The Music Man
at Fountain Valley

Reviewed on March 30, 2017

Rebecca Bogdanovic
San Juan Hills High School
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts

Fountain Valley's "Music Man" is Bursting with Joy and Energy

From the red-roofed town hall to rolling green hills, River City, Iowa is the quintessential small town. Crime is an unknown word, children obey their parents, and families engage solely in wholesome, patriotic activities. Then arrives con artist Harold Hill.

Through spirited musical numbers and endearing professions of love, Fountain Valley's "The Music Man" evokes warmth and happiness, while reminding us all that love often comes at unexpected times, filling us with surprise and delight.

With his self-assured attitude, and sparkling twinkle in his eye, Ethan Peterson portrays the debonair Harold Hill. Each step Peterson takes is characterized by swagger and charisma, as he holds himself tall and confident, eager to win the affection of all he meets.

Alyssa Kammerer portrays the fiercely independent Marion Paroo. With her upturned nose and loud stomps of frustration, Kammerer captures her character's initial sense of indignation and stubbornness. Kammerer later allows this obstinate attitude to melt away, portraying Marian's inner secret romantic, through wide eyes and wistful stares, especially in "Goodnight, My Someone."

Kindness and loving devotion to her family characterize the tender Mrs. Paroo (Mackenzie Kohanek). Kohanek's distinct Irish accent and gentle smile simply shine on the stage, filling the audience with a sense of warmth. Delaney Shultz portrays the shy, sweet Winthrop Paroo through her hunched posture, and wide, innocent eyes. Beginning the show as a demure introvert, she depicts her character's transformation flawlessly especially through her confident tap dance in "Gary, Indiana."

Michael Frankeny embodies the strongly opinionated Mayor Shinn through his wide gesticulations and bold movement. As he harshly chastises his daughter, Frankeny grows red in the face: veins bulging in his neck and eyes wide enough to pop out of his head. As his dynamic wife, Zoe Rios (Eulalie Shinn) holds herself with poise and grace one minute, yet throws herself dramatically on the floor the next, gaining attention from onlookers.

Scenic design by Joey Hudson, David Miller, Caroline Murdock, and Anh Tran captures the quaint feel of this charming town. From the vivid colors of the buildings to the bright blue sky on the painted backdrop, the audience is transported to a beautiful summer day in 1912 Iowa.

The cast and crew of Fountain Valley's "The Music Man" brings energy and enthusiasm to this little town, ultimately reminding us that love knows no boundaries.

Aaron Kim
Northwood High School
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts

Fountain Valley's "The Music Man" marches on

Every good travelling salesman knows the most important rule in the business is to know the territory. Otherwise, when trying to scam a few honest townsfolk in the Midwest out of their money, they might steal something from you, too.

In FVHS's production of "The Music Man", charismatic and conniving crook Harold Hill poses as the titular music professor in order to make a profit selling band instruments to the children of River City, Iowa. However, his plans are complicated by his growing attraction to the charming librarian, forcing him to decide between profit and conscience.

Ethan Peterson brings charm and sleaziness in equal measure to the role of Harold Hill. His smug smirk and affected accent subtly transition to a more open demeanor and natural tone of voice, showing his gradual transformation from a self-interested crook to a man who genuinely wants to help the people of River City. His confidence shines through his voice in "Seventy-Six Trombones", capturing the attention of the children and audience alike.

Alyssa Kammerer plays Marian Paroo, the only person in River City intelligent and skeptical enough to see through Hill's trickery. Her initial distrust in him is reflected in her stiff, hesitant posture during "Marian the Librarian", but soon transforms into genuine enjoyment during the wild dance number "Shipoopi".

Mayor Shinn, played by Michael Frankeny, blusters and fumbles his way through impassioned and often mixed-up speeches. His comedic timing and booming voice, combined with his sweeping, overly dramatic gestures, make the Mayor a hilarious and bold presence.

Aiding in the excellent performance of the lead characters is the hair and makeup crew, headed by Emma Dobrin and Mary Kim. The presence of brightly-colored ribbons in the younger children's hair helps distinguish them from the adults, who possess realistically aged wrinkles and lines, while also adding a level of perkiness and fun to all the characters.

The colorful and vibrant backdrop, designed by Ahn Tran, David Miller, Joey Hudson, and Micah Nehrbass, and its bright-hued storefronts utilize the smaller theater space to add to the intimate, small-town atmosphere of the play.

Although travelling salesmen usually only create bad memories, Fountain Valley makes the arrival of "The Music Man" one you won't forget.

Megan Kerrigan
Tesoro High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook Page

Fountain Valley's ‘Music Man' brings cheerful delight

There's trouble in River City with Harold Hill as the new music man. But when the person he claims to be is questioned by a suspecting librarian, a series of cons and disillusions follow. ‘The Music Man' at Fountain Valley is a musical treat.

Like a sly cat, Ethan Peterson tricks and woos as Harold Hill. Cunning and confident, Peterson advertises with a city-slicker voice and an array of hand gestures to sell instruments in ‘Ya Got Trouble'. His cocked eyebrow and entrepreneur swagger fades when in the presence of his fancy, Marian. With a gleam in his eye, he marches around town in hopes to dazzle children with the love of music. In the song, ‘Marian the Librarian,' Peterson's charming voice bellows and croons in Marian's interest.

Alyssa Kammerer is a sweet and proud Marian Paroo. Rolling her eyes and gawking at Harold, Kammerer bats dismissive waves, distractedly reading her book to ignore him. Her uptight, strict persona melts away when Harold wins her heart; however, his nonsense reminds her of her duty and her disdain returns. Kammerer's voice rings in ‘Goodnight My Someone' as she stares up at the sky, eyes wide in wonder at the true love she might possibly receive someday.

Michael Frankeny and Zoë Rios as Mayor Shinn and his wife Eulalie are a hilarious comedic duo. While an authoritative voice, Frankeny whacks his daughter's suitor with an accusing hand as Rios obediently chirps and wobbles around at his side. Face red with anger, a look of bewilderment encompassses Frankeny's face as he misunderstands unknown words and screams at others because of it. Meanwhile, Rios keeps up her husband's appearances by laughing off his ridiculousness.

An ensemble of hen-like ladies frolic along the stage. Lead by Rios, the ladies perform a synchronized interpretive dance as greek goddesses with comedic yet graceful arm movements. The ladies bop up and down as they gossip amongst each other in ‘Pick-A-Little, Talk-A-Little' capturing the hen-like nature of old-women.

Lighting done by Dana Nguyen puts an array of emotions into the scenes. When Harold and Marian are together, she casts a hue of pink to mimic the love between the two; however, when the two are fighting, she casts a harsh white light in separate circles to isolate the lovers.

Fountain Valley's cast comes together to create a shining classic show.