Evolve Theatrics' fun and festive production of Meredith Wilson’s The Music Man is a celebration of nostalgia and hit songs (Till There Was You, Goodnight My Someone, 76 Trombones, Trouble…) This tale of the con man that wakes up a stubborn Iowa town with his infectious enthusiasm and slick salesmanship brings back fond memories of my high school production where I played the Mayor’s Wife, Eulalie.
Sallee Kallenbach earns the laughs in that role. One of my favorite parts was the intentionally awkward choreography for Eulalie and her Del Sarte dance ladies. The opening salesman-train number was also a choreographic treat, more complex than the simple bouncing I’ve seen before. Kudos to choreographers Andrew Muylle and Lauren Mudry for these and all the other choreography that got this large cast of 42 (aged 7 to 70+) moving, bringing the large Lakewood High School stage to life.
Harold Hill was impressively played by Nick Kreider whose operatic training/experience put extra luster on his songs. Marion the Librarian played by Lindsay Campbell, was another with operatic cred on display, at first prim and stand-offish, but later seeing through Hill’s scam to the faith and heart behind it. Marion’s mom, Widow Paroo (Abbie Tykocki) dispensed her motherly admonitions and wisecracks with style, and a polished Irish accent.
Andrew Muylle was an engaging Marcellus, Harold’s partner in crime, with his fun-loving girlfriend Ethel Toffelmeier (Christine Glassman); Lucas Whitlock and Leah Thelen were cute as the rebellious teens Tommy and Zaneeta upsetting gruff mayor Marty Snitgen; Kayla Campbell was a winsome Amaryllis and Liam Grams earned the spotlight for formerly shy Winthrop with his confident “Gary Indiana.”
Perhaps the highlight of the show was the charming Barbershop Quartet: Bill Henson, Don Graybiel, Nathan Tykocki and Jordan Taylor. It’s a hoot how easily Harold can trick them into distraction through song. The first three are trained musicians, and Jordan is just… the cherry on top, vocally and figuratively. I was told he doesn’t read music but has a wonderful voice, more soprano than tenor, and the pros blended him in for that barbarshop sound, with a little extra flair.
Director Helen Hart and Music Director Kait Wilson can be proud of this production, set against a fully orchestrated recorded track. Only TWO MORE CHANCES to see this show! 7pm Saturday and 2pm Sunday.
Lakewood High School in Lake Odessa is pretty far west, but easy to find — straight out Saginaw, M-43. (Rumor has it Evolve is planning a move east for future shows!)
Audience members are encouraged to wear masks. Tickets at http://www.evolvetheatrics.com. You can pick your own seats. Adults $20; children (18 and under) and seniors (60+) $15.