THEATER REVIEW: The Music Man

David Gritzner, Executive Director of The State College Community Theatre, is fond of saying that community theatre is a “family affair”.  The current production of THE MUSIC MAN is certainly a fine example. The cast, crew, and audience became one big, happy family on opening night, even if the relationship was not through blood.

I have seen some disappointing productions of this American classic, mostly due to poor casting. The strength of the show depends on the actor who plays Professor Harold Hill, the fast talking con-man who gets in over his head. SCCT was fortunate to have Matt Greer as Professor Hill.

Matt Greer was a perfect blend of fast talking, never still a moment on stage, romantic, con-man. His opening number, “Ya Got Trouble” had me wanting to take a breath for him. Not only did he run through the double talk lyrics, he was all over the stage while doing it. I loved him; he could have sold me one of his seventy-six trombones in an instant.

It must have been intimidating to sing a duet with Ashley Moore who played Marian, the prim spinster; her voice fills a room. Ashley proved that she is more than a glorious voice; she danced and was a fine romantic heroine. 

 

Fourteen-year old Emma Holderman, Amaryllis in the show, not only held her own in her duet with Ms. Moore, but also was a natural on stage. I expect to see great things from this young actress in Bellefonte High School productions this fall.

Each of the River City “citians” was well defined and was exceptionally good at staying in character during crowd scenes. (I always like that). The Mayor and his wife, played by Mercer Bristow and Priscilla McFerren, deserve special notice. Their parts are fun and they seemed to be having a ball doing them.

Seth Cornwall, Robert Ceres, Dan Landers-Nolan, and Eric Brinser as the bickering school board members were a hit! Most barbershop quartets sing together for years to get the sound just right. These four guys did it just for the show…and obviously for the love of singing.

Winthrop, the young boy with a lisp, was played exceptionally well by Eli Yurman. May I suggest that SCCT consider doing Oliver! before he gets any older. Jerrod Miller, as Marcellus, and Jonathan Smith as Tommy also were worth noticing. Jonathan shows his athletic talents in his dancing.

The orchestra under the direction of Ian Duh provided the audience with enjoyable opening and finale numbers. At times I had some problems hearing lines by actors not wearing microphones. That may have been a problem with the sound system, not the orchestra. It would have been a challenge for pianist Gladys Duh to play some of the “beginner’s” music. She must have had to bite her cheek every time she was forced to play the wrong note. 

 

Director Martha Traverse can be counted on for good theater. The opening number on the train with the salesmen and commuters sets the mood for the show and, as in other numbers throughout the production, the timing has to be perfect. Credit goes to the director and cast for keeping things moving along.

Aiding Ms. Traverse were the talents of Jessica Blanarik with lively choreography, Carly Reeder and her beautiful and clever costumes, and Jon Vickers-Jones, who was responsible for bright, easily moved sets. Everyone contributed to a fast paced, bright show.

THE MUSIC MAN will be at the Mt. Nittany Middle School until August the 24^th.  Call 814-466-7141 for ticket availability. It is a fun show.