By LeAnna Hamblin
The upbeat music and rhythmical lyrics are all that is needed to quickly engage the audience in Heritage Theatre’s production of Meredith Willson’s The Music Manin Perry, Utah. This beloved musical, written by Meredith Willson and Franklin Lacey, envelops the audience in small town Iowa life in the early 1900s. As a travelling salesman comes blowing through town, the citizens quickly discover the power of music and how it can change the beliefs of everyone in town. The Tony- and Grammy-winning show premiered on Broadway in 1957 and has been adapted twice for film, in 1962 and 2003.
Director Marilyn Olsen Whipple gathers an impressively talented cast and production team for this family-centered production. The audience is immediately immersed into small-town life as the set, designed and constructed by Michele McGarry, Steve Gray, and Grant Wilson, quaintly represents middle-America in the early 20th Century. Costume Mistress Rachel Hunt and assistants Samantha Merkley, Brianna Farr Taylor, Abby Payne-Peterson, and Whipple gather a slew of time-period pieces that are vibrant and eye-catching. Each character is appropriately costumed to fit their character and personality, helping to create a cohesive relationship between characters onstage.
Harold Hill (Tad Wilson) is an overbearing and persistent music salesman who knows nothing about teaching music. He comes to River City, Iowa to convince the citizens that they cannot do without a boys’ band full of shiny new instruments and pristine band uniforms. He quickly learns that he is the one whose life is going to change. He cannot help but fall for the stubborn yet endearing town librarian, Marian Paroo (Karlie Clark). Wilson and Clark work well together onstage. Their chemistry is playful and cohesive as love interests. Wilson also has a caring relationship with the younger cast, most notably with Winthrop Paroo, double cast with brothers Joey Benson and Hyrum Benson. It is Harold Hill’s desire that all young boys find their voice through music, and, at one point, tells Winthrop, “I wanted you to join the band so you’d stop moping around.” The tenderness with which Wilson delivers his lines to the younger cast members is sincere and caring.
Clark brings a sweet sincerity to the role of Marian Paroo. Her clear, strong soprano voice is a pleasure to listen to throughout the show. She plays a motherly role to Winthrop while keeping her innocence, especially while interacting with Marsha Holmes who plays Marian’s strong-willed, Irish mother, Mrs. Paroo. Clark and Holmes play off each other well as Mrs. Paroo tries desperately to convince Marian that it is high time for her to find a husband, even if it is the stranger salesman who is passing through town.
The ensemble is full of outstanding performers, including the four men who comprise the barbershop quartet, Ewart Dunlop/Salesman (Roger Ellis), Oliver Hix/Salesman (Eric Sadler), Jacey Squires/Salesman (Craig Whitaker), and Olin Brit/Salesman (Michael Clark). All four voices beautifully blend to present the tight harmonies necessary for the traditional sound of a classic barbershop quartet. Not only do they sing well together, their comedic timing with one another is entertaining and delightful. Mayor Shinn (Greg Lemke) is another notable comedic role. His frustration throughout the show is entertaining and convincing. Lemke’s relationship with Noelle Willes Sadler who plays his wife, Eulalie MacKecknie Shinn is hilarious as he tries to control her quirky whims. Rachel Hunt plays the Shinn’s daughter, Zaneeta Shinn, and is the classic angsty teenage girl, who only wants for the attention of a certain boy Tommy Djilas (Caderik Wilson). Amaryllis played by Sadie Jeppsen and Annie Neslen is full of spunk and charm, making the audience fall in love with her.
With a show so full of delightful music there are several numbers that stand out as audience favorites. Rock Island, Ya Got Trouble, and Pick-A-Little/Goodnight, Ladies are three that really show the work music directors Kelli Morris and Annette Whitaker put in with this talented cast. The layering and harmonies in these songs are such that the performers had to work tirelessly to perfect. Not only are the vocals in this production impressive, but the choreography leaves the audience tapping their toes and wanting to dance along. Choreographers Ellie Jensen, Drew N. Angelovic, and Taylor help the cast bring a fun and energetic feel to the show. The large cast is featured in smaller groups throughout dance numbers during the show.
Meredith Willson’s The Music Man presented by Heritage Theatre in Perry, Utah is the perfect show for families to attend for an evening full of entertainment, music, and laughter. The old church turned theater is a delightful setting for this show set in small-town Iowa just after the turn of the 20th Century. The staff is accommodating and welcoming to all in attendance and never have I heard such laughter and sounds of delight come from an audience.
Heritage Theatre presents Meredith Willson’s The Music Man, Book, Music and Lyrics by Meredith Willson. Story by Meredith Willson and Franklin Lacey
Heritage Theatre, 2505 S Highway 89, Perry, Utah 84302
May 31-June 22, 2019 7:30 PM, Monday, Friday-Saturday, June 8, 15, 22 Matinee 2:00 PM
Tickets: $10-$12
Contact: 435-723-8392
Heritage Theatre Facebook Page
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