The Music Man
at James Madison HS

Reviewed on May 3, 2014

Emilia Brennan
Oakton High School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Fairfax

"He's just a bang-beat, bell-ringing, big haul, great go, neck-or-nothin', rip roarin', every time a bull's eye salesman." Yes sir, that's Professor Harold Hill—although "professor" is not really the right title. With infuriated salesmen, blustering town mayors and even a librarian hot on his devious tails, how on earth will the band-selling bandit escape River City, Iowa unscathed? Will he escape at all? Madison High School answered these questions and others in the iconic and uproarious production of The Music Man.

A classic representation of American theatre, The Music Man opened on Broadway in 1957 and was the recipient of five Tony Awards. It has been revived and adapted numerous times, including two film versions. The story follows salesman, Harold Hill as he slithers from town to town convincing citizens that a boys' band, complete with uniforms, and instruments, is the answer to all of their problems. At a stop in River City, Iowa, however, the town librarian and piano teacher, Marian Paroo, leaves Hill stunned with her intelligence and acceptance, and for the first time ever, Hill gets "his foot stuck in the door."

Ashton Schaffer played Harold Hill with ease and authority, proving himself more than capable of the challenging role. Excellent diction in both speaking and singing, Schaffer rattled off double time lyrics with notable breath support and incredible fluidity. His performance as a whole exuded maturity and exceptional charisma.

Marian Paroo (Caroline Campbell) was Hill's strongest opposition throughout the show. Paroo instantly saw the con artist for what he truly was; however when she began to witness the inadvertent transformation River City was experiencing due to Hill's presence, her mind slowly changed about his character. Campbell had a gorgeous soprano voice and she put incredible emotion into her singing. Additionally, Campbell created a believable character with romantic twinges, bookish tendencies, and of course a strong streak of independence. Campbell and Schaffer played well off each other and had very convincing chemistry.

An outstandingly hysterical performer was Paige Cilluffo as Eulalie Mackeckinie Shinn—the mayor's wife. Cilluffo was outrageous in her role—taking full advantage of sight gags and contorted facial expressions to constantly engage the audience. Another crowd favorite was the town council turned barbershop quartet. Wesley Diener, Sebastian Torti, Noah Calderon and Timo Sheridan had perfectly blended harmonies and with their bow ties and pin stripes, they never failed to light up the stage.

A driving force behind the entire show was the strength of the ensemble. Constantly engaged and sharply unified, the townspeople brought intense energy to the stage. The exceptional choreography also aided the ensembles' performances. Large group numbers never seemed chaotic or overwhelming due to the precision of the blocking and choreography, and stand out numbers such as "Marian the Librarian" showcased smaller groups of dancers.

The set brought life to River City, Iowa with a bright "Main Street" backdrop and various moveable fixtures that created different locations. Notable pieces included two fully crafted front porches, a working Wells Fargo Wagon and the iconic footbridge (complete with spring time flowers). Set transitions were smooth and enjoyable, and while some sound issues occurred, the accurate lighting, complex hair, and colorful costumes represented the technical crew splendidly.

An undeniable slice of Americana, Madison's production of "The Music Man" successfully brought new life and an effusive energy to an age old musical.

Noah Mutterperl
Hayfield Secondary School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Fairfax

Little does River City, Iowa know that the biggest "Trouble" their town faces isn't from the new pool table but from the man who claims to be the solution to all their problems. James Madison High School had little trouble and great success producing "The Music Man."

The Music Man, with book, lyrics and music by Meredith Willson premiered on Broadway in 1957, winning five Tony awards, including Best Musical. It has been revived many times and is esteemed as one of the landmarks of Broadway's "Golden Age." The story follows Harold Hill, a conman who travels to the small, unsuspecting town of River City, Iowa. Hill convinces the good parents of River City that they need a boys' band, which he will conduct, to keep their boys out of trouble. He begins to sell instruments and uniforms, even though he cannot read or play music. River City's music teacher, Marian Paroo, remains unconvinced with Hill's tall tales, and strives to expose him for the imposter he is.

Ashton Schaffer expertly played the iconic Harold Hill, with fast-talking, pitter-patter speech and unflagging charisma. Schaffer drew the audience in, using his spot-on characterization, embodying the contrast of Hill's fluid movements and his pompous mannerisms. Caroline Campbell added glorious vocals and an intellectual, dignified persona as Marian. Through excellent facial expressions and raw emotion, Campbell displayed the character's arc from repudiating Harold to sympathy. The two leads showcased remarkable chemistry, and their voices merging beautifully in their many duets.

