Supporting the Arts in Western Massachusetts and Beyond

March 9, 2019

PREVIEW: Goodspeed, The Music Man

Goodspeed Musicals, East Haddam, CT
www.goodspeed.org
April 12 - June 20, 2019

TROUBLE Is Coming To Town!

River City’s about to get the last thing they expected ̶ and the very thing they need ̶  in “The Music Man.” Goodspeed Musicals kicks off its 2019 season with the rip-roarin’ dance-filled classic running April 12 – June 20, 2019. “The Music Man” is so popular that, even before the run has started, nine performances have been added.

You got trouble in River City! Professor Harold Hill and Marian the Librarian march into their first appearance at Goodspeed in a rousing new production of this great American musical. When huckster Harold promises to save an Iowa town by selling the dream of a boys’ band, Marian is the only skeptic, until she starts to buy his pitch. Fall in love with “76 Trombones,” “The Wells Fargo Wagon,” “Trouble” and “Till There Was You.” This is considered to be one of America’s glorious classic musicals. The mastermind creators of “The Music Man” are Meredith Willson (book, music, lyrics) with story by Meredith Willson and Franklin Lacey.

The huge cast of professional actors, singers, and dancers include many Goodspeed returnees, while others make their debuts. Several in the cast and crew have found homes on Broadway stages.

A few words about the Goodspeed venue. This is not your typical theatre, but a large, old, elegant, three-floor mansion-like building. Somewhat like a mini-castle, the site it white with classic designed trimmings. Once inside, immediately at the center is a sprawling staircase, carpeted in deep red, branching off to each side. Patrons walk up to the first floor. [There is also an elevator.] Goodspeed seats fewer guests than one might expect.

One of the most amazing aspects is its postage stamp-sized stage. Through the years, Goodspeed’s choreographers have directed their dancers to tap, waltz, Lindy Hop, Charleston, rock ‘n roll in solo pieces, duets, ensembles, and full cast Broadway-like spectacular numbers. Easily (actually, maybe not so easily), more than 30 dancers have occupied the space at any one time. “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” probably boasted the biggest number. Here’s guessing that “The Music Man’s” young musicians, their parents, townsfolk, and leads will fill Goodspeed’s stage to the brim. It’s a challenge for any choreographer, and all have fully succeeded.