Ya Got Trouble (JCC CenterStage)

Aug 18

3 min read

The Music Man Book, Music and Lyrics by Meredith Willson Based on a story by Meredith Willson and Franklin Lacey Concert Adaptation by Evans Haile Directed by Erin Silliman A review by Kate Barry

The folks of River City, Iowa sure can be stubborn. Cold and stand offish, this community sticks with what they know and does not care for new things. So, what happens when a stranger with big, fancy ideas comes to town and sold an idea that may or may not be real? CenterStage at the Trager Family JCC answers these questions with the lighthearted take on The Music Man.

Billed as part of the Classics in Concert series at the community center, the sixteen piece orchestra is literally the main focal point and earns every right to be. Conducted with dynamic vigor by John Austin Clark, this strong and melodious ensemble showcases the wide variety of styles within Meredith Willson’s opus. The performance by these musicians is a fitting tribute and celebration of what music is and how transformative it can be.

At the helm of The Music Man is Harold Hill with Alex Craig reprising the role from a previous pre-Covid season. Confident, sly and always three steps ahead, Craig’s so-called Professor is irresistibly slick in every sales pitch and stunt whether it be “Ya Got Trouble” or“Seventy Six Trombones.” While Harold’s cons weave lies and deceit throughout the town, his pal Marcellus played by Scott Goodman is weary of the ordeal. Goodman brings out his comedic chops as the conman’s man on the inside so-to-speak. He is energetic and nearly cartoon like during the vaudevillian “Sadder but Wiser girl” number and I’d be amiss if I didn’t mention his lead vocal in “Shipoopi.”

As Marcellus assist Hill with his twists and turns, the con is nearly exposed several times.

Hill finds a worthy adversary in Katie Kennedy’s Marian, a rigid librarian reluctant of tricks and schemes. Kennedy brings a protective older sister to the traumatized yet endearing Winthrop, played by the adorable Kahler Bliss. Kennedy does not let Marian’s stern attitude overrule the librarian. When matched with her mother, played with sharp wit and timing by Kristy Calman, her defenses are lowered and her dreams come to light. Smart and independent, Kennedy’s portrayal knows the truth about Hill’s visit to the small town which sways her motives as the two build a romance. Kennedy and Craig share nice chemistry that reaches a pitch on the bridge in their rendition of “Till there was you,” a lovely moment of truth and understanding.

But Marian is not the only person effected by Harold Hill’s con, he weaves lies and deceit that effects the whole town. Larry Singer’s Mayor Shinn is baffled, flustered and utters some of the most comical lines in the play with the most stern of deliveries. His frustrations for Harold Hill carry over to his giddy daughter Zaneeta and her new beau Tommy, played with glee by Addison Angermeier and Aidan Brooks respectively.

While the mayor may be aghast, the school board is hot on Hill’s trail. Believing every lie, the school board unwittingly takes the shape of a barbershop quartet at Harold’s command; Taylor Dant, Greg Bruce, AJ Bellis and Bradyn Gundle bring a tight harmony with charming tones in “Sincere” and “Lida Rose.” While Hill builds a quartet out of the Mayor’s lackeys, the mayors wife Eulalie and her cohort play willfully into his hands. Mitzi Wood, Whitney Alexander, Jenny Cunningham and Jasmine Estrada flutter through the staccato and gossip of “Pick-a-little, Talk-a-little” with a fun and energetic chirp.

In the end, Harold Hill is discovered to be a con man.

While he may not have delivered on music lessons for the children of River City, he gives a change in perspective of what is possible. While the change isn’t physical, the change of heart is evident.

Music Man CenterStage at the Trager Family JCC August 18, 22, 24, 25 3600 Dutchmans Ln Louisville, KY 40205 jcclouisville.org/centerstage