The Music Man

The Music Man is a musical with book, music, and lyrics by Meredith Willson, based on a story by Willson and Franklin Lacey. Marie Clark Musical Theatre (MCMT) was originally well known for its expertise as singers, but over time has evolved to present, with considerable finesse, the ‘who’s who’ of musicals, this being one of those.

In 1957 the show was a hit on Broadway, winning five Tony Awards, and the cast album won the first Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album. In 1962 Broadway musical star Robert Preston reprised his role in the very successful film and to this day, the show is popular with both professional and community theatre and school groups.

The plot introduces us to con man Harold Hill, who poses as a boys' band organizer and leader who sells band instruments and uniforms to naïve Midwestern townsfolk. He has run this scam many times and promises to train and organise smart uniforms for the members of the new band. The catch is that Harold is no musician, and he plans to skip town without giving any music lessons. Ingenue librarian and piano teacher Marian sees through him, but falls in love with the ‘real’ Harold who spends time helping her young brother overcome his lisp and social awkwardness. She falls in love with Harold and covers for him. He risks jail to win her heart and (spoiler), everyone lives happily ever after.

Whilst the musicals of the ‘50s were often somewhat formulaic, and The Music Man is certainly is, in the hands of MCMT it is a finely polished, feel-good night out. Part of their secret is the casting of David MacGillivray who sings well, moves beautifully and acts with passion, conviction and style. He moves seamlessly from slick conman to lovelorn leading man effortlessly, and his work with talented newcomer, Henry Grieg as tongue tied Winthrop, is warm and sensitive. Emily Fitzpatrick has the right voice for Marian, and whilst several songs push her upper range into shrill, she acts, dances and sings as a very desirable love interest.

There are many not particularly memorable, but important to the plot songs, and there are three noteworthy songs, "Goodnight, My Someone" sung by Marian, and "Seventy-Six Trombones" sung by Harold, Boys and Girls. It is wonderful to see MCMT nurturing and encouraging young performers and the impressive performances attest to very thorough preparation of everyone by Director, Adam Goodburn, Musical Director (MD), Ben Francis and choreographers Linda Williams and Irena Setchell. The third song from this show, "Till There Was You", a love song for Marian and Harold went on to become a still loved pop classic.

A standout for me is the four A Capella barber shop quartet. Jakob Caudle, Matt Redmond, Peter Ward and Adam Goodburn harmonise beautifully and serve a role linking parts of the story in a way that is apt for the much-loved singing style of the Edwardian era.

MD Francis has assembled 15 talented musicians to create the River City Orchestra and whilst some of the music was a little ‘patchy’ on Opening Night, he has the bones of a well-balanced, consistently good sound. In parts, it is obvious that there are two styles of choreography, but this does not detract from the simple, step-perfect routines. Narelle Lee leads the challenging task of costuming and whilst the women are obviously not corseted to create the ‘Gibson Girl’ shape of the era, the women, including with hair and makeup have the general appearance of 1912. Adjusting women’s hat angles and ensuring that all men always wore a hat and jacket when out, would further refine the look, but that may be seeking a very high degree of accuracy. Don Oswald’s simple set is functional and well managed by employing a scrim effectively for scene changes and some effects.

MCMT’s production of The Music Man is a great night out and the 40 strong cast and production team offer a night out that is full of style, energy and fun. Brave the cold. It is well worth it.

Jude Hines

Photography by Daniel Salmond.