The Music Man

This was a lively show with colourful costumes, elaborate hats, well-designed sets and slick scene changes. The use of the flagpole in River City gave a focal point to “Ya Got Trouble” and introduced us to the charismatic Harold Hill (Paul Clements). Paul used both hand gestures and facial expressions to command the stage. He could dance and sing and it was easy to see him as a motivator rather than the clever conman who he creates the boys playing band for his own financial gain. Shinn (Robert Day) says, “That man is a spellbinder” and he really was. Miss Marion, (Liz Hubbuck) with her lovely melodic voice, soon succumbs to his magical aura and their duet “Till there was You” was beautiful. The barbershop quartet “Goodnight Ladies” was also well sung. However, at times it was difficult to decipher the words in the ladies chorus numbers as their diction was poor.Not so with Amaryllis (Phoebe McCallan) who was clear at all times with good body language and lots of personality. Winthrop, (Aidan O’Connor) was well cast and managed to sustain his lisp throughout the performance and adapt as the character increased in confidence. Rosie Thompson is to be congratulated for the choreography in “Madam Librarian” and “Shipoopi” which was excellent. Despite the occasional lapses in the pace of the performance, this was a thoroughly enjoyable production.

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