The Music Man

Synopsis

Professor Harold Hill is a gilt-edged con artist, whose presence in River City, Iowa, changes the life of the credulous townspeople forever when he organises a boy’s band in order to sell them non-existent musical instruments.

This Meredith Wilson’s affectionate slice of folksy Americana features the show-stopping songs “Trouble”, “Till there was you” and “76 Trombones”.

 

Director: Chris Prosser

Assistant Director: Audrey Johns          Musical Director: Marian Harries

                                              

 

Review – Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society

“ The Music Man ”

 

A combination of youthful exuberance and seasoned experience was the hallmark of MHAOS’s entertaining production of “The Music Man” which was obviously much enjoyed by the enthusiastic audience.

 

Used to the dimensions of the currently out-of-action Torch Theatre, the company none the less coped well with the much more limited space of Milford Haven School hall’s stage.  From the start the pace was good which was due in no small measure to the ability of musical director/conductor, Marian Harries, who together with the excellent orchestra pushed the action along at the tempo which the complicated musical score required.  Whilst every musical of course a team effort involving production and backstage personnel as well as the on-stage cast, the success of a show like “The Music Man”, by virtue of its plot, depends very heavily on the performance of the leading man.  In casting Daniel Bower as the wheeler-dealer con man Harold Hill, the company struck gold.  With regard to every aspect of this large and demanding pivotal role, Daniel was truly terrific, making it look so deceptively easy.  He was well backed up by the rest of the cast.  Karen Barker’s lovely voice was as ever a delight to listen to and she did full justice to her musical numbers as Marian Paroo, the woman who eventually steals Harold’s heart.  Playing her young brother, Winthrop, Matthew Cooper gave an assured and believable performance displaying a natural stage presence.  Terri Harrison as their mother was equally engaging and convincing in this character part.

 

As Mayor Shinn and his formidable wife, Eulalie, Geoff McCarthy and Val Arnold displayed all the required energy and verve, as did Roxanne Kehoe, Helen Williams, Carys Jenkins and Sharalyn Jenkins as the four prominent townswomen.  The barbershop quartet of Keith Luke, Charles Owen, David Coates and Charlie Cooper were likewise an always fun presence on stage, coupled with their harmonious offerings. 

Nick Parry, Nathan Davies, Katie Hillier, Luke Broughton and Alan Spence all played their parts well and convincingly, as did Emily Lloyd and Bethan Davies who were delightful as Winthrop’s female “interest”.

A hard-working chorus added much to the overall production, as did the simple but effective choreography of Margaret Harries.  The costumes were attractive and the scenery very good.  Director Chris Prosser, Assistant Director Audrey Johns and Musical Director Marian Harries are to be congratulated on yet again putting together an enjoyable and successful show.

                                                                                                               Jenny White 

 

Review by Noda Rep. Mr. Brian Slate (District Six)

This was my first visit to this society.  The Torch Theatre where they usually perform was undergoing major refurbishment so the show was performed at the local secondary school.

Not having seen this show before I didn’t quite now what to expect, but from the time the orchestra struck up I knew I was in for a very enjoyable evening.  The very large cast of varying age groups played and performed with great vigour, enthusiasm and commitment and showed that they were obviously enjoying themselves at the same time.  The leading role of Harold Hill was played by Daniel Bower who impressed with his diction, movement and singing.  He received good support from Karen Barker, Nathan Davies and Nick Parry who played the parts of Marian Paroo, Marcellus Washburn and Charlie Cowell respectively.  Convincing performances were also given by Geoff McCarthy as Mayor Shinn, Val Arnold as Eualalie Mackecknie Shinn and Terri Harrison as Mrs Paroo.  I thought the male quartet of Charles Owen, David Coates, Keith Luke and Charlie Cooper were well cast and added humour to many of the scenes.

The finale of the show was particularly rousing, enforcing the audience to tap their feet and sending them home singing seventy six trombones.

Congratulations to the production team for their efforts in putting on this big show with so little room to work with.  Well done.  The young orchestra, under the baton of Marion Harries certainly created the right atmosphere.

Thank you Milford for the splendid hospitality and I look forward to meeting you again in the not so distant future.

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