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YOUNGSTOWN playhouse Not to pick a little, but ‘Music Man’ needs excitement to match cast’s great singing
By Eric McCrea
The Youngstown Playhouse, kicking off its 92nd season, brings back the classic family favorite “The Music Man.”
This fondly known musical tells the tale of Harold Hill, played by Donny Wolford, a philandering traveling salesman, who finds himself in River City, Iowa, eager to bilk the plethora of small-town denizens.
Masked as a marching-band instructor, he convinces the Riverites that trouble is on the horizon, but a boys’ marching band will solve everything.
One by one, the unsuspecting townspeople fall for Hill’s deception, but the local librarian/piano teacher, Marian (Amber Cole) doesn’t buy it for a second.
“The Music Man” is filled with memorable songs, and the Youngstown Playhouse showed that its cast has the vocal talent to pull off unforgettable shows like this.
Big numbers such as “76 Trombones” and “Ya Got Trouble” had the stage filled to the brim with the more than 50-member cast.
The gentlemen started off strong with “Rock Island,” and the singing was top notch from then on.
The ladies showed they were no slouches with the complicated and layered “Pick-a-Little, Talk-a-Little” and later again with its reprise.
Musical director Tyler Clark has guided a fine ensemble. While the larger group numbers lost some precision in diction, they were quite adept at remaining in key with enthusiasm.
Carrying the show, Wolford was a natural as the dubious Harold Hill. Practically born for the role, Wolford delivered an impressive performance, despite the lack of challenge for him.
Cole had no difficulty keeping stride alongside Wolford. Her dulcet voice was aptly highlighted in songs such as “Piano Lesson” and “My White Knight.”
Jeremy Sanfrey, who played young Winthrop Paroo, delivered an excellent performance, with an adorable singing voice. His big song, “Gary, Indiana,” was packed to the brim with charm. He seemed to be wiser than the average bloke his age, giving depth and validity to his backstory.
Other standout performances were delivered by the board-turned-barbers quartet. Ed Phillips, Eric Chevlen, Joe Malys and Vijay Welch-Young showed great harmonic skill and proved to be an audience favorite.
Garnering honorable mentions were Laurie Evans Smith as Mrs. Shinn and Kathleen C. Sanfrey as Mrs Paroo. Both brought unique qualities to their characters, making them easy to pick out of the large crowd.
While the singing was great, what this show lacked was excitement during the scenes and choreography.
Several scene changes were a bit long, but the biggest issue was simple choreography that seemed to just be filling time. Big numbers such as “Shipoopi” and “The Wells Fargo Wagon,” which should have been showstoppers, were visually unimpressive.
Dialogue also lacked luster, which can be trouble with a capital T for a period piece.
Overall, this production was a substantial undertaking. With a very large cast, many of whom are young performers, great singing and cuteness is sure to satisfy your entertainment needs.
“The Music Man” runs Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. until Sept 25.
For reservations, call 330-788-8739.