The Music Man

An old favourite has returned to town, refreshed with new choreography, some charming new singers in leading roles and a real zing to the step, marching along to “Seventy-Six Trombones”.

Deanna Gibbs is delightful as Marian Paroo, with a