The Music Man

 This is a cast album that I have revisited a couple times a year since about 2012 when I discovered it, one of the first classic, golden age musicals that kept my attention, the songs were fun, enjoyable and full of charm. Not every song was my favorite but the some of them really stood out to me. It has been some time since I have given this show a listen, so today I am looking at the original Broadway production helmed by Robert Preston and Barbara Cook as the two leads in this comedic romp set in a small town in the Midwest. With a revival still potentially on the way I wanted to look at this one, so let's dive in. 

This plot entails a con artist by the name of Harold Hill as he tries to trick a small town into starting a marching band, when he gets the money, he teaches barely any music and runs off with the profits. He falls in love with Marian, the local librarian who is aware of his plans from day one. Some of the subject matter, views, and songs of this show are a tad dated. Some parts age like a fine wine and others not so much, some are a double edged sword. Such as having a female lead be the smartest in town but dedicate both of her solo songs to falling in love. This show is classic in both style and sound, there is quite a bit of good in this show but I wanted to address that first. 

Some of the songs are lyrical masterpieces, " Ya Got Trouble" and " Seventy Six Trombones" to name a few. The songs can weave jokes, charm, and character all encapsulated in a catchy tune. Though some of the song themes in this show repeat a tad too much. Namely the barbershop quartets, first used a joke, the joke wears thin about the fourth time it is done. Some of the songs are great listens and are fun, but I find myself skipping a decent amount as well. There is plenty of fun to be had, but some of the songs feel unnecessary and aimless for the plot. Some of the songs featuring the town add some character to the town but there is a slight balance problem. The show needed a bit more focus on a couple side characters as well as our female lead. 

There are a few different versions of this show, some versions even carrying cast members over from Broadway, but I stuck with the original cast album. Plenty of the songs are bouncy, fun, and enjoyable, some of the jokes just wear thin a little bit. The ensemble is great but sometimes they get a bit too much screen time. The show has a few balancing issues but still has plenty of good in it, and with some minor edits would be amazing. If My Fair Lady can get a few changes why not make this classic from good to great. Here are the songs I find myself listening to from this show. The ensemble sometimes is used fantastically while other times used in ways that don't advance the story, make that many jokes, or really fit in, but I found myself liking more then half the album. 

Rock Island

Ya Got Trouble

Piano Lessons

Goodnight My Someone

Seventy Six Trombones

Sincere 

Pick A Little Talk A Little

Marian The Librarian (My Favorite Song)

Will I Tell Him/ Lida Rose

Finale

This show is a classic and should be celebrated, but flaws aside still has some amazing music in it. When the songs hit the lyrics and melody just right the songs are unforgettable. The songs when done right can be full of character, charm, and even humor. Not every joke lands but they sometimes shine through. This show is wonderful time capsule and piece of the classic era. Give it a listen, you may find some favorites.

Final Rating: Chip On My Shoulder (7-8 Out Of Ten)