The Music Man
at Mission Viejo

Reviewed on April 28, 2018

Alexander Theologides-Rodriguez
University
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Mission's ‘'Music Man" is Marvelous and Melodious
written by Alexander Theologides-Rodriguez, a senior at University High School

In Mission Viejo's "The Music Man," a conman turns a stubborn Iowa town upside-down when he pretends to form a band, only to find love and appreciation from those who need a little more music in their lives. The show's spectacular performances and amazing orchestra make it a treat for the ears and eyes.

Ben Sellers is infectiously charming as travelling salesman Harold Hill. In an instant, his normally sly expression can turn into one of false concern or mock amazement as he strings the citizens of River City along in his charade. Sellers commands the stage with dynamic facial expressions and the precise movements of a man who's pulled this con a hundred times before.

Shera Starr is the emotional heart of the show as skeptical librarian Marian Paroo. At the beginning of the show, she scowls at Harold and stands her ground with her arms crossed, but once she sees all the happiness he brings to the children of the town, her eyes begin to linger on Harold as she sees something she hadn't before.

Kayla Morgan is adorably awkward as the mayor's daughter, Zaneeta Shinn. Infatuated, she plays with her dress and clings to the shoulder of her boyfriend, Tommy Djlas, played by Jacob Beaver. Beaver's leaps and flips throughout the show are not only incredible, but they also add to his character's panache and confidence as a troublemaker.

A highlight of the show is the school board-turned-barbershop quartet comprised of Jordan Davenport, Kevin-Nam Phan, Keegan Clifford, and Kenny Cook. With Harold's help, they transition from constant bickering and glares from across the stage to singing beautiful harmonies and moving in sync.

The orchestra stands out in the show, especially in the duet ‘Seventy Six Trombones & Goodnight My Someone', in which they have to switch back and forth between playing a bombastic, brassy march to soft, emotional melody. The orchestra's trumpet section, Mitchell Flanagann, Kaizo Hall, and Takazo Hall, are especially prominent and play masterfully.

The show's transitions are done by a small crew as well as the cast itself. Their ability to quickly and efficiently transform the set from one part of town to another between songs is impressive, and adds character to River City.

Mission Viejo's production of "The Music Man" uses emphatic performances and beautiful singing to turn a small Iowa town into a larger-than-life spectacle.

Alexander Theologides-Rodriguez
University
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Mission's ‘'Music Man" is Marvelous and Melodious
written by Alexander Theologides-Rodriguez, a senior at University High School

In Mission Viejo's "The Music Man," a conman turns a stubborn Iowa town upside-down when he pretends to form a band, only to find love and appreciation from those who need a little more music in their lives. The show's spectacular performances and amazing orchestra make it a treat for the ears and eyes.

Ben Sellers is infectiously charming as travelling salesman Harold Hill. In an instant, his normally sly expression can turn into one of false concern or mock amazement as he strings the citizens of River City along in his charade. Sellers commands the stage with dynamic facial expressions and the precise movements of a man who's pulled this con a hundred times before.

Shera Starr is the emotional heart of the show as skeptical librarian Marian Paroo. At the beginning of the show, she scowls at Harold and stands her ground with her arms crossed, but once she sees all the happiness he brings to the children of the town, her eyes begin to linger on Harold as she sees something she hadn't before.

Kayla Morgan is adorably awkward as the mayor's daughter, Zaneeta Shinn. Infatuated, she plays with her dress and clings to the shoulder of her boyfriend, Tommy Djlas, played by Jacob Beaver. Beaver's leaps and flips throughout the show are not only incredible, but they also add to his character's panache and confidence as a troublemaker.

A highlight of the show is the school board-turned-barbershop quartet comprised of Jordan Davenport, Kevin-Nam Phan, Keegan Clifford, and Kenny Cook. With Harold's help, they transition from constant bickering and glares from across the stage to singing beautiful harmonies and moving in sync.

The orchestra stands out in the show, especially in the duet ‘Seventy Six Trombones & Goodnight My Someone', in which they have to switch back and forth between playing a bombastic, brassy march to soft, emotional melody. The orchestra's trumpet section, Mitchell Flanagann, Kaizo Hall, and Takazo Hall, are especially prominent and play masterfully.

The show's transitions are done by a small crew as well as the cast itself. Their ability to quickly and efficiently transform the set from one part of town to another between songs is impressive, and adds character to River City.

Mission Viejo's production of "The Music Man" uses emphatic performances and beautiful singing to turn a small Iowa town into a larger-than-life spectacle.

