“The Music Man’ worked

“The Music Man’ worked

EDITOR:

After reading Milan Paurich’s review of “The Music Man” and then seeing the show myself on Sunday afternoon, I must respectfully disagree with his assessment. In fact, he insulted the taste of the thousands of people who went downtown to see a local production and enjoyed it. That was uncalled-for, if not downright rude.

This is a classic musical with singing and dancing, humorous dialogue, and a G rating (if such a thing had existed when it was written). That does not make it “sugary” unless you simply dislike hummable tunes, understandable words, exuberant dancing, and happy endings. Many of us still appreciate such charms.

“The Music Man” was a period piece done well. Ours was not the only multi-generational family in attendance on Mother’s Day, with enthusiastic response.

Paurich panned Amanda Beagle’s characterization of Marian, completing missing the point that she’s supposed to be strait-laced at first, so we can watch the as the “ice princess” melts. She sang and acted her part appropriately, as did Tod Hancock, who in addition to performing the huge leading role also directed a large cast.

Having condemned local talent, local tastes, and every (by inference) local motherhood, your reviewer ignored the talented the school board members, who sang barbershop harmonies with skill and aplomb, as well as the impressive solo dancers.

MARY B. JONES

Youngstown