MUSIC MAN a joy at OSF
Colorful Professor Harold Hill (Michael Elich) tells the drab populus of River City "You've Got Trouble" Photo by Jenny Graham.
The Music Man Book, Music and Lyrics by Meredith Willson; February 15 - November 1 story by Meredith Willson and Franklin Lacey
Director: Bill Rauch; Choreographer: Darren Lee; Scenic Designer: Rachel Hauck; Costume Designer: Shigeru Yaji; Lighting Designer: Geoff Korf; Music Director: Daniel Gary Busby; Sound Design: Jeremy J. Lee.
In the penultimate scene just before the finale, Marian saves Music Man Harold Hill from the angry townspeople asking, “Do you remember what you and this town were like before he arrived?” They were drab and colorless and Director Bill Rauch has latched on to this truism to create a brilliant production where in the opening scenes everyone and everything, including the American flag, is presented in shades of gray and black and white even creating a brief tableau of Grant Woods “American Gothic” painting. The only color is the red vest of traveling salesman/con-artist of “Professor” Harold Hill. Gradually, as Professor Hill weaves his spell selling band instruments and uniforms to the populous with charm, wit and the guile of a snake oil peddler, color is introduced into the set and costumes. It is a joy to behold.
Michael Elich as the Professor may not let you forget Robert Preston’s unmatchable performance in the movie version, but he comes close. Understandably, Marian, because of her reluctance to capitulate, is the last to have color added to her wardrobe but that may have been a mistake since it only exaggerated her marginal singing voice and lack of charisma.
You know you are in for fun from the opening scene when the Rock Island Railroad train lurches into the River City, Iowa station full of traveling salesmen insisting, “You gotta know the territory” in a staccato number in tempo with the clicking of the train wheels. Anvil salesman Charlie Cowell (fine acting by John Pribyl) spills the beans about con man Harold Hill. The “fake professor” accepts the challenge as he steps off to greet the dour townspeople to the tune of "Iowa Stubborn" before lurching into “You Got Trouble” right here is
There is no need to recapitulate the well-known story line but to concentrate on individual performances, music, acting and staging. First up, the accolades go to, the use of sign language, not only by Seago as Marcellus Washburn but also by many members of the ensemble. Seago and K.T. Vogt’s song and dance with ensemble back up for “Shipoopi” is one of the many showstoppers. Seago has another turn with Elich in an earlier number "The Sadder-But-Wiser Girl". The feuding members of the School Board molded into a Quartet bring their four-part harmony to life with “Good Night Ladies”, “It’s You” and “Lida Rose” (Robert Vincent Frank, Jeremy Peter Johnson, Christofer Jean and Brad Whitmore). Richard Elmore, a 25 year veteran of OSF, displays his ability for comic timing as the often tongue tied Mayor Shinn in the manner of movie favorite Paul Ford. The ladies get their turn to shine with “Pick a Little, Talk a Little".
The rousing singing, dancing and staging of the “Wells Fargo Wagon” for the act one finale will have you begging for more and it is provided in act two. Did I forget to mention the seminal song “76 Trombones?” It’s there in both acts. Highly recommended for all the family.
Courtesy of www.theatreworldinternetmagazine.com