”
The Music Man
”
received five Tony Awards in 1957, beating out the stunning
”
West Side Story
”
as the best musical. And the beat goes on with the
illustrious
”
Broadway By The Bay
”
production. This is an upbeat, fresh, wholesome, exuberant and
well-done production that will make everyone feel good.
“The Music Man” received five Tony Awards in 1957, beating out the stunning “West Side Story” as the best musical. And the beat goes on with the illustrious “Broadway By The Bay” production. This is an upbeat, fresh, wholesome, exuberant and well-done production that will make everyone feel good.
Director Lee Ann Payne smoothly moves this show at a perfect pace that never lulls. It enchants with her fine eye for detail.
Robyn Tribuzi has done justice with marvelous choreography, which puts some of the most talented youngsters through delightful, creative and charming routines. The ensemble steals this show and gives a Broadway caliber performance.
“The Music Man” introduces a fast-talking salesman, Harold Hill (appealing, indefatigable Tom Reardon) who comes to River City, Iowa to flimflam the townsfolk into forming a band. Of course parents have to invest in instruments and uniforms, which he happily sells them. The fact that he knows nothing about music or bands does not stop him as he tells his enthusiastic students to use the “think system” to learn to play their instruments. His ultimate aim is to grab the money and run while fascinating the ladies and conning the men. He didn’t count on the town librarian Marian Paroo (Kerie Darner-Moss), who is solid and suspicious, but susceptible to the charisma of Hill. Moss has a glorious voice and takes each Meredith Wilson song to its ultimate heights.
“Seventy-Six Trombones”, “Trouble in River City”, “Wells Fargo Wagon”, “Pick-a-little”, “Shipoopi”, “Goodnight My Someone” (which, if you listen carefully, you will find is the same melody as “Seventy-Six Trombones” in waltz tempo) and “Till There Was You” are all little masterpieces in their own right. I can just about guarantee you will leave the theater humming or whistling at least one of these melodies.
Linda Piccone as the mayor’s lovable, ding-a-ling wife Eulalie, brings new meaning to the word hilarious during the Grecian Urn routine, and they all do a great job with the gossipy and difficult “Pick-a-little” number.
Mayor Shinn (David Gahagen) bristles and sputters with just the right amount of sputter and bristle while spewing hilarious malapropisms with every line.
The mellifluous Barber Shop Quartet (which was the first Barber Shop Quartet used in a musical comedy on Broadway) is another scene stealer.
Multiple awards winning “Broadway By The Bay” never ceases to amaze with their high caliber, professional productions. With an outstanding wardrobe, crisp and fresh sets, first rate lighting and music and an exuberant cast that gives 120 percent, “The Music Man” is the best deal around. A full-fledged super Broadway show – without the San Francisco traffic and parking – can’t be beat. This show is also completely kid-friendly.
***
‘The Music Man’
– Where: Fox Theatre (BBB’s new location), 2215 Broadway, Redwood City
– Through: July 31
– Tickets: $22-$48
– Details: (650) 579-5565 or www.broadwaybythebay.org
