Dazzling ‘Music Man’ Comes to City Springs

March, don’t walk, to Sandy Springs to see “The Music Man,” a fun for all ages musical based on author-songwriter Meredith Willson’s 1957 script as a love letter to his Iowa childhood. The City Springs Theatre Company’s production at Byers Theatre runs until Sept. 22, and rivals anything Broadway could dream of. Lush, feathered brocaded costumes, live orchestra, floating mesmerizing choreography, and the multi-talented cast all add up to a charmed evening.

Directed by Shuler Hensley, starring Billy Tighe, as Harold Hill, and Scarlett Walker, as Mairan, “The Music Man” had toes thumping and audiences charmed in the first three minutes with the orchestra’s overture (by music director Mile Plant) promising favorites like “Seventy Six Trombones” and “‘Till There Was You” (later recorded by the Beatles).”

The acoustics and set design were brilliant with an elevated arched bridge, sometimes a charming home, a “ginormous” library, alternated with the town square, keeping the audience enthralled.

Get The AJT Newsletter by email and never miss our top stories Free Sign Up

Two Jewish veteran performers, Pamela Gold (Mrs. Paroo) and Brian Kurlander (Mayor Shinn) lit up the stage. Gold, as a widow, enchanted with her portrayal of a devoted mother, who through her sincerity, delivered one of the fastest most difficult early songs, and later landed comedic lines, all with a relatable concern over her children’s wellbeing — even encouraging her daughter to give the distrusted suitor a chance.

She told the AJT that she had never before played an Irish character and met that challenge working on that melodic dialect. She said, “I enjoy playing women who are both strong and vulnerable, such as Mrs. Wilkinson in ‘Billy Elliott’, and Elizabeth Arden in ‘War Paint,’ two of my favorite past roles. As a Jewish mother, I identify with Mrs. Paroo’s well-meaning and sometimes overbearing concern for her children! I also love tapping into her enthusiasm for life, even though she has endured the loss of her husband.”

Gold had not seen “The Music Man” as a child but had indeed performed it in a production years ago with Theatre of the Stars, starring John Davidson where she played Zaneeta Shinn, the mayor’s daughter. In terms of what she feels she uniquely brings to this production, Gold mused, “When a musical is as well-known and beloved as this one, it’s especially important not to replicate what has already been done … I tried to bring empathy and joyful energy to Mrs. Paroo.”

Gold, who sings, dances and acts, has appeared on Broadway in “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” with Matthew Broderick, “Once Upon a Mattress,” with Sarah Jessica Parker, and toured with “A Chorus Line.” As a lifelong member of The Temple, she sings in their volunteer band, Shir Chadash.

An emotional Gold cares deeply for the wellbeing of her children // Photo Credit: City Springs Theatre Company

Kurlander takes on the role of Mayor Shinn whom he describes as, “A self-important, pompous blowhard politician with a penchant for malapropism. But he’s also a man who loves his family and the city he serves. I can’t say there is another individual role I’ve played that is quite like it. It’s an amalgamation of several characters that I’ve played over my 35-plus years as a working actor.”

Kurlander was attracted to the iconic music in the show. He said, “It’s been a part of my life as far back as I can remember. How many times have you come upon a situation and mouthed, ‘Oh, we got trouble. Right here in River City?”

Kurlander has performed in theatres across the country from New York City to Los Angeles and most of Atlanta’s professional theatres. He has appeared in numerous films and television shows.

Jan Collins, board member of the Sandy Springs Arts Foundation, told the AJT, “’Music Man’ is a beautiful show and remains a classic standing the test of time. My take-away is how the magic of music can change a whole town! This is what we are working on for Sandy Springs — to become known as the ‘City of the Arts,’ both performing and visual!”