Anyone up for some wholesome trouble? Perhaps accompanied by 76 trombones? Well, then you’re in luck, because the classic 1957 musical The Music Man is now playing in Los Angeles at Center Theatre Group‘s Ahmanson Theatre running through November 8th. I had the pleasure of attending the official opening night, and although I wasn’t familiar with the Meredith Willson-penned musical, I absolutely loved it!
The story follows a conman named Harold Hill who arrives in River City, Iowa, with plans to swindle the townspeople by convincing them to start a boys’ marching band. But things take an unexpected turn when he meets Marian Paroo, the town’s librarian and piano teacher, who has him rethinking his ways as he begins to feel at home in the town and finds himself falling for her. Along the way, audiences are treated to some of Broadway’s most beloved musical numbers, including the infectious “Ya Got Trouble,” the rousing “Seventy-Six Trombones,” the romantic “Till There Was You,” and the wonderfully energetic “Shipoopi.” Even as someone who wasn’t familiar with the musical beforehand, I found myself completely swept up in the music and infectious energy of the production.
This touring production is based on the 2022 Broadway revival, which starred Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster (who have since become a real-life couple!). The cast is excellent, led by cutie Elliot Andrews and Elizabeth D’Aiuto, both of whom delivered terrific performances. The supporting cast is equally impressive, particularly when it comes to the choreography. The dancing is absolutely fantastic, with “Shipoopi” being a real standout, and the ensemble deserves plenty of credit—no one was slacking in this production! The staging, music, and sheer energy of the performers all come together to create a thoroughly entertaining evening of musical theater.
Having never seen the stage musical or even the movie before, I went in without any expectations and came away thoroughly entertained. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I’m now inspired to finally check out the film version from 1962 starring Robert Preston and Shirley Jones—one of my all-time favorite actresses. If this production is any indication, I can certainly understand why The Music Man has remained such a beloved musical for generations. It’s a feel-good production filled with humor, romance, fantastic performances, and plenty of memorable music. And who can resist 76 trombones? Certainly, not me!
Get your tickets now before The Music Man leaves Los Angeles!
PHOTOS | MARSHALL MEADOWS