Everyone loves a villain, sometimes more than the hero of a story. But what happens when they are the same character?
In The Music Man, fast-talking salesman-cum-conman Professor Harold Hill goes to River City, Iowa and convinces residents that the answer to all their problems is a marching band for their children. Though the “Professor” of music can’t read a note to save his life, Hill still manages to solicit funds for uniforms and instruments for the marching band. The scheme’s foil is Marian Paroo, the town librarian who is Hill’s only skeptic. Not just her skepticism, but their mutual budding romance throws the plan off track. And even though Hill might be trying to swindle the good Midwestern folk out of their money, in the process he enriches them with a love of music, thus being lauded the town’s hero.
Believe it or not, this is the first time in its 53-year history that the Skylight has presented this classic musical – and they are doing it big. The cast is a record-breaking 37, including 18 children and teens. Skylight favorite Norman Moses stars as Professor Harold Hill. This marks Norman’s 50th production with Skylight. He has been performing with the company since 1972. The Skylight’s beloved artistic director, Bill Theisen, will stage direct the production and Richard Carsey Pam Kriger will assist with music direction and choreography.
The Music Man premiered in 1957 on Broadway and won five Tony Awards, as well as the first Grammy Award for “Best Original Cast Album.” There was also a popular film adaptation in 1962 and a 2003 television remake.
Theisen proclaims, “It has everything….wonderful characters, hilarious dialogue, glorious music and a huge cast.” I prodded a bit more, to learn why The Music Man has remained a classic for so many years.
JK: Why do you think this people love this musical so much?
BT: Because it has iconic characters that everyone can relate to in some way. It also has a genuine Midwestern flavor that is completely authentic because of [playwright] Meredith Willson being so true to his Iowa roots. And finally, it has one of the best scores ever written for a Broadway musical.
JK: Is Skylight putting any new spin on it or is this a traditional staging?
BT: We have added a few new touches here and there that highlight the individual strengths of our cast. I think the most exciting aspect of the Skylight production is the fact that we can present such an intimate, exciting version of this very large scale musical. The show fills the Cabot Theatre in every way.
JK: For people who haven’t seen this, can you compare Harold Hill to another pop culture figure?
BT: That is a very good question – perhaps he might resemble a much more likeable version of Donald Trump.
JK: Is the con scheme or the love story the major plot? Can you expand a bit on any other themes of the musical?
BT: They are both part of the major plot and the question is which one will win out. Interesting, we are rooting for Harold Hill all the way even though he is not the nicest character in the world of musical theatre. But then as Marian warms up, we are rooting for her as well. One of my other favorite aspects of the story is seeing this small, stubborn Iowa town come to life because of what Harold Hill has brought to them, especially the character of Winthrop Paroo –he truly blossoms before our eyes.
JK: Why hasn’t the Skylight ever done this musical?
BT: Only because it is one of the largest shows in the Broadway canon of musicals and we needed to find the right time to bring all of these elements together. Fortunately, this was the year!
The Music Man is playing now though December 18 at the Broadway Theatre Center (158 North Broadway). For tickets, call 414-291–7800 or click here.
One More Not To Miss
Art vs. Craft – In its 8th year, Art vs. Craft is Milwaukee’s largest and most anticipated shopping event for local, handmade goods. It will take place Saturday, Nov. 26 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (1047 N. Broadway) with over 100 vendors from Milwaukee, Chicago and more. Event entrance is on the corner of Highland & Broadway and admission is $4.
Follow me on twitter @jkashou for more insider tips, events and happenings around town. Or, tip me off to an event you know of that you’d like me to cover.
