PlanoMike

Food Czar: I suspect that you saw Meridith Willson, but not the production in McKinney. At curtain call Sunday, the biggest ovation was for the "PICS".

How can anyone singing "Pic a little, talk a little, cheep cheep cheep" be dry and subtle?

In the 1962 movie, which Meridith Willson did strongly influence ( he forced the use of Robert Preston, for one thing), there are even clips of real hens shown, interspersed with the ladies in their giant feathered hats. They make chicken movements, too. Dry and subtle, eh.

As to your comments about the theater rake, Carol, the fact that it seats 999 and allows people to spread out a little probably makes up for a few flat spots.

The wonderful potential of that theater in terms of the use of a fly system, and an excellent lighting system, full orchestra pit, good acoustics, and massive off-stage holding areas for props like the railroad car and the Paroo house weigh toward the use of that facility for this really big production vs. any others I am aware of in that area.

As for Mr. Don High, we have watched him in performances for RTC (Oklahoma, Damn Yankees, and regrettably missed him as Billy Flynn in Chicago) as well as at last years Seven Brides.

His soaring baritone more than makes up for being a few inches shorter than his leading lady. Don seems built for roles that exude charm with a perhaps a little extra testosterone or "slickness".

He also projects that bantam rooster attitude sometimes adopted by feisty, compact men that makes him a very believable as an overachieving salesman that the other salesmen love to hate. I find him totally believable as Harold Hill, or the Devil, or Billy Flynn.

Deanna's portrayal of Marian as a dreamer waiting for "My White Knight" is her own interpretation, and it may be a cooler or dreamier read than you would like, but others have commented that even having sustained kisses that last as long as Harold and Marian's do have in their romantic scenes push the edge of 1912 small town sensibilities. I would have been very disappointed to see Marian and Harold rip each others clothes off.

I personally love the interweaving of "76 Trombones" and "Till There Was You" as the ir respective themes ( did you know that they are the same melodies, in different meter), with Harold taking over and adopting her dreamy, romantic song and Marian singing his words.

At this point I noticed the effective use of the low angled follow spotlight, as their entwined profiles are silhouetted beautifully against the backdrop. Sigh.

( And I usually prefer Bruce Willis movies to "Kleenex flics")

I would like to note that I too have come to consider Meridith Wilsson a genius, and his "five year overnight success" an American jewel.

The orchestra plays the sour notes. It is scored that way. By Mr. Willson, himself. The actors act. The orchestra plays all the notes Willson wrote, as written. Take it up with the maestro, or his legacy.

I am personally very impressed to hear a 30 piece orchestra when I buy a $20 ticket for a community theater production (or an $80 ticket for a Fair Park production).

On the curious side, I wonder if you and Steven made it to the theater and your seats in time for the opening act.

The opening scene of The Music Man, with the travelingsalesmen creating the illusion of a steam locomotive by the interwoven pacing and rhythm of their acapella voices is a very naked and vulnerable performance that risks much to set the background at the beginning of the show.

It also seems like a very advanced concept for the 1950's. Eminem or Vanilla Ice could appreciate this aspect of Willson.

Had you no opinion of that scene, did you miss it entirely, or do you consider it non-essential?

I can't tell by your review.

By the way, Carol, thanks for your review while the show is still playing. One of my pet peeves when reading the local papers and e-zines is reading about something I might like to attend, after it has ended.

Finally, I do agree about the concessions. I think the entire audience might have appreciated the chance for a Coke and a candy bar ( or an Evian and a granola bar).

I heard the standing ovation, too. It sounded more like a marching, stomping, "I Want to be in the Band" sort of ovation to me.

I think that is exactly what Meridith Willson was shooting for.

That is exactly what was delivered.

By a bunch of volunteers with stars in their eyes and trombones in their ears.

I support and attend community theater, including Rover Dramawerks, and I have never before seen a production attempt so much, and succeed in so many places.

Those haven't seen the show, order your tickets and get there early, because that stomping, clapping, singing crowd is liable to come back with their friends on Friday night.

Disclaimer: While Iam not a member of the Mckinney Summer Musicals Board, nor a producer or director, or a relative of Don or Deanna, I am not impartial for many reasons.

I did watch and listen to the entire show, and heard what the audience had to say afterward.

I consider them to be the final authority.

Maybe some more of them will contribute their impressions to round things out.

Thanks again for supporting ( and publicizing) community theater.