Step into the toe-tapping new production of The Music Man at Marriott Theatre, where classic songs and lively choreography bring small-town America to life. You’ll be singing “Gary, Indiana” all the way home!
Fans of the golden age of Broadway are in luck! Marriott Theatre’s new production of The Music Man features famous songs, incredible talent, fun costumes, and intricate ensemble numbers that you are going to love.
A six-time Tony Award-winning musical written by Meredith Willson and first performed on Broadway in 1957, this contemporary to shows like Oklahoma and Carousel is a family-friendly piece that you may have watched on film a dozen times over the years – or maybe that’s just me. A favorite show of my mom’s when I was a child, Shirley Jones, Robert Preston, and a young Ron Howard were staples of my childhood.
The Music Man is a story about Harold Hill, a con artist, who arrives in a small Iowa town with a plan to continue his ruse of selling music lessons, instruments, and uniforms to children and taking off with the money without having taught a note. The truth is that while he is exceptionally charming and good at situational sleight-of-hand, he knows absolutely nothing about music.
Once there, he meets various townspeople including the music teacher and librarian, Marian Paroo (an “old-maid” he becomes enchanted with), her younger brother Winthrop Paroo (who doesn’t like to speak because he has a lisp), and Mayor Shinn, who is continually asking for proof of his credentials to no avail.
While in town, Harold Hill forms a singing quartet out of men who despise each other, builds confidence in the local ladies’ club such that they perform for the town, and inspires the children, including Winthrop, who ends up singing out and proud multiple times.
So, is he a bad guy? Does he deserve a comeuppance or a happily ever after? Let’s just say, it ends as every classic Broadway musical usually does.
With timeless songs like “Ya Got Trouble,” “Seventy-Six Trombones,” “Marian the Librarian,” “Gary, Indiana,” and “Till There Was You,” Marriott’s production brings all of the nostalgia.
While there is tons of talent on the stage at all times, the best numbers of this show are those where the ensemble is participating. With large dance sequences that incorporate visually pleasing pastel-toned costumes, it’s hugely entertaining for the audience. There are also very cute moments where the quartet of men are singing, the gaggle of women are trying to perform, and when the mayor’s daughter shadows everything he does.
All of this said, the shining light of this production is KJ Hippensteel as Harold Hill. His charm and magnetism keep all of the townspeople engaged as well as the audience. He is funny, witty, and charismatic, not just with the lyrics or script, but with the visual additions he offers to each moment. He is a joy to watch.
One of the pieces where all of this comes together is during “Marian the Librarian” – one of the most entertaining numbers I’ve seen in a long time. Mr. Hippensteel’s physical agility along with the entire cast of children and an overwhelmed Marian Paroo (played by Alexandra Silber) leaves an indelible grin on your face. It is funny, acrobatic, clever, and holds just the right note throughout the entire song. It is brilliant.
Whether you were first introduced to characters of The Music Man through Schmigadoon! on Apple TV+ or through the 1962 movie, this show is where it started. Come watch the original and see how it all began!
Marriott Theatre: The Music Man – The Music Man is playing at Marriott Theatre through 6/2/2024. Tickets can be purchased through the Marriott Theatre website or by calling (847) 634-0200. Marriott Theatre is located at 10 Marriott Drive in Lincolnshire, IL.
