“The Music Man” at the Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre is a handsome, lively, warm-hearted production that succeeds, mostly, despite a bland title character.
Jack Rowles offers a small-bore portrayal of the charlatan Prof. Harold Hill -- more charmer than rascal, nary a hint of the outlandish style that has made the con man the bane of the traveling salesmen in the turn-of-the-century Midwest. Rowles’ personality shines in smaller scenes, but he fades into the crowd in the grander tableaux that provide “The Music Man” its zest.
Meredith Willson’s paean to bygone mid-America can still charm although it seems stilted in places. It’s hard, though, not to be stirred when the company launches into the rousing “Seventy-Six Trombones” or to be touched when the River City children appear in their new red band uniforms or when Winthrop, the shy, lisping brother of Marian the librarian, blossoms under the Hill spell.
Despite its soft core, the Shenandoah production, directed by Nolan Haims, boasts a strong ensemble and winning co-stars. The energetic tone is evident from the opening scene, the herky-jerky spoken number ably done by the salesmen on the train.
Amanda Johnson is a radiant Marian, the standoffish spinster-in-training who succumbs to the professor’s charms. Her warm, shimmering soprano is a delight to hear.
Fred Armstrong and Lisa Altomare offer polished comic portrayals of the mayor and his wife. Her foreboding visage is constant even when she and her matronly friends are engaged in loony modern dance routines.
Andrew Leach is touching as Winthrop and Susan McCormack-Pike is his gentle, wise mother. Michael Kitts, Olin Davidson, Brian C. Curl and Marc Ciemewicz are the smooth barbershop quartet.
William Pierson offers stylish sets that make effective use of sliding panels and, with Wm. McConnell Bozman’s lighting, a spectacular starry night. Jennifer Flitton Adams’ costumes are eye-catching. Matthew Gose’s dynamic choreography is especially vigorous in the ensemble scenes.
The orchestra, conducted by Karen Keating, seemed bent on opening night on emulating the bleats and sour notes of one of Hill’s novice bands.
“The Music Man,” which opened Wednesday night continues at Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre through July 8. The box office phone number is 665-4569.