Review # 31: The Music Man

 More than two years later, I'm finally back to write another review. This time I got to see The Music Man, starring Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster. Is it as good as they say? Find out in this review! 

Plot: For those who do not know, The Music Man is a revival of the 1957 musical with the same name. It is also similar to the 1962 movie and the 2003 made-for-television movie with the same name as well. The story is about a man named Harold Hill visiting River City, Iowa in 1912. Harold a con-man who convinces the town that they need to start a band in order to protect their children from playing a dangerous game of pool. Harold's scheme is to collect their money to buy musical interments and uniforms for the children and then run off with the money and go to the next town. However, Marian, a music teacher/librarian sees through Harold's charms and realizes that he is a fraud. When Marian is just about to tell the mayor of Harold's lies, she sees her quiet younger brother, Winthrop get excited about the band. Will Harold get away with his crimes? Or will Marian bring out the good in Harold? Find out in The Music Man! I thought it was a really fun story! Especially fans of both movies would really enjoy how they told this classic story. Even if you haven't seen the show, you should definitely see it to watch this musical story unfold. 

Characters: One thing I enjoyed about the show, is the relationships between Harold Hill (Hugh Jackman) and the children that were in the show. Despite being a con-man, Harold liked being in the children's company. I thought Hugh Jackman played a fun, charming Harold Hill, however, I kind of wished that he acted a bit more cunning and mischievous at times. The way that Sutton played Marian was spot-on. The audience understands Marian's annoyance towards Harold but it is so emotional to see how Harold has impacted not only her but her brother, Winthrop. The children and the townsfolk were a big help in making this show so enjoyable for everyone who sees it. Their show-stopping dances were amazing and it will leave you clapping for all the children as they dance to the songs. Even if the story does not sound appealing, you must see the show to understand how talented and entertaining this cast is. 

Songs: The song in this show is breathtaking. Some of the songs I would like to highlight are "Ya Got Trouble", "Seventy-Six Trombones", "Marian The Librarian", "The Sadder-But-Wiser Girl", "Pick-a-Little (Talk-a-Little)", "The Wells Fargo Wagon", "Shipoopi", "Gary, Indiana", "Till There Was You" and "Lida Rose". However, I do like to point out that there are several long dance breaks between some of the songs in the show. Despite this, all of the dance breaks during the songs are spectacular as you watch Harold, Marian, and the rest of the townsfolk dance to all the songs. After the show, you might be singing and dancing along to the songs of the show. 

Sets: The sets were the only disappointing thing in the show. Instead of feeling like you were in a town, it felt more like the show took place inside a barn or even in an empty space at some point. I understand Broadway sets are harder to design for, but I felt that there was so much more potential for these sets. However, there where some scenes in the show where I liked the sets, such as the library or the gym. I even liked how they made the sets for "The Wells Fargo Wagon" scene. Even though the sets were not the best, do not let that stop you to see this amazing show. 

Overall, The Music Man is a timeless classic that you must see. This show is perfect for everyone! Children, teens, and adults will definitely like to see this show. Fans of the original movies would also enjoy this show, as you can spot the similarities in them. So go and get your tickets to see The Music Man!