Meredith Willson's The Music Man (2000 Broadway Revival Cast)
Choreographer-turned-director Susan Stroman struck gold twice in the 1999-2000 Broadway season, first with her dance playContactand then with her grand revival ofMeredith Willson'sThe Music Man. One of the most loving--and beloved--celebrations of Americana ever to grace the stage,The Music Mancaptures the soul of the heartland with its evocation of brass bands, barbershop quartets, and even piano lessons. The titular role of the fast-talking con man who hoodwinks an Iowa town has, perhaps more than any other role in musical theater, always belonged to one performer:Robert Preston, who starred in theoriginal 1957 Broadway castandsubsequent 1962 film. Craig Bierko, amovie actormaking his Broadway debut, acquits himself well, sometimes sounding astonishingly like Preston but without aping him. In his hands, "76 Trombones" remains a rousing signature tune. As Marian the librarian, a radiantRebecca Luker(star of the Broadway revivals ofShow BoatandThe Sound of Music) beautifully delivers her ballads, including "My White Knight," which was written for the original stage production but replaced in the film by "Being in Love." Longtime fans will appreciate the inclusion of the barbershop tunes "Ice Cream" and "It's You," and the dance music in "76 Trombones," "Marian the Librarian," and "Shipoopi," as well as a booklet with full lyrics. Preston's magical performances are irreplaceable, but this energetic revival is worthy of a spot on your shelf.--David Horiuchi