 |
| Harold Hill (David Schiller) tries to romance Marian Paroo (Jennifer Mitchell). Photo by Mark Kitaoka and Tracy Martin |
Broadway by the Bay brings on the marching band with
its production of a perennial favorite, Meredith Willson’s “The Music Man.”
Set in the early 20th century, this is
the story of a slick, traveling salesman, Harold Hill (David Schiller), who
cons residents of little River City, Iowa,
into buying band instruments, lesson books and uniforms for their kids.
Harold doesn’t know the first thing about the
instruments or music, but he does know how to charm people by flattering them
and bringing out positive qualities. Therefore, even though he fleeces them, he
leaves a lot of good in his wake.
For example, feuding school board members forget
their differences when they become a barbershop quartet (Derrick Contreras,
Jonathan Chan, Daniel Lloyd Pias and Mohammed Ismail) singing the likes of “Lida
Rose.”
Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn (Amy Meyers), wife of the
blustery, domineering Mayor Shinn (Scott Solomon), asserts herself as leader of
a women’s dance troupe in a hilarious scene.
Then there’s Marian Paroo (Jennifer Mitchell), the
town librarian. She’s slow to succumb to his charm, but eventually she does.
And her young brother, Winthrop Paroo (Liam Kimhi),
blossoms, overcoming his lisp and belting out “Gary, Indiana.”
Directed and choreographed by Nicole Helfer with
musical direction by Sean Kana, this is a highly entertaining production with
fine performances throughout its large cast of kids and adults.
Mitchell as Marian is an outstanding singer, while
Schiller as Harold embodies his charm and unflappability.
In addition to the others already named, Jenny
Matteucci as Mrs. Paroo, mother of Marian and Winthrop; and Andrew Plaschke as
Tommy, the kid from the wrong side of the tracks, are noteworthy.
Production values are high, especially the smart
period costumes by Leandra Watson. The fluid set is by Mark Mendelson with
lighting by Eric “Precious” Johnson and sound by Jon Hayward.
The show is filled with memorable songs such as “(Ya
Got) Trouble,” “Goodnight My Someone,”
“Till There Was You,” and, of course, “Seventy-six Trombones.”
In short, it’s great fun.
Running more than two and a half hours including one
long intermission (long lines for
restrooms and concessions), “The Music Man” will continue through April 1 at
the Fox Theater, 2215 Broadway St., Redwood City.
