The Music Man

“The Music Man” was the latest performance from Murton Theatre Group, one of the lesser seen performed musicals regionally despite a recent revival in Broadway starring Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster.  Last performed at Murton 17 years ago, I was part of that cast at the time and recall such fond memories of a fun show, lively, colourful and having so much fun with friends in the cast.

It was clear to see that the cast were having a whale of a time.  Their smiles said it all, with their enthusiasm clear to see.  Lovely to see.

Directed by Elissa Hudson, with Musical Supervisors David Marletta and John Hudson, sound by East Durham Audio and lighting by POSS productions (Duncan Baxter and Paul Oliver respectively whom I often dub the “dream tech team” certainly this marked a “step up” for Murton which I was very happy to see. 

“The Music Man” itself is a classic, with catchy numbers, and witty script, telling the tale of the con-man Harold Hill who arrives in River City determined to swindle the townspeople with the promise of forming a student brass band in uniform, however predictably in stories of that era, falls in love with the local piano teacher Marian Paroo, scuppering his plans.  He’s developed a reputation for this conduct with fellow travelling salesmen who are angry at him for ruining their reputation.  In order to focus on the need for a band he attacks the town’s new pool hall as a sign of depravity creeping into the community, but sadly the pool hall is owned by the town’s Mayor who orders Harold’s references and credentials be checked.  Marian Paroo susses him out early which throws Harold off balance when Harold’s arch enemy Charlie Cowell an anvil salesman arrives in town to warn the townspeople of Harold’s antics, but by which time Harold and Marian have fallen in love.  The student band perform, having never rehearsed before and in ill-fitting uniforms, but their performance is music to their parents ears.

The performance was to tracks which worked very well and the music was well levelled with the output from the performers.  It was lovely to see some old and new faces on stage at Murton.  Costuming was excellent from Karen Barnes, Starset Theatre and the cast, and a lovely bright set from A1 stage which was easily movable. 

Harold Hill played by Martyn Banks was a delight, with a lovely singing voice and good rapport on stage.  Emma Conroy played Marian Paroo beautifully, her singing voice is gorgeous and she acted extremely well in her first leading role, very well done Emma.  Both were very strong and delivered their roles extremely well.

Supporting cast members of note were Aaron Hastings as Charlie Cowell who really stood out as a performer, extremely strong, charismatic and played is part well, Carole Young as Mrs Paroo whose Irish accent was well done and she looked fabulous, Martin O’Leary as Mayor Shinn, Bernadette Trotter as Eulalie Shinn a beautiful lady on stage, always dependable and who seems to age backwards!  There was some fabulous youth on stage who as always were brilliant including the talented Madoc Atkinson playing Tommy Djilas who I’m told stepped in with only three rehearsals – amazing, Aimee Curtis as Zaneeta Shinn whose “Yee Gods” had the audience chucking, William Hare as Winthrop Paroo who was again utterly adorable and Gracie Shinn played by Eva Craig whose performance I very much enjoyed.  Other supporting characters included Andy Key as Marcellus Washburn, Peter Oliver as Jacey Squires, Heidi Richards-Peach as Ethel Toffelmier, June Carter as Mrs Squires, Sophie Gibson as Daisy Squires, Brett Adamson as Ewart Dunlop, Irene Smith as Maud Dunlop, Charlotte Davison as Amaryllis Dunlop, Brian Hardy as Oliver Hix, Anne Malpass as Alma Hix, Samuel Craig as Barney Hix, Gordon Richardson as Olin Brett, Joe Bannister as Constable Locke, Andrew Lackenby as Conductor/Mr Franklin, Clare Lackenby as Mrs Franklin, Lilly-Anne Laing as Edie Franklin, Elizabeth Baker as Miss Wilson, Elaine Watson as Miss Meredith, Lee Welch as Mr Lacey, Rachel Craig as Mrs Peters and Sharon Bentham as Mrs Forster.

The opening number “Rock Island” between the salesmen on the train was excellent, really well delivered with great timing with Aaron very much standing out with lovely clean delivery.  All performances were very good, although it did seem a little static at times especially on the larger ensemble pieces.  Some choreography probably would have enhanced the performance pieces somewhat.

Very much an improvement from Murton Theatre Group this year and I’m very much looking forward to their centenary performances and celebrations next year.

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