"The Music Man"
Fox Theatre
Detroit, Mich.
Through April 4
Meredith Wilson’s “The Music Man” is a classic musical theater gem – and a personal favorite – that’s been produced thousands of times around the country and beyond. A new traveling production by Big League made a stop at Detroit’s Fox Theatre Thursday, bringing a vibrant, fun show that delighted local audiences.
The story is set in 1912 in the fictional small town of River City, Iowa. Swindling traveling salesman Harold Hill arrives in town attempting to make it his next prey, selling them instruments and uniforms with the false promise of creating a boys band. While he distracts officials with his charm, his plans are challenged by future love interest Marian, the independent, intellectual town librarian who sees through his schemes. Things get complicated when Harold’s growing feelings for Marian put a wrench in his plans.
Those who haven’t seen the show have likely come across its music at some point, especially since every song is a banger with catchy melodies and a big band sound. “Seventy-Six Trombones” and “Trouble” are two of its most famous songs, as well as the classic ballad, “‘Till There Was You,” covered by The Beatles in their 1963 “With the Beatles” album.
The cast is talented and brought the lively score to life. The barbershop quartet, which featured Joshua Pierre Moore, Brian Doolittle González, Matthew Wautier-Rodriguez, Craig First, was a musical highlight, with smooth, well-blended vocals and harmonies.
As Marian, Elizabeth D’Aiuto’s beautiful soprano voice was both sweet and powerful. She captured both the character’s strong, stubborn essence as well as her vulnerable side; a confident woman who both longs for love but refuses to settle. Elliott Andrews, unfortunately, was not as strong of a Harold Hill as I had hoped, lacking the charisma and smarminess needed for a character who has made a career of swindling entire cities.
The show’s dance ensemble was fantastic. The choreography was an artistic blend of ballet, jazz and acrobatic moves that captured the energy of the music as well as the technical prowess of the dancers, especially in “Seventy-Six Trombones” and “Shipoopi.” There was no shortage of impressive turns, high kicks and jumps, which took the music to the next level.
“The Music Man” is a classic for a reason. The energetic, old-timey music alone is worth the trip to the theater, leaving earworms for days, and the cute, quirky story seals the deal. Big League’s production was a pleasant reminder of why the show has stood the test of time.
