REVIEW: American Rose's 'Music Man' bursts with energy

By RUTH LEPPER - For the North County Times | Wednesday, July 23, 2008 11:21 AM PDT ∞

There is an exuberant amount of energy that goes into any production of Meredith Willson's "The Music Man." American Rose Theatre's production at Escondido's Kit Carson Park amphitheater is no exception.

Hats off to director Jeremy Lapp, choreographer Amy Page and their entire production crew and cast for a job well done.

Christopher T. Miller stars as Professor Harold Hill, emoting his charming artistic talents as a friendly con man who pops into small towns across the Midwest to sell the idea of a boys band. He signs up one youngster after another, taking money from their parents to pay for band instruments and uniforms, with the promise of making marching musicians out of their sons.

Hill arrives in River City, Iowa, in the summer of 1912. Here he takes on not only the town's citizens but also the lovely librarian, Marian Paroo, beautifully portrayed by Amanda Kramer.

Miller has an impressive background, having recently completed a yearlong North American tour of "Evita." Kramer, oozing with talent, goes from here to a production of "The Women" at the Old Globe Theatre.

With a cast numbering more than 50, more than a few stand out. Capturing the hearts of everyone in the audience were all the children and young adults cavorting around the stage.

In particular, Chad Mulhull, as the lisping Winthrop Paroo, couldn't be better. Elizabeth Morse brought out the best in Amaryllis. Brittany Kvalvik, as Zaneeta Shinn, and Kyle Williamson, as boyfriend Tommy Djilas, were a perfect couple.

Mayor Shinn, played by Scott Farrell, and his wife Eulalie McKechnie Shinn, played by Jennifer Lloyd, were another perfect couple. And a hilarious one at that.

Joey Minnich came across as the professor's old friend, Marcellus Washburn.

While early plans fell through for the San Pasqual High School Marching Band to join the cast for the grand finale, it was not a letdown when all the townsfolk on stage turned out in uniform with the backup of the 12-piece orchestra conducted by Kenneth Serfass.

A treat was adding baton twirlers Moorea Mattson and Maya Weismann to the town's festivities.

A few sound glitches and a cast member or two seen running across the back of the stage can be forgiven. Having the stage hands dressed for the time period was an acceptable way of switching sets and carting away larger props during scene changes.

"The Music Man," the first in the city of Escondido's Plays in the Park 2008 season, is truly a family production and a wonderful way for all ages to spend an evening together.

"The Music Man"

When: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays; through Aug. 2

Where: Kit Carson Park amphitheater, 3333 Bear Valley Parkway, Escondido

Tickets: $17, general; $12, seniors and children under 12

Info: (858) 243-4349

Web: www.americanrosetheatre.com

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