The Music Man

Emily did an excellent job with a rather dated script and the company clearly enjoyed performing this show, which they did with energy and enthusiasm. The musical aspects of the show were outstanding, with some excellent harmonies and the company performed them with great style. The songs were a good combination of well known melodic songs and ‘rocking numbers’ allowing the principals and the chorus plenty of time to show their true talent. Congratulations to Daniel and his band for the excellent music, the lighting worked really well, costumes and props looked right and on the whole the sound was clear. The choreography was minimal but appropriate and the whole company, without exception, gave 100% in performing various routines.

I loved the opening scene with the travelling Salesmen (Simon, Trevor, David, Oliver and Graham). Their interpretation was superb and flawless, all moving in time to the train, bouncing around and picking up from each other’s lines rapidly, making a really good start to the show. I also thoroughly enjoyed ’76 Trombones’ and would have liked it to have been repeated when the whole cast were in full swing. It is such a great number.

All the principals gave strong performances, Matt Hughes-Short (Professor Harold Hill) and Louise Martin (Marian Paroo) worked well together and their performances were a pleasure to watch. Matt was superb in his part. The ‘patter type’ songs were remarkable and a joy to hear as every word came over clearly. He was the star of this show in every respect. Louise sang some lovely songs especially ‘Goodnight My Someone’ and ‘Will I Ever Tell You’. Her interpretation of the prim spinster came over well.

The Mayor and his wife (Stuart Box and Topsy Stedman) made the most of their parts maintaining their different stations in life, him a bit of a bully and her struggling to become her own person. Lynne Jones was perfect in the role of mother trying to marry off her difficult daughter and at the same time endeavouring to help her younger son, Dominic McGreevy, cope with life in general.  I thought Dominic gave a superb performance in every respect.  Glen Robins and all the rest of the principals, the children and the Citizens of River City gave great support, so important if a show of this calibre is going to be a success. It is always encouraging to see several new faces on stage and I hope that I see all these young people in many shows to come.

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