'Man' keeps musical spirit alive in A2

The American musical is alive and well and living in Ann Arbor. At least, this past weekend, audiences were treated to an excellent production of a classic American show, "The Music Man," directed by Musical Theater Department Chair Brent Wagner. The performance, which showcased the talents of students from the musical theater department, proved to be nothing less than stimulating. Attention was demanded of the audience members as the cast recounted the story of Harold Hill, con artist and traveling salesman extraordinaire.

REVIEW
	The Music Man Power Center April 20, 1997

In what was a captivating opening, the curtain rose upon the inside of a passenger train car, in which a group of traveling salesmen performed "Rock Island," an a capella song that sounded more like a rap than a traditional musical theater song. "Rock Island" relies on the train's rhythms as the men bounce up and down in syncopation with the train deftly moving down the tracks. The salesmen begin to talk of a man named Harold Hill, who goes from town to town swindling the money from small-town citizens by creating the need for a Boy's Band, which he is to lead. The townsfolk pay him for the instruments and the uniforms, hoping that their children will shine. The trouble is that Hill knows not one thing about music.

Hill, played wonderfully by Gavin Creel, sounded much better than the play's original Broadway Hill, Robert Preston. Creel sang his fast-paced songs with ease and confidence. His character's ability to sweet-talk the citizens of River City showed in Creel's acting, allowing for a highly believable portrayal.

When Hill comes to town, he creates a disturbance by announcing that the new pool table at the town billiards hall will cause nothing but trouble for the youth of the city. During the song "Ya Got Trouble," a smooth-talking Hill wooed the audience as well as the citizens of River City.

Another fine performance was given by Kelly Simpson, who portrayed the River City librarian, Marian Paroo. Marian is the woman who Hill tries to seduce when he comes to River City. Simpson provided just the right balance of class, grace, decency and beauty that defines the classic character of "Marian the Librarian." Her beautiful voice soared as she sang the tunes "Goodnight, My Someone," "My White Knight" and "Till There Was You."

The production's choreography was another asset, proving to be highly entertaining and expertly executed. The best dance number of the show happened during "Shipoopi," a song about love between men and women. The number, sung by Marcellus (Andy McKim), a con-friend of Hill's, was a highlight of the second act.

One of the play's comedic highlights came out of Laura Heisler, who portrayed Elalie MacKecknie Shinn, the wife of River City's mayor. Shinn, ever the socialite, commanded the respect of her fellow citizens. Heisler's performance was hysterical at moments, as her throaty, husky voice boomed out the silly remarks Shinn often made.

One of the funniest aspects of the show was the Barbershop Quartet that Hill magically formed out of the four members of River City's School Board. The four men, portrayed by Tony Greenlaw, Seth Hitsky, Brian Mulay, and Craig McElowney, would wander around the stage during certain scenes, singing commentary songs surrounding the plot concerning Hill. The quartet sang handsomely and their voices blended well.

A disappointing performance came from Ernie Nolan, who played Mayor Shinn. His southern drawl seemed out of place, and he failed to receive approval from the audience. He seemed to be delivering his lines with false emotion, rather than devoting his talent to the character. His dramatization seemed more of a cartoon than acting, and didn't prove worthy of the rest of the cast.

"The Music Man" proved to be an amazing finale for University Productions. It can only be guessed that next year's season will be just as amazing, with such productions as "Sweeney Todd" and "West Side Story" in the works.

"The Music Man" captured the spirit of the American musical this past weekend.

04-22-97