Musical Monday: The Music Man

(Originally posted on Minnesota Theater Love)

I have a confession to make. I have yet to see the Guthrie's production of this show. In fact, I think I have only seen two productions of this show in my whole life. Yet I think, like most people, I have a soft spot for this show. Some of the songs may not be favorites of mine, but there are so many great, catchy tunes that you can't help but smile through most of the show.



Speaking of the show, I am sure you all know the story. The Music Man was written, lyrics, book, and music, by Meredith Wilson. It opened on Broadway in 1957 and played 1375 performances closing in 1961. It was nominated for a total of nine Tony Awards and walked away with six of them - including Best Musical (against West Side Story, and New Girl In Town), Best Actor (Robert Preston in his first musical and getting his first Tony Award), Best Featured Actor (David Burns playing Mayor Shinn), Best Featured Actress (Barbara Cook [her 2nd Tony Award]), and Best Conductor and Musical Director (what happened to that award?).  It was made into a film in 1962 with Robert Preston reviving his role, Shirley Jones in the Barbara Cook role, and included both Hermione Gingold and Ron Howard. The film was nominated for a few Oscars but only took home one. The show had a short revival at City Center in 1980 with Dick Van Dyke taking over the Harold Hill role. It was also revived in a Susan Stroman production in 2000. This production was nominated for eight Tony Awards, and it starred Craig Bierko (in his Broadway debut), and Rebecca Luker. Finally it was made into a TV production with Matthew Broderick and Kristen Chenoweth in 2003. This production was produced by Neil Meron and Craig Zadan. It was directed by Jeff Bleckner and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall. Of these various productions and films, with the exception of the City Center production, they all have recordings. That being written - I only have the original cast recording on CD, I have heard the two film versions, and I am looking forward to hearing the Craig Bierko version at some point.

So in this case when it comes to cast recordings, I believe the original is the best. As good as Matthew Broderick is, Robert Preston is so singular the role is his...no matter what. The musical starts with a brief overture that goes right into "Rock Island". You may know "Rock Island" as one of the few rap songs on Broadway - and yes, I said rap. After all it is a song spoken in rhythm. This song is so clever because the way it is spoken creates the rhythm of a train starting out from a station, gaining in speed, and slowing down to reach River City. So perfect. It introduces Harold Hill as seen by other characters. This is followed up by "Iowa Stubborn", a charming little number about what the people of Iowa are like. Then one of the best known numbers in the whole show - "Ya Got Trouble." What I find really fantastic about this show is that Harold Hill is a salesperson. The first few songs that he has in the show have a lot of patter. The longer he stays and slowly falls in love with Marian, his songs become more melodic.

Now, speaking of Marian. We get introduced to her in "Piano Lesson" which is followed by "Goodnight My Someone." Now - here is the thing about Barbara Cook. She is one-of-a-kind when it comes to singing and inhabiting a character. As Seth Rudetsky has stated, her voice is so natural that her singing sounds like her speaking in melody. Perfect. The other thing that these two songs have in common is that they are both performed with a basic piano part underneath - as played by the character of Amaryllis in her lessons. So clever and smart.

From there the show opens up. The next song is the big rousing "Seventy-Six Trombones." Even after hearing it numerous times, it still fills me with excitement and joy. After this number more people start singing - the quartet with "Sincere", a amusing patter song "The Sadder But Wiser Girl For Me" sung by Hill, and the ladies gossiping with "Pick-A-Little, Talk-A-Little." The quartet comes back in with "Goodnight Ladies" and is followed by one of my favorite songs - "Marian the Librarian." It is sweet, charming and just plain fun. Marian has another solo with "My White Knight." This song has been considered to be one of the more honest love songs around. It takes an honest look at what makes a good, solid relationship. "A man who takes more interest in me instead of him, and more interest in us than me" - what more could you ask for? Well, I guess you could ask for a more easy melody but the melody fits the song perfectly and draws your ears into the lyrics. Act one ends with a rouser - "Wells Fargo Wagon" in which the instruments arrive. And here is one of the small problems I have with this show also arrives. It is the role of Winthrop. The character in the TV production makes him have a lisp - which is what he should have. The Broadway cast has him sound like Sylvester the Cat - so over the top. Of course, this is also the start of the change in Marian. She sees the joy that the instruments bring to the town, especially Winthrop, and there you have it.

Act Two starts with a charming ballad sung by the quartet - "It's You." This turns into the rousing dance number "Shipoopi." The next song is the second time, at least, where the quartet starts a song and lays down a melody. Then a second group or song gets sung, and eventually get sung over the quartets's melody. In this case the quartet sings "Lida Rose" while Marian starts singing her first real love song "Will I Ever Tell You?' These sorts of songs make me so happy.  Think of "Old-Fashioned Wedding" from Annie Get Your Gun, or even "You're Just In Love" from Call Me Madam. Irving Berlin was a fantastic creator of these sorts of counterpoint songs.

Trouble certainly comes to River City after this. One of the salesmen from the train in the opening number comes back to town to cause trouble. Marian stands up to him and starts to have second thoughts. Harold Hill and Marian realize that love can conquer all. The classic love song "Till There Was You" is one of the last songs of the show. This has been covered by so many people - from Peggy Lee to the Beatles.

Of course the show has a happy ending. I mean, what is a classic musical without a happy ending? It becomes all about providing inspiration to a community. Also, even if the band doesn't sound good - the parents are so proud of their kids that it makes no difference to them. Just like all parents - proud of the achievements of their children. The Music Man is a classic musical and really any recording you own will be a good one. Personally I would start with the original cast. It is near perfect.