St. Michael's Players, East Longmeadow, MA
through November 17, 2013
by Eric Sutter
St. Michael's Players is staging America's happiest musical
in Meredith Willson's "The Music Man." From the onset, the audience
is captivated by this gem of a show with enjoyable characters under the
guidance of the very capable Frank Jackson.
This heart-warming story of a tricky traveling salesman and
the love of a good woman has tremendous appeal. The show begins on a railway
coach headed for River City, Iowa in 1912. The speech and song rhythms of the
salesmen and train imitations are effective. Professor Harold Hill (Drew
Gilbert) is the leading man with a half-spoken, half-sung delivery in song. A simple
set of the center of River City becomes the backdrop for "Iowa
Stubborn" by the townspeople. Salesman Harold warns the townies, however,
with "(Ya Got) Trouble." Love interest and heroine Marian the
Librarian (Stephanie Gilbert) sings a lovely and pensive "Goodnight My
Someone." Marian's mom, Mrs. Paroo (Mary Anne Arnold) steals scenes with
her brilliant Irish brogue and comedic timing.
There's the show-stopper, "Seventy-Six Trombones,"
led by Hill and helped along by many skilled child actors, featured exciting
visuals of a star formation and baton twirl march down center aisle. One great
melody followed another; i.e. the clucking of the towns-women's chatter in
"Pick-a-Little" and Marion "My White Knight" in a beautiful
soprano. The clincher love duet of "Til There Was You" is lovely.
Proving that local talent is not hard to find, not only in the lead actors, but
in all roles, is the charismatic barbershop quartet by resident luminaries
singing "Lida Rose"
Kudos to choreographer Debra Vega for her creative talent --
action includes Irish capped boys in knee socks hop scotching with dolled up
girls. Act II opener, "Shipoopi" is another highlight for Vega, as is
Eulalie's ballet, "Rustle of Spring," seemingly dramatic, yet a real
hoot.
Love is certainly in the air in River City and in East
Longmeadow. Don't miss the brazen and brassy finale by the entire company.
