Published online on March 19, 2018

Broadway By The Bay has brought “The Music Man” to Redwood City and it couldn’t be better timed. This wonderful musical received five Tony Awards in 1957, beating out the stunning “West Side Story” as the best musical. This is an upbeat fresh, wholesome, exuberant well-done production that will simply make everyone feel good.

“Seventy-Six Trombones”, “Trouble in River City”, “Wells Fargo Wagon”, “Pick-a-little”, “Shipoopi”, “Goodnight My Someone”, (Which, if you listen carefully, you will find is the same melody as Seventy-Six Trombones in waltz tempo), and “Till There Was You”, are all little masterpieces in their own right. I can just about guarantee you will leave the theatre humming or whistling at least one of these melodies.

“The Music Man” introduces a fast-talking salesman, Harold Hill (a tenacious David Schiller) that comes to River City, Iowa, to flimflam the townsfolk into forming a band. Of course, parents have to invest in instruments and uniforms, which he happily sells them. The fact he knows nothing about music, orchestras does not stop him as he tells his enthusiastic students to use the “think system” to learn to play their instruments. His ultimate aim is to grab the money and run while fascinating the ladies and conning the men of the town.  He didn’t count on the town Liberian Marian Paroo, (a splendid Jennifer Mitchell) as the suspicious but susceptible to the charisma of Hill. Mitchell has a fantastic soprano and gives each Meredith Wilson songs she delivers its just desserts.

Mayor Shinn (Scott Solomon)  stammers with just the right amount of sputter  through this plum role while spewing hilarious malapropisms with every line.

Amy Meyers as the mayor’s, snooty, ding-a-ling wife Eulalie, is delightful as she creates with her also delightful cohorts her Grecian Urn routine.  They also do a great job with the gossipy difficult “Pick-a-little” number.

Director/ Choreographer Nicole Helfer gathered a group if at least no less than ten going down to six years old for her River City Kids that were absolutely fabulous. They hit every mark and didn’t miss a cue in the simple but complicated, cleaver choreography, that put the talented youngsters through delightful routines that was creative and charming. All the dancers gave an upscale, energetic performance. Heifer moved the production with a charming reassurance that didn’t overwhelm.

Ten year old Llam Kimhi stopped the show when he belted out his “Gary, Indiana” number

The mellifluous Barber Shop Quartet, (which by the way was the first Barber Shop Quartet used in a musical comedy on Broadway),  was another scene stealer.

Derrick Contreras, Johathan Chan, Daniel Lloyd Pias and Mohamed Ismail harmonize with humor and fine tone.

Outstanding wardrobe by Leandra Watson, delightfully bright, rolling sets by Mark Mendelson, lighting by Eric “Precious” Johnson and sound by Jon Hayward add to complete a well-done production.

Music Director Sean Kana offers his usual solid musical conducting with 21 first rate musicians in his pit.  With an energetic cast that gives a hundred and twenty percent, “The Music Man” is the best deal in town.  A full–fledged super Broadway show without the San Francisco traffic. fuel and parking with the right ticket price that can’t be beat. Also, the show is completely kid friendly.

DETAILS

  • Book, music and lyrics by Meredith Wilson
  • Where: Fox Theatre – Broadway By The Bay at 2215 Broadway, Redwood City
  • Through: April 1
  • Running Time: 2 hours. and 15 minutes with one intermission.
  • Ticket Prices: $44-$66
  • For phone orders call 650/FOX-7770
  • Or visit: broadwaybythebay.org