By Jennifer Andelin
Timpanogos Valley Theatre finds the perfect home in Heber City, Utah to present the beloved and popular musical The Music Man.The theatre is housed in the Heber City Amusement Hall which dates back over 100 years. It was a main gathering place for the small town for several years and provides an ideal backdrop for The Music Man, which is set in fictional River City, Iowa in 1912. The smaller venue allows each seat a close view of the musical action and provides a concession stand that sells treats for only $1. The atmosphere immediately makes you feel like you’re a part of the community.
Meredith Willson wrote the book, music, and lyrics to The Music Man based on his childhood in Mason City, Iowa. With the help of Franklin Lacey, Willson wrote a story about transformation, second chances, and love. The story even has ties to Utah as the character Marian Paroo was inspired by a medical records librarian that Willson met during WWII: Marian Seeley of Provo, Utah. The musical was an instant Broadway hit when it debuted in 1957, winning five Tony Awards and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. Perhaps the most recognizable production of The Music Man is the 1962 film adaptation with Robert Preston as Professor Harold Hill and Shirley Jones as Marian Paroo. Preston reprised this role for the film as he was the first to play it on Broadway.
I had the 1962 film version in mind when I saw Timpanogos Valley Theatre’s The Music Man. I was not disappointed by their rendition. David Liddell Thorpe plays Professor Harold Hill, the swindling traveling salesman who sells boy bands. Thorpe sings the fast-paced songs wonderfully, punctuating words in such a way that despite the speed at which they’re sung, the audience hears every one. Songs like “(Ya Got) Trouble” and “The Sadder-But-Wiser Girl” are favorites because of the quick, clever, and catchy lyrics. Thorpe sings “The Sadder-But-Wiser Girl” with Aaron Sluga who plays Marcellus Washburn, an old friend of Harold Hill and former swindler. This duo make a great pair throughout the musical as most evident in this duet. They are synced in song and movement as they play off each other, creating a fun energy.
Thorpe also sings duets with Emily Pelo who plays Marian Paroo, town librarian and piano teacher. Pelo is a powerful singer who fills the theater with great dynamics of voice and facial cues. Her tone is beautiful and her stage presence anchors the production. She and Thorpe create chemistry born of a love/hate relationship throughout the musical.
Julie Doud as Mrs. Paroo (Marian’s Irish mother) and Ellis Iverson as Winthrop Paroo (Marian’s shy brother with a lisp) maintain great character in how they speak. Doud’s Irish accent is best when speaking at high speed to Marian while Iverson never misses an S to mispronounce. Both Doud’s and Iverson’s ability to keep their characters’ distinctive sound helps the audience suspend their disbelief that they are anywhere other than watching the Paroo family in Iowa.
Timpanogos Valley Theatre’s production is perfect for families. I took my 8-year-old son with me who really enjoyed the show, particularly the Barbershop Quartet composed of Nathan Moulton (High Tenor), Kyle Loertscher (2nd Tenor), Nathan Clegg (Baritone), Randall Lund (Bass). The quartet provides musical comedic relief throughout the show. Their songs helped break up the story in smaller sections, which helped my son stay engaged during the 2-½-hour show. He also liked the live music, provided by the Heber Valley Orchestra directed by Heather Thaxton. Because the venue is smaller, the orchestra’s sound is amplified even more. There were some parts where the orchestra and singers weren’t synced, but all was quickly corrected, as were some technical issues with stage mics.
The show is family friendly, not only for the audience, but also for the participants. There are several real-life couples and families performing together in the production. I especially enjoyed watching Bob Warden (on other nights Gary Harter), who plays Mayor Shinn, interact with his real-life granddaughter Aspen Warden, who plays the Mayor’s daughter Zeneeta Shinn.
The sheer number of people on stage is amazing. From an infant to the elderly, the cast really composes a small town on stage. Daniel Clegg directs this large cast, allowing each member space to shine. The ensembles of teens, children, and gossiping ladies all perform their songs well, especially the female ensemble singing the iconic “Pick-a-Little” while being perfectly melodramatic. The ensemble is led by Sarah Kennedy Munsell, who plays Eulalie Shinn, the Mayor’s wife. Her flamboyant outfits contrast nicely with the cast’s period costumes and hairstyles, thanks to Freya Miller Boyer and Kristine Bethers. I particularly liked Marian’s beautiful, classy outfits and hairdos. Caleb Wall and Jessica Wall‘s minimalist scenery as well as Brenna Wall‘s lighting continues to help the audience focus on the characters while giving us a framework for each scene.
However, what makes these ensembles and the blocking of the entire cast incredible really comes down to the work of choreographers Christie Moulton and Jessica Wall. I was in awe of all of the dances, especially when the entire cast is on stage. Every musical number adeptly uses the space and accentuates the lyrics and notes. The energy and dynamics of each number made me want to join in on the dances several times.
This spring, take time to visit Heber City and see Timpanogos Valley Theatre’s The Music Man. Don’t miss out on becoming part of a small town for the night and enjoying songs that made this musical the big hit it was and still is for all ages.
The
Timpanogos Valley Theatre presents The Music Man. Book, Music,
and Lyrics by Meredith Willson. Story by Meredith Willson and
Franklin Lacey
The Timpanogos Valley Theatre, 90 N 100 West, Heber City, Utah 84032
April 26– May 11 Wed, Fri, & Sat at 7:00 PM
Tickets: $8-17
Contact: 435-654-2125
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