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Meredith Willson's The Music Man is perhaps one of the most well-known, well loved, and often performed musicals of the American Musical Theatre. Premiering in 1957, the show swept the Tony awards, winning five statues and grabbing the best musical award away from the groundbreaking West Side Story. Since its creation, there have been three Broadway revivals, multiple tours and, of course, the amazing 1962 film version starring Robert Preston and Shirley Jones.
One might think that this wholesome homespun and very American tale might only appeal to a more mature audience's love of nostalgia. This, however, is not the case at all. It is true that the show harkens back to a simpler and more wholesome time period (1912), but the themes and ideas presented are as meaningful and relevant today as they were then. The early 19-teens were a time of peace and prosperity in this country. The late 1950's (when the play was written) was similarly a time of calm and economic development. We'd certainly be hard pressed to say that about our world economic and political climate today. But we would all agree that the world is in a major state of change right now. And whether we like it or not, change is about the only sure thing we can count on. And The Music Man is all about change
and transformation.
The stubborn Iowans of River City are not interested in changing their ways. The community is clearly entrenched in its established way of life, well at least the "grownups." The youth of the town (and our world) are always the ones who want and instigate change. Our hero/villain, Professor Harold Hill, knows and exploits this fact from the very beginning of the play. Harold Hill arrives in River City by chance and challenge as he has heard that these Iowan's are so stubborn that no one can sell them anything "new." Hill is a charismatic, charming con man who loves the thrill of the con as much or more than the money. Throughout the musical Professor Hill manages to charm and transform the town of River City from an insular, rigid place into a spirited and creative one with the promise of creating a boys band. As he successfully wins over most of the town and revels in his own cleverness, his main obstacle, the town Librarian and Piano teacher Marian Paroo completely takes him to a place he never expected, love! So, like any good musical, romance rears its head and wreaks havoc. This time, however, the two are not young lovebirds but adults who had given up on the idea that romantic love might ever be part of their lives again. This unconventional romance and the villain turned hero is one of the major draws of the story.
In addition, the musical has some of the most well-known tunes of all time…"Seventy Six Trombones", "Ya Got Trouble", " Wells Fargo Wagon" and "Shipoopi" made newly famous by the animated TV show "The Family Guy" along with some great Barbershop Quartet songs including "Lida Rose" and "Goodnight Ladies."
The CBT production will feature a cast of 40 including local professionals, CBT resident artists, community members and of course lots of children. The show is directed by guest director Risa Brainin and choreographed by Chicago based Amber Mak. The Music Man is the final show of the CBT 2010-11 season and plays from April 21-May 15.
The University of Tennessee | College of Arts & Sciences | UTK Theatre Department | Knoxville, Tennessee 37996 | 865-974-5161
