“The Music Man”

This production is a sterling one and the first thing I had to do when arriving at the theater was to clear my head of my memories of Bernie’s performance. As soon as the orchestra, under the direction of  Kevin Reeks began the overture and I saw the remarkable direction by Katie Spellman, who also managed to do some unbelievable choreography on the small stage at Marriott, I knew we were in for a treat.

The train sequence of the opening number is difficult to do (with a train set) but she managed to get the men on stage to seem to be on a moving train. This is difficult to do with a train car set, and yet , she pulled it off with a cast of men sitting on suitcases. Bravo Katie.

The story is simple in that the con-man, Harold hill ( played to perfection by KJ Hippensteel, who is quite agile and very flexible. He sort of reminded me of Dick van Dyke in his younger years, and while I did not think he truly had it at first, as time went on he sort of grew on me. He does meet Marian , the librarian ( the lovely Alexandra Silber) who does not trust him, but after he helps her little brother Winthrop ( played to perfection by Kai Edgar) overcome his problems, does find herself falling for him.

While this is a love story, it is also a story of a small town that is living in nothingness, come to life and the population become more human and living the life . It is a fun show with lots of date material. Hill wants to create a “boys band”- why not a “kids band?”. This is 2024 over 70 years later. The cast of players is huge and there are sone true standouts that bear mention. Part of the story involves the Mayor of River City played by the incredibly funny Alex Goodrich. One of the things that I believe has bene added is his young daughter Gracie played by Naya Rosalie James. She is a HOOT. I was also very impressed by Elin Joy Seiler as Amaryllis ( adorable) and of course, Janet  Ulrich Brooks as Mrs. Paroo. She is always at her best!

The four men who compose the make-shift “barber-shoppers) are divine: Michael Potsie, Michael Mahler, Quinn Rigg and Matt Edmonds. Remember, they must have perfect harmony with NO music ( acapella) and I truly loved Melanie Loren as Mrs. Shinn as well as  Michael Earvin Martin as Marcellus ( a friend of Harold’s from the past) , as well as  Emily Ann Brooks as Zaneeta Shinn,  the always funny Lillian Castillo as Alma Hix and Brandon Dahlquist in his many roles.

This is a big musical and seeing it done on a small stage is always a treat. The intimacy of the theater is special and a solid reason that Marriott Lincolnshire has meant so much to its subscribers over the years since it was Drury Lane North ( a long long time ago). While we do not have an amazing orchestra show up at the end, we do have a community of young people ( boys and girls) playing musical instruments and bringing joy to the town. This is 2 1/2 hours of pure fun, magic, and joy! Songs like “”You Got Trouble”, “76 Trombones”, “Til There  Was You”, “Goodnight My Someone’ and” Gary Indiana” will bring back some fond memories.

                                                                                               Bernie Yvon: WE MISS YOU DEARLY!

 

This production is dedicated to the Music Man in everyone’s hearts, the late Bernie Yvon (1964-2014). A veteran of countless theatres across the country, Bernie was especially beloved for his performances on the Marriott Theatre stage. Bernie considered Marriott Theatre home, and their patrons considered him family. A scholarship fund in Bernie’s name ensures that the next generation of theatre artists are given the same opportunity to learn and light up the stage as Bernie did. To play a part in honoring his legacy, please visit BernieYvon.com.