Supporting actors provided a majority of laughs throughout the show. Matthew Lansdell portrayed the authoritative, yet fumbling Mayor Shinn. Lansdell utilized his commanding stage presence and convincing vocalization to serve as believeable foil to the slick Hill. The hilarious Jack Hernin appeared as Harold's loyal friend Marcellus bringing comedic timing and larger than life gestures that made him a crowd favorite.

The ensemble of The Music Man demonstrated exceptional enthusiasm, with each actor on stage reacting appropriately as well as moving in complete unison when needed. In addition to the ensemble, the Quartet added humor and gave a striking vocal performance, singing four-part harmonies a-cappella.

A colorful backdrop and large, detailed set pieces were completely mobile, allowing transitions to be brief and transported the audience to a patriotic small town in the mid-west. The special effects team should also be commended for its realistic "Wells Fargo Wagon" that drove across the stage.

The orchestra, which was cleverly staged to appear as a part of the town, was superb. Musicians played a strong, wonderful tone, but never overwhelmed the singers. The actors seamlessly dealt with the occasional difficulties with microphones.

In a well-staged production of The Music Man, audience members are enthralled with the hero, empathize with the heroine, hum along and leave the theatre smiling. James Madison High School accomplishes this and much more with its exuberant and visually stimulating performance that captured the essence of this classic musical.

Erin Sullivan
Fairfax High School
Submitted for publication to ShowBizRadio.net

What is that thundering and extravagant sound marching this way? With a beat, beat, beat, beating rhythm into your heart it could only be the playing of Professor Harold Hill's boys' band! With witty banter, quick-stepping choreography, harmonious vocals and marching down the streets with American pride, James Madison High School's production brought to life a heartfelt piece of Americana known as The Music Man.

A get rich quick salesman named Harold Hill sweeps in to mesmerize the naïve town of River City, Iowa with the joy of what music can do. Even critics to his methods are soon whisked away by his charismatic personality, including the one love that manages to catch his foot in the door, Marian the librarian. This show became a hit on Broadway in 1957, winning five Tony Awards. Not too long after it was also made into a film adaptation in 1962 and recently in 2003. Touching the hearts of those around the world for decades, The Music Man has become a treasured story of red, white and blue.

James Madison's production seemed to rise higher and higher with the exceptional talent found in every member of the cast. The true essence of joy found in music shined through every musical number and was even furthered with creative, visually pleasing and fun choreography. What truly made the show delightful was the chemistry each romantically inclined couple had together. This, along with the sense of togetherness the entire cast had was remarkable.

Oh we've got trouble all right. Ashton Schaffer's performance as Harold Hill had charm that could have entranced even the toughest critics. There was never a moment where his every move, word (diction), lyric or emotion were not exemplary. His romantic interest played by Caroline Campbell as Marian Paroo highlighted his charm even further. Campbell played the innocence and composure of her character well as demonstrated in her duet with Shaffer in "Till There Was You." The audience could feel her inner struggle to let go and finally give in to the allure of Professor Hill.

Not only were the leads exemplary but there were also standout performers in supporting and featured roles. The chemistry between every pair was irresistible, particularly that between Neal Going and Shannon Roux in their performances as Tommy Djilas and Zaneeta Shinn respectively. Even in their dancing they appeared constantly drawn into each other. The biggest personality on that stage however was that of Paige Cilluffo as Eulalie Mackeckinie Shinn. Her outrageously hilarious performance drew every eye to her the second she stepped on the stage. These actors along with several others promoted a great character development in every scene.

Except for a couple of sound/microphone bobbles, the technical elements in this production highlighted the show even further. Selections and adaptations made to the set pieces were well put together. Every element of the set and props as well as the costumes and make-up was kept to the period and brightened the town and its inhabitants. Simple yet refined. It was also refreshing to see a well thought out lighting design to match not only the fast scene changes but the mood of each scene as well.

The allure of a seventy-six trombone band is a high order but James Madison High School tackled it with a bang. The whole cast was overflowing with energy and a sense of togetherness that drummed home the message of pride in ones community into the audience's heart.

Anthony Carrington
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Submitted for publication to Patch.com - Fairfax

Set against a glowing backdrop of the small town of River City, Iowa, the townspeople gather, dancing and singing about their "chip-on-the-shoulder-attitude" and cold demeanor. In James Madison High School's exhilarating production of The Music Man, this stubborn attitude is challenged when it collides with the ideals of an ever-charming traveling salesman.

The Music Man, which first premiered on Broadway in 1957, was written by Meredith Willson, who drew experiences from his childhood in Mason City, Iowa. An immediate success, it went on to win five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and the first Grammy Award for Best Original Cast Album. The story, set in the summer of 1912 Iowa, follows notorious con man Harold Hill, who disguises himself as a band director and sells instruments and uniforms to unknowing citizens, falsely promising to form a band and teach them music lessons. Everything doesn't go as planned, however, and soon he finds himself falling in love with the local librarian and piano teacher, Marian Paroo.

James Madison High School's huge cast, composed of 56 actors, did an impeccable job of maintaining high energy and utilizing the school's relatively small stage to its full effectiveness. With 17 impressively choreographed dance numbers, many of them including the whole cast, the actors performed with seamless organization and constant animation, never seeming cluttered or bored.

At the show's center, Ashton Schaffer commanded the stage with a maturity far removed from his age, appropriately conveying Harold Hill's allure and cleverness as he tries to trick the townsfolk out of their money. Caroline Campbell imbued poise and sincerity into the headstrong Marian, at first desperately refusing to be won by Hill's words, but ultimately, in the sweetly sung "It's You," unable to prevent her heart from falling under his spell. Jack Herrin portrayed Marcellus, Hill's dense old friend determined to help him out, with élan, leading the whole company in the crowd-favorite song and dance "Shipoopi." Shannon Finney's depiction of Mrs. Paroo as the doting, always-there mother who always has an opinion was superb, even admirably executing a difficult Irish accent.

Among the rest of the cast, there were several standout performers. Paige Cilluffo's characterization of the ostentatious and ridiculous Eulalie Mackeckinie Shinn was spectacular; her each and every movements, from her peacock-like strut to her strange dance moves, were focused and character-driven, inspiring laughter from the audience every time she was present on stage. The Barbershop Quartet, comprised of the members of the school board, also brought hilarity to the stage in their transformation from bickering old men to a functional singing group. Shannon Roux (Zaneeta Shin) and Neal Going (Tommy Djilas) were a cute pairing and their dancing skills stood above the rest.

The show's technical elements were equally as impressive. Most notably, in sets, a detailed and brightly colored backdrop was well chosen, and a student-built rotating house provided an efficient transition, from the outside porch to the inside home. All of the myriad costumes were period and their varying colors and fabrics represented the wealth disparity among the townspeople. A student orchestra sat backstage, playing with confidence and clarity, while not overpowering the actors on stage. The production's choreography was both difficult and wonderfully accomplished, with many formations like pyramids and crosses formed in such songs as "Seventy-six Trombones."

Backed by an expressive, committed cast, excellent characterizations, and notable tech, James Madison High School's The Music Man conveyed beautifully the message that has made it so enduring: the healing powers of love and music.

Laura MacDonald
Oakton High School
Submitted for publication to Connection

Could you hear "76 Trombones" blare in the distance? It was the flamboyant fun of James Madison High School's production of Meredith Willson's The Music Man!

Centered around professional swindler Harold Hill, The Music Man tells the story of a small town in Iowa in 1912. The townspeople of River City are self-proclaimed stubborn folk who quickly fall for Hill's ploy to make a profit by creating a phony band for the young boys in town. Despite Hill's original malicious intentions, he finds his motives threatened as he begins to fall in love with the intriguing librarian in town.

The production was abundant with high energy and bright smiles. The ensemble did an exceptional job in using clear diction and projecting all together; no individual was over-powering during the musical numbers. The production was captivating and fun, bringing River City to life.

The Music Man himself, Harold Hill, was played by Ashton Schaffer who commanded the stage with the tricky swagger of a con man. Schaffer was quick-witted, expressive and especially admirable for his ability to use continuously clear diction throughout the performance, despite that the role's challenging fast-paced lines and lyrics. The connection between Harold Hill and Marian Paroo, played by Caroline Campbell, was intriguing and believable; the actors had great chemistry from the start. Campbell proved to be a strong lead who was able to clearly express Marian's inner conflict. Her voice was delightful; Campbell was able to tackle the technically challenging solos with grace.

The Barbershop Quartet, composed of Timo Sheridan, Sebastian Torti, Wesley Diener, and Noah Calderon, hit a similarly sweet note throughout the performance. Their voices harmonized wonderfully, resonating throughout the auditorium and combining both power and elegance in numbers such as "Lida Rose." Eulalie Mackeckinie Shinn, the mayor's wife, played by Paige Cilluffo, was another delightful addition to the cast as she left the audience roaring with laughter from her expressive bravado on stage.

