Review: THE MUSIC MAN Celebrates Good Old Fashioned American Dreams

THE MUSIC MAN with Book. Music and Lyrics by Meredith Willson continues to be one of the most-loved American musicals of all time, regularly performed on stages across the country. The plot concerns con man Harold Hill, who poses as a boys' band organizer and leader who sells band instruments and uniforms to naive Iowa townsfolk, promising to train the children to play in a band. But Harold is no musician and plans to skip town without giving any music lessons. Prim librarian and piano teacher Marian sees through him, but when Harold helps her younger brother overcome his lisp and social awkwardness, Marian begins to fall in love. Harold risks being caught in his lies to win her heart. Along the way we are treated to some of the most incredible songs ever written for the stage including the iconic "Seventy-Six Trombones" and "Till There Was You."

In the Aerospace Players production currently onstage at the James Armstrong Theater in Torrance, Jason Stout and Karin Fraser tackle the roles of Harold and Marian with great enthusiasm, with Fraser's lovely soprano marvelously filling the theater. Stout seems a bit too reserved in the role, often rushing the lyrics causing him to be out of step with the orchestra. Hopefully with a few performances under his belt, Stout will loosen up and just let his energy free flow through the role next weekend.

Many of the supporting players steal the show including Lisa Stout as the incredibly Irish Mrs. Paroo who pushes her single daughter Marian to take a chance on love while encouraging her son Winthrop to come out of his shell. Stout's real-life son Benjamin very capably handles the role of Winthrop Paroo right down to the iconic lisp required during his solos "Gary Indiana" and "The Wells Fargo Wagon." He may not be a well-trained singer, but he certainly displays all the enthusiasm needed to sell the catchy tunes. And keeping their love of theatre all in the family, Jason and Lisa Stout's four children all have parts in the production!

Youngster Brenna Piller capability handles mimicking Amaryllis' piano playing during her lesson with Marian. John Nolan sincerely bumbles his way through Mayor Shinn's many non sequiturs while Sherry Erickson portrays his wife Eulalie admirably, especially with her team of Iowa ladies singing "Pick-a-Little, Talk-a-Little" complete with beautiful hats upon which the most elegant feathers bop along with each "cheep, cheep, cheep.' The School Board/Barbershop Quartet harmonizes beautifully throughout the show, adding a real touch of Americana to the entire production.

Assistant Director Kevin Wheaton portrays anvil salesman Charlie Cowell in the most outlandish, loud plaid suit thanks to costume coordinator Susan Norris. Wheaton leads the rest of the travelling salesmen in the show-opening, exquisite acapella rendition of "Rock Island" and later appears to assist the town in capturing the conniving Harold Hill. As Marcellus Washburn, Matt Garber brings real excitement to the rousing dance number "Shipoopi" and a clever sense of whimsy during "The Sadder-But-Wiser Girl" sung and comically danced with Jason Stout as Harold Hill as he explains his success with lots of women while on the road.

What really makes the production a joy to behold is the intricate and extremely varied choreography designed by Angela Asch who also portrays Zaneeta "Ye-Gods" Shinn to perfection. Director John Woodcock is to be commended for making sure each of the ensembles members, and there are many of all different ages, get a moment in the spotlight during the show either with a line during the many ensemble numbers or a featured spot while dancing.

Grab your entire family and enjoy the celebration, especially hearing the great score performed by a full orchestra conducted by Mark Aguero. Musical director Pat Zuk along and Assistant Musical Director Bob Minnichelli are to be commended for the great harmonies achieved not only by the leads but also by the entire ensemble.

The Aerospace Players Present THE MUSIC MAN with Book. Music and Lyrics by Meredith Willson for one more weekend on Thursday, July 23 at 7pm, Friday, July 24 at 8pm, and Saturday, July 25 at 8pm at the James Armstrong Theater, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance, Calif. 90503. Tickets are Adults: $24, Seniors and Students $22, with Group Rates $20 for parties of 10 or more. Tickets may be ordered in advance by calling the box office at (310) 781-7171 or purchased there before each performance.

For additional information, visit the Aerospace Players website at www.aeaclubs.org/theater

Photos by John Nolan

Harold Hill (Jason Stout) promies to create a boys' band.

Harold Hill convinces River City, Iowa to trust in his promise.

Marian (Karin Fraser) and Harold Hill (Jason Stout) meet at the foot bridge.