The high school’s fall musical, “The Music Man”, hadn’t even started yet and I was already sent back in time to the early 1910s; with actors roaming the auditorium seats before the show, I was stuck between being confused and very amused. They rambled nonsense about anvils, biscuits, and skyrocketing prices.
The increasingly loud music coming from the pit put me into the old fashioned mindset and I was ready for the show. My favorite song of the night, “Rock Island”, ended up being the first; it featured the traveling salesmen all of whom were very engaging and humorous.
The plot featured lead Ethan Knust, 12, who played Harold Hill, a con artist attempting to make money by selling musical instruments to the townspeople’s children. While on their endeavor Marian Paroo, the town’s librarian, played by Quorynn Harris, 10, catches Hill’s attention; the rest of the plot follows the story between them.
Knust’s performance shocked me; they delivered lines with such wit and charisma that caught the entire audience’s attention. Harris’ voice was mesmerizing due to the maturity and confidence demonstrated.
The set was well put together with the main backdrop being the town square and parts of the act featuring a library, train, and the Paroo’s house. I could really notice the time and effort that went into the set and I think it paid off. However, aspects of the set did have some technical difficulties during the show; for example in the library scene there was a mishap with the bookshelves.
Another neat element of this musical was the incorporation of elementary and middle school students. I feel like this really brought the show to life by adding another level of entertainment and engagement; the students were hard to hear at some parts but overall did a great job.
The chemistry between Knust and Zachary Vasser, 11, playing Marcellus Washburn, was unmatched. The duet “Sadder But Wiser Girl” was well done and the work put into the song was clear. Vasser also stood out during “Shipoopi” bringing even more laughs and smiles to the audience.
The costumes worn by everyone were very fitting of the time period and all seemed to fix their characters fairly well. The hats worn by the actors were my favorite part as they included them in the choreography.
Of course I have to mention the unforgettable Quartet that always seemed to come in at the right time to loosen tensions and create more problems. I think that the singers did a fabulous job and really submerged themselves in their roles.
All in all I feel like this musical is a must see. The entire theater department did a great job and their hard work could be noticed from the back of the auditorium.
“The Music Man” will be performed at 7 p.m Nov. 17 and 18 in the High School auditorium. Tickets can be purchased online for eight dollars or in person for nine dollars.