One of the most praiseworthy musical numbers was "Shipoopi," in which a majority of the ensemble showcased commendable skill despite some issues with the microphones. Choreographed by students Shannon Roux and Katie Allison, each dance number proved to be technically challenging while still conveying the fun, bright spirit of The Music Man. Roux herself, playing the role of the mayor's daughter Zaneeta Shinn, was a superb dancer, especially when alongside her equally talented partner, Neal Going, who played the part of Zaneeta's boyfriend, Tommy Djilas. The two made difficult techniques seem easy.

Each scene in The Music Man was enhanced by the amazing set pieces which were smooth, detailed, and gorgeous. Most notable was the library and train scenes which utilized elegantly crafted pieces to transform the stage, as well as the Wells Fargo wagon which was stocked to the brim with musical goodies. The stage crew did an excellent job in moving the set pieces quickly and quietly to change scenes.

The lighting was also well executed and aided in smooth transitions between scenes and locations. The costumes managed to stay relevant to the time period as well as express the personalities of most characters, including Harold Hill's smart sports jacket ensemble.

James Madison High School's production of The Music Man was upbeat and lively, bringing a certain charm and fun that can only be found in the theater.

Jamie Joeyen-Waldorf
Langley High School
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

Trouble has arrived in the name of Harold Hill, but can true love dissuade him from his old swindler ways? 76 trombones, 110 cornets, and countless smiles led the big parade of a quaint Iowan town in James Madison High School's production of the classic "Golden Age" musical, The Music Man.

With music, lyrics, and book by Meredith Willson and based on the story by Willson and Franklin Lacey, the show made its Broadway debut in 1957, winning five Tony Awards and the first Grammy for Best Original Cast Album. Set in the 1910's in the small town of River City, Iowa, the popular tale centers around con man Harold Hill and his false promises of forming a boys band in an effort to swindle money. However, after courting the town librarian, Marian Paroo, Harold must choose between his old scheming ways and newfound romance.

What stood out most was the impressively cohesive, tight cast as a whole. Large group numbers appeared well polished with synchronized dances encompassing jazz, ballet, and tap sequences, animated facial expressions, and a stellar variety of formations carefully designed by choreographers Katie Allison and Shannon Roux. Highlights included "Shipoopi," "Seventy-six Trombones," and "Marian the Librarian," a few of the over seventeen dance numbers choreographed. In addition, the James Madison Pit Band played at a near professional level, never missing a beat and adjusting volume appropriately.

Portraying the charismatic Harold Hill, Ashton Schaffer's fast-talking, sly persona captured the persuasive salesman with vigor. Schaffer's adept vocals and smiley deception came through clearly, thanks to his precise articulation. Opposite Schaffer as the warm and gentle Marian Paroo was Caroline Campbell, whose full singing voice hit high notes with ease and exquisite acting skills portrayed Marian's inner conflict. Both created a tender romantic relationship.

Shannon Finney as the matronly Mrs. Paroo exuded a sophisticated aura with a pleasant Irish accent and jocular teasing of Marian's love life. Immediately capturing attention with her over-the-top, wacky dance moves and diva-like persona, Paige Cilluffo as the Mayor's wife, Eulalie Mackeckinie Shinn, elicited repeated laughter with expert comedic timing. The harmonious, luminous tunes of the dysfunctional school board turned barbershop quartet (Noah Calderon, Wesley Diener, Timo Sheridan, and Sebastian Torti), complete with matching outfits, resonated particularly in "Lida Rose." Tommy Djilas (Neal Going) and Zaneeta Shinn (Shannon Roux) connected believably together in an adorable romance, both showcasing trained dance skills in ballroom sequences.

Incredibly innovative given the limited backstage space, large structures such as the Paroo House, Wells Fargo Wagon, library bookshelves, and a tranquil footbridge transported the audience to a realistic, quaint Iowa town. Brightly-colored costumes accentuated each group ensemble as a unit, while darker colors were used to indicate social status or wealth. Stage Manager Allison Brandmark and the Deck Crew, headed by Anna East, handled cumbersome set pieces successfully, executing seamless, quick transitions and spot-on cues for a superbly-paced show. All in all, meticulous research of each crew proved successful in its depiction of the 1910's time period.

Harold Hill affectionately explains that he'd "like to make today worth remembering," and the cast and crew of The Music Man certainly gave an unforgettable performance filled with expert technical elements, upbeat tunes, and an endearing portrayal of this timeless tale.