Alyssa Cook
Capistrano Valley
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

"Ye gawds!" Mission's ‘The Music Man' is fantastic!
written by Alyssa Cook, a senior at Capistrano Valley High School

The people of River City, Iowa have their lives turned upside down when a mysterious travelling salesman comes to town. Full of laughter, lying, dancing, and whimsy, Mission Viejo High School's ‘The Music Man' is a journey to an all-American town that needed a wake-up call.

That wake-up call comes in the form of Ben Sellers, playing the charismatic fraud, Professor Harold Hill. Sellers' larger-than-life hand gestures, perfect comedic timing, and debonair smirk makes the people of River City fall in love with his phony character.

In contrast to Professor Hill is Marian Paroo, River City's resident librarian and stick-in-the-mud. Shera Starr is phenomenal at embodying Marian, showing her stubbornness by crossing her arms, as well as embracing her softer side by smiling sweetly and walking slowly whenever she is around Harold Hill. Starr's gorgeous soprano voice shines in numbers like "Goodnight My Someone" and "Till There Was You".

Marian's hard-headed, traditional Irish mother Mrs. Paroo is played by the energetic Devoree Shields. Shields, while accurately portraying her character's old age, manages to bring light, energy, and comedy to every scene she is in. Her consistent Irish accent, adorable shuffling walk, and exceptional comedic timing truly shines.

Jeffrey Baker as Mayor Shinn expertly walks the line between awkward and confident in order to enhance the comedy of his character, and his constant stuttering and mixing up words is hilarious.

Married to Mayor Shinn is Eulalle MacKecknie Shinn, played by Hope Spires. Eulalle is the OC mom of River City, pretty, naive, and air-headed, and Spires does an excellent job of showing this with her wide eyes and spastic movements.

The barbershop quartet, comprised of Kenny Cook, Jordan Davenport, Kevin-Nam Pahn, and Keegan Clifford, adds a classic feeling to the production with synchronized movements and beautiful harmonies.

Kayla Morgan and Kayla Scott used fun and creative publicity to effectively spread the word about the show, creating t-shirts, scavenger hunts, and a clever "point to Iowa" game. The props, created by the MVHS Prop Crew, were time-period appropriate and iconic. The books used in "Marian the Librarian" add a flirty, fun vibe the song, all while reminding the audience that the scene takes place in a library.

With "76 Trombones" worth of fun, Mission brings this classic musical to life, making every child in the audience want to join a marching band.

Alyssa Cook
Capistrano Valley
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

"Ye gawds!" Mission's ‘The Music Man' is fantastic!
written by Alyssa Cook, a senior at Capistrano Valley High School

The people of River City, Iowa have their lives turned upside down when a mysterious travelling salesman comes to town. Full of laughter, lying, dancing, and whimsy, Mission Viejo High School's ‘The Music Man' is a journey to an all-American town that needed a wake-up call.

That wake-up call comes in the form of Ben Sellers, playing the charismatic fraud, Professor Harold Hill. Sellers' larger-than-life hand gestures, perfect comedic timing, and debonair smirk makes the people of River City fall in love with his phony character.

In contrast to Professor Hill is Marian Paroo, River City's resident librarian and stick-in-the-mud. Shera Starr is phenomenal at embodying Marian, showing her stubbornness by crossing her arms, as well as embracing her softer side by smiling sweetly and walking slowly whenever she is around Harold Hill. Starr's gorgeous soprano voice shines in numbers like "Goodnight My Someone" and "Till There Was You".

Marian's hard-headed, traditional Irish mother Mrs. Paroo is played by the energetic Devoree Shields. Shields, while accurately portraying her character's old age, manages to bring light, energy, and comedy to every scene she is in. Her consistent Irish accent, adorable shuffling walk, and exceptional comedic timing truly shines.

Jeffrey Baker as Mayor Shinn expertly walks the line between awkward and confident in order to enhance the comedy of his character, and his constant stuttering and mixing up words is hilarious.

Married to Mayor Shinn is Eulalle MacKecknie Shinn, played by Hope Spires. Eulalle is the OC mom of River City, pretty, naive, and air-headed, and Spires does an excellent job of showing this with her wide eyes and spastic movements.

The barbershop quartet, comprised of Kenny Cook, Jordan Davenport, Kevin-Nam Pahn, and Keegan Clifford, adds a classic feeling to the production with synchronized movements and beautiful harmonies.

Kayla Morgan and Kayla Scott used fun and creative publicity to effectively spread the word about the show, creating t-shirts, scavenger hunts, and a clever "point to Iowa" game. The props, created by the MVHS Prop Crew, were time-period appropriate and iconic. The books used in "Marian the Librarian" add a flirty, fun vibe the song, all while reminding the audience that the scene takes place in a library.

With "76 Trombones" worth of fun, Mission brings this classic musical to life, making every child in the audience want to join a marching band.

Emi Nishida
University
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Mission Viejo's Music Man is Sincerely Swell
written by Emi Nishida, a sophomore at University High School

There's a stranger in tiny River City, Iowa. He goes by the name Professor Hill, he's a music aficionado, and he plans to develop a boys' band right there in town. But how much of the schpiel is true, and how much is simply part of the salesman's scam?

Mission Viejo delivers an entertaining performance of The Music Man, carried out by phenomenal actors and strengthened by well-executed production elements.

Charismatic and captivating is leading man Harold Hill (Ben Sellers). Trying to convince the folks of River City that a band would be a good idea, Sellers' quick, articulate speak-sing in "Ya Got Trouble" is precisely marketer-like. Despite a majority of his character's personality being cynical, Sellers presents a more romantic side as he expresses his feelings for mayor's daughter Marian Paroo (Shera Starr), sweetly dueting with her in "Till There Was You".

Shera Starr as Marian Paroo demonstrates a skillful character arc as her feelings towards Harold drastically shift, but what truly sets her apart are her solid vocals, showcased in the "Goodnight My Someone" and the heart-wrenching "Will I Ever Tell You".

Mrs. Paroo (Devoree Shields), Marian's mother, is cheerful and hilarious. With a hunched back and apparent accent, Shields' lighthearted banter with her daughter about finding a husband and contrasting motherly protectiveness over her son, Winthrop (Justin Jacobson) are both performed with great intention and skill.

The four members of the school board who join up, under Harold's suggestion, to form a barbershop quartet (Kenny Cook, Jordan Davenport, Kevin-Nam Phan, and Keegan Clifford), are wonderfully comical and showcase marvelous vocal prowess. Their voices meld together beautifully, performing enchanting acapella harmonies flawlessly.

As an entire group, the River City Teens are full of life, bringing immense energy to any number. They are consistently together and in time, whether dancing, singing, or merely reacting to fellow townspeople.

Besides acting, several tech elements particularly elevate the show. Producing beautifully brassy melodies, the orchestra's music is upbeat and joyous. Although challenging, the instrumentalists execute marvelous marches seamlessly.

Additionally, realistic props by the MVHS props crew, such as the library cart and books showcased in "Marion the Librarian" add to the environment's accuracy and are delightfully incorporated into the actors' dancing.

Between the standout actors and impressive technical additions, Mission Viejo's Music Man is a comical delight.

Emi Nishida
University
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Mission Viejo's Music Man is Sincerely Swell
written by Emi Nishida, a sophomore at University High School

There's a stranger in tiny River City, Iowa. He goes by the name Professor Hill, he's a music aficionado, and he plans to develop a boys' band right there in town. But how much of the schpiel is true, and how much is simply part of the salesman's scam?

Mission Viejo delivers an entertaining performance of The Music Man, carried out by phenomenal actors and strengthened by well-executed production elements.

Charismatic and captivating is leading man Harold Hill (Ben Sellers). Trying to convince the folks of River City that a band would be a good idea, Sellers' quick, articulate speak-sing in "Ya Got Trouble" is precisely marketer-like. Despite a majority of his character's personality being cynical, Sellers presents a more romantic side as he expresses his feelings for mayor's daughter Marian Paroo (Shera Starr), sweetly dueting with her in "Till There Was You".

Shera Starr as Marian Paroo demonstrates a skillful character arc as her feelings towards Harold drastically shift, but what truly sets her apart are her solid vocals, showcased in the "Goodnight My Someone" and the heart-wrenching "Will I Ever Tell You".

Mrs. Paroo (Devoree Shields), Marian's mother, is cheerful and hilarious. With a hunched back and apparent accent, Shields' lighthearted banter with her daughter about finding a husband and contrasting motherly protectiveness over her son, Winthrop (Justin Jacobson) are both performed with great intention and skill.

The four members of the school board who join up, under Harold's suggestion, to form a barbershop quartet (Kenny Cook, Jordan Davenport, Kevin-Nam Phan, and Keegan Clifford), are wonderfully comical and showcase marvelous vocal prowess. Their voices meld together beautifully, performing enchanting acapella harmonies flawlessly.

As an entire group, the River City Teens are full of life, bringing immense energy to any number. They are consistently together and in time, whether dancing, singing, or merely reacting to fellow townspeople.

Besides acting, several tech elements particularly elevate the show. Producing beautifully brassy melodies, the orchestra's music is upbeat and joyous. Although challenging, the instrumentalists execute marvelous marches seamlessly.

Additionally, realistic props by the MVHS props crew, such as the library cart and books showcased in "Marion the Librarian" add to the environment's accuracy and are delightfully incorporated into the actors' dancing.

Between the standout actors and impressive technical additions, Mission Viejo's Music Man is a comical delight.