Designer: Robin Fisher
Co-Costume Designer: Joshua Quinlan
Lighting Designer: Renee Brode
Sound Designer: Deanna Choi
Stage Manager: Jordan Guetter
Asst. Stage Manager: Cristina Hernandez
Asst. Stage Manager: Arielle Voght
Youth Ensemble Supervisor: Sedona Jones