Director Bob Richard knows how to keep Meredith Willson's The Music Man fresh and contemporary by suggesting a bit of an edge with his approach, and it works wonderfully! The text of this classic American musical seems quite tame by today's standards, but Richard and his cast keep it contemporary and relevant.
Adding to the fun is the exuberant and time-appropriate choreography by Diane Laurenson. The energetic dancers are unstoppable!
The beautiful Siri Howard plays a staunch and serious Marian Paroo with a gorgeous soprano. Her realizations and transformations are gradual and credible.
Of course, the show belongs to NSMT favorite Matt Loehr (2006's Singin' in the Rain and 2012's Hello Dolly) He is as handsome as he is charming, and he uses both of these qualities to his advantage to create the swindling and smarmy Harold Hill. He starts off strong in "Trouble" and gets better as the show progresses. Loehr is more fun than obnoxious in "Seventy-Six Trombones" and is as sly as fox as he maneuvers his way through the library in "Marian the Librarian." His self-realization moments are natural and believable as well.
The entire cast is a joy to watch as everyone has developed authentic, credible characters, notably Ellen Peterson as a grounded Mrs. Paroo, Joshua Gillespie as a shy and empathetic Winthrop, Cheryl McMahon as a hilarious Mrs. Shinn, and Brad Bellamy as a gruff and funny Mayor Shinn. Also, there are Brian Padgett as a whimsical Marcellus, Liesl Jaye as a brooding Zaneeta, and Davis Wayne offers authenticity as Tommy, a part that is normally not provided much attention.
With beautiful costumes by Paula Peasley-Ninestein and spot-on music direction by Milton Granger, this Wells Fargo Wagon has certainly delivered the goods!
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