After reading the above headline, many theatregoers will think this review is pointless. To lift us out of our COVID doldrums, two of Broadway’s most beloved stars appear in a wonderful American musical comedy. The Music Man revival was planned long before the pandemic. But its years-long delay only adds to its importance for a badly bruised Broadway in desperate need of a pick-me-up. The production appears to be more of a public service than a theatrical play. If public service is defined as having to pay hundreds of dollars for a seat. Want to know more? Then stay connected and we will give you all the details.
Fans are happy with the announcement
The arrangement that made it happen is, in a way, the most creative aspect of this rebirth. Which was originally produced by Scott Rudin (who had to withdraw after he was virtually cancelled). Rudin cannily cast Hugh Jackman in an appealing con guy Harold Hill. Who succeeds to win over an entire Iowa town through sheer force of will and personality, emulating his mega-successful revival of Hello, Dolly! starring Bette Midler. Add in Sutton Foster as prim librarian Marian, who is lovely and multi-talented, and…ka-ching!
The cast for the Music man
The cast is brimming with talent, with many of the supporting characters appearing to be virtually overqualified for their roles. Jefferson Mays and Jayne Houdyshell as the suspicious mayor and his wife, Shuler Hensley as Hill’s collaborator. Moreover it has Marie Mullen as Marian’s mother are among the Tony Award winners. The joy they appear to take in performing their broad comedic routines is contagious. Although Marian’s socially reclusive younger brother, little actor Benjamin Pajak is lovely, as are the many other children in the ensemble. They sing and dance as if they’ve been treading the boards for decades.
