By Lindsie Mooney
A staple of musical theatre and a classic, a family-friendly story that focuses on upbeat numbers, harmonious duets, quartets, and powerful, touching solos, the audience quickly falls in love with The Music Man at Terrace Plaza Playhouse in Washington Terrace, Utah.
With music by Meredith Wilson and story by Franklin Lacey, the show is set in small town Iowa, where the folks are much the same as in every other small town- naive, gossipy, and quick to reject the unfamiliar. Con man Harold Hill (Michael Combe) rolls into town, eager to begin peddling his current bait and switch- boys bands. Smooth-talking and clever, Harold, with the help of his old friend and fellow (but lovable) criminal Marcellus (Daniel Pittam), sells the parents of River City the necessity of a boys band to keep the kids wholesome and out of trouble. Combe is every part the sophisticated out-of-towner eager to take advantage of the small-minded River Cityians, and Pittam is a playful and ready accomplice. Their chemistry is immediate and speaks of an old partnership.
Director Lindy Combe has pulled together a cast that showcases their connections on and offstage, as there are several related members of the cast. The children in the ensemble are all super adorable, with an excited, innocent energy. They, as do the rest of the town, quickly fall under Harold’s spell, and the numbers, namely “Trouble” and “76 Trombones”, are audience favorites and clear standouts of the show.
Staying in town only for the money that lessons, instruments, and shiny new uniforms will bring, Harold soon finds himself caught off-guard as he starts to fall for the seemingly chilly and guarded Marian Paroo (Sarah Johnson), the town librarian. S Johnson brings powerhouse vocals and a passionate presence to Marian. Her rendition of “Goodnight My Someone” is poignant and really connects her to the audience. Though Harold’s attentions towards Marian are at first unwanted, S Johnson and Combe’s interactions are funny, with a sweet edge. As Harold inserts himself into Marian’s life, he begins to foster a tender relationship with her younger brother, Winthrop (Kyler Johnson). K Johnson is animated and darling, with a smile that fills the entire theatre. As the summer passes, Harold and the residents of River City equally change, giving Harold a taste of the domesticity he has always avoided.
The set design, build, and painting (Dennis Ferrin, Brian Sears, Jenny Sears) is immaculate and striking, particularly the backlit night sky and the library scene during “Marian the Librarian”. The choreography (Shelby Moon) features some great young dancers, and it paces the longer numbers well. The costuming (Stephanie Petersen, Jim Tatton) is thoughtful and bright, with Marian’s gorgeous wardrobe standing out through the entire show, and the wigs (Jamila Lowe) are superbly fashioned for the time period. Interestingly, as the scenes move forward we see the residents of the town, who start out in drab colors, progress toward more vivid and open hues, as Harold’s influence over their confidence and attitudes begins to show through. Conversely, Harold’s wardrobe becomes more muted and grown-up.
The ensemble features many talented singers, at the forefront are those of the barbershop quartet. Jaycey Squires (Jon Talbot), Ewart Dunlop (Ethan Montgomery), Oliver Hicks (Brian Farnsworth/Bobby Moon), and Olin Britt (Dustin Young/Derek Crimin) are highly entertaining characters, at first with their petty conflicts and arguing for the sake of arguing, then with their smooth harmonies. During “Lida Rose” they accompany Marian, and with S Johnson’s classic, polished voice, give my favorite heartfelt performance of the entire show. Other standouts include Mayor Shinn (Blake Peterson) and his wife, Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn (Becky Montegomery). B Montgomery is lively, commanding, and ludicrous, and Peterson plays the part of the bumbling, and though adored, ignored Mayor, well.
As Harold’s time in River City seems to be drawing to a close, he has to decide which life he wants to lead: the conman, or the friend and lover. Overall, the entire cast comes brilliantly together to tell a story of acceptance and town pride, full of laughs and love. Don’t miss Terrace Plaza Playhouse’s The Music Man, a fantastic summer show in Washington Terrace, Utah!
Terrace Plaza Playhouse presents Meredith Wilson’s The Music Man.Book, Music and Lyrics by Meredith Wilson, story by Meredith Wilson and Frank Lacey.
Terrace Plaza Playhouse 99 E 4700 S Washington Terrace, Utah 84405
June 14-July 27th 7:30 PM Monday, Friday-Saturday
Tickets: $14-$16
Contact: 801-393-0700
Terrace Plaza Playhouse Facebook Page h
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