Broadway revival leaves audience spellbound

Enthusiastic theater-goers packed the IU Auditorium Tuesday night for the opening of "The Music Man" in Bloomington. The audience was made up of people of all ages eager to see traveling salesman and con artist Harold Hill as he smooth-talked his way into the hearts of citizens of a small town yet again. \nThe show had a weak beginning filled with audio trouble, garbled lyrics and a strained performance from most of the actors. However, within a few scenes, a great deal of those problems were fixed. Although Harold Hill has been played by high school students with more talent and energy than leading man Gerritt Vandermeer, the rest of the cast showed great skill and finesse following their shaky beginning. \nEspecially worth noting was their execution of choreographer Susan Stroman's acrobatic and often challenging dance numbers. The timing, rhythm, and grace shown by the performers was impressive. The choreography was thoroughly engaging to watch, and the use of slightly modern drum solos and jazzy brass styles added a unique element to the action. \nThe mayor and his wife, played by Albert E. Parker and Corey Elias respectively, added a charming sense of humor -- which often lacked in Vandermeer's acting -- and kept the audience in stitches with their antics. \nMeanwhile, the barbershop quartet stole the show several times with its masterful sound, and warm delivery. \nLeading lady Carolann M. Sanita showed great spunk in her portrayal of Hill's love interest Marian Paroo. Although her operatic tones were a bit overpowering at times, for the most part Sanita's singing was lovely. She managed to find the perfect balance of stubbornness and vulnerability for her character, and when Hill finally kissed her, the audience was spellbound. \nThe actors received a standing ovation following their grand finale, which, if you left early, you missed out on. Possibly the best moment of the show came after the actors finished bowing. Following their exit from the stage, they all returned in full uniform playing trombones with an energy that had every pair of hands in the house clapping along. Each cast member had an instrument and marched in formation with Harold and Marian leading the way. \nThe show finished with the unfurling of an American flag and a final, passionate kiss between the two lovers. Even the most cynical critic, had to leave smiling at the end of the night, this one included.