September 13, 2005 > Get ready to start a boy band

by Heidi Leung

Stage 1 Community Theater presents the Music Man, a musical about (Professor) Harold Hill, a fast-talking salesman who travels from town to town selling the idea of a boy band. His con is to persuade town folk into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys' band he vows to organize, although he can't tell the difference between a trombone and a treble clef. This time his target is River City, Iowa. A new billiard parlor is the target of his scorn as he offers his tried and true alternative - a band. Hills suave talk runs into a roadblock - librarian, Marian Paroo - who not only sees through the scam, but even worse, becomes a love interest.

Costumes and scenery were very pleasing to the eye. The train scene was impressive with actors' speech and movements adjusted to give the feel of movement along the rails.. Also, from the moment the curtain lifted to reveal the people of River City, I was impressed. All cast members can act, sing, and dance. Harold Hill, played by Curt Denham was perfectly cast for the role as a ladies man and a smooth talker. His dance sequences were also impressive. Marion Paroo, the librarian, played by Laura Pedersen-Schulz has a beautiful voice comparable to Julie Andrews. Another notable actress, Belinda Maloney played Mrs. Paroo, the librarian's mother. Her Irish accent and old-fashioned values brought laughter just when the audience needed it.

Destiny Coleman, who plays Amaryllis, a young girl who takes piano lessons from the Paroos, is a star in the making. She has a stage presence that demands attention. Winthrop Paroo, played by Caleb Alexander is also more than proficient with his portrayal of a young boy hampered by a speech impediment. He is very professional despite his age. The entire cast was fantastic impressive.

Along with the strong acting , audiences will love catchy tunes such as "Seventy-Six Trombones" and "The Wells Fargo Wagon." Check out "The Music Man" by Meredith Willson.

The Music Man
Now Playing through September 24
Fri. & Sat. 8 p.m. (Sunday, September 18 at 2:30 p.m.)
Stage 1 Theatre
(Newark Memorial High School)
39375 Cedar Blvd., Newark
(510) 791-0287
www.stage1theatre.org

General Admission, $20; Advance purchase & seniors, $18
High School Students (with ID) $10; Groups of 10 or more, $15