The Music Man opened Feb. 21 with a pint-sized pit orchestra, slick as a whistle performances, and a full complement of production values.
Costumes, set, and lights fully support the polished cast. Michael Elich as Harold Hill embodies that classic, American standard, the traveling salesman. He sings, he dances, he tricks his way into the townspeople's pockets and very nearly fools River City's lovely librarian, played by Gwendolyn Mulamba.
Choreography by Darren Lee is spot-on and nicely delivered by the cast, especially Eddie Lopez in the role of Tommy and local high school student Ana Marcu as Gracie. The musical's opening number sets a high standard, with traveling salesmen snapping their newspapers and rocking in the railway carriage. Lee's treatment of the dance number in the library found actors whizzing around the stage atop book carts and dancing through the stacks, to the delight of the nearly full opening night house.
Director Bill Rauch brought one of America's preeminent deaf actors to Ashland for The Music Man, Howie Seago. The two worked with a sign master to develop the character of Marcellus Washburn. Seago's highly-honed skills are not merely a nod to diversity, his performance sparks laughter and pathos and insight, for audiences both hearing and non-hearing.
OSF Artistic Director Bill Rauch put it all together for this show, and the show was rewarded with a rousing, standing ovation. This is the caliber of work we've come to expect from Ashland. Don't look here for evidence of emotional depression or economic recession. Harness the energy of the Wells Fargo Wagon song, and who needs a stimulus package?