The Music Man

Sure, they've got trouble in River City, but we've got remarkable talent, right here in Rhode Island.

Director and choreographer Richard Sabellico's production of "The Music Man," now at Theatre By The Sea, is a bustling assortment of gorgeous show-stopping numbers and features a cast of superlative singers, sensational dancers and a friendly, familiar storyline that's fun for all ages and never gets old. With an almost three-hour running time (including intermission), it makes for a long night out, but it's worth every second.

With book, music and lyrics by Meredith Willson and story by Willson and Franklin Lacey, the "The Music Man" won the Tony Award for Best Musical when it premiered on Broadway in 1957 with Robert Preston, who reprised his role in the 1962 film starring Shirley Jones and a very young Ron Howard. Its soundtrack includes the show tune classics "Seventy-Six Trombones," "Trouble," and "Till There Was You."

The brilliant opening scene, "Rock Island," presents an ornery group of traveling salesmen on board a train en route to River City, Iowa, where the conversation turns to Professor Harold Hill, an infamous con man who poses as a band leader and convinces parents to pony up cash for their children's instruments and uniforms, then skips town before nary a note is played or heard.

The superb Jason Ostrowski plays the charismatic Professor, whose incorrigible charm has a ripple effect among the typically standoffish River City townspeople. There are, however, a few who remain skeptical, including the irrepressibly inarticulate Mayor Shinn (the always funny and feisty Tom Gleadow), and especially the town's librarian, Marian, played by the exquisite, angelic Tiffan Borelli, whose voice is nothing short of extraordinary.

While Harold manages to dodge Shinn's henchmen (the delightful, dashing barbershop quartet of Mike Maino, Joe Connelly, Jamie Jones and Bob O'Connell) with the assistance of former partner-in-crime, Marcellus (an admirably antsy Michael Perrie, Jr.), he tries to work his magic on Marian, who rejects his advances despite having already won over her mother, Ms. Paroo (an enchanting Maria Day), and shy younger brother, Winthrop (Patrick Conaway, adorably intense).

As the transformed town is overcome with anticipation, Harold's checkered past appears to be catching up with him, yet his feelings for Marian, who perhaps knows more than she lets on, preclude him from making a quick exit. Meanwhile, his fortuitous influence on everyone in River City, including Marian and her family, is indisputable and recognizably commendable. Most importantly, the evident romance commences with Borelli and Ostrowski's tender rendition of "Till There Was You."

Every song and dance routine bursts with color and extravagance, courtesy of Kyle Dixon's stunning set and Jeff Hendry's magnificent costumes. I was continuously amazed by the cast's boundless energy and how they managed to move so purposefully and seamlessly within the small stage space. While there too many unforgettable moments to mention, highlights include "Seventy-Six Trombones," "Marian the Librarian," and "Shipoopi."

Worthy of special mention among the impressive ensemble are Chelsea Cree Goen and Taylor Simmons as cute couple Zaneeta and Tommy, and Lorinda Lisitza's wonderfully whimsical portrayal of Eulalie, Mayor Shinn's brassy wife.

With its exceptionally talented cast, tremendous energy and old-fashioned, heartwarming story, Theatre By The Sea's "The Music Man" is an absolute triumph.

"The Music Man" runs thru July 15 at Theatre By The Sea, 364 Cards Pond Road in Wakefield. For information and tickets, call 401-782-8587 or visit www.theatrebythesea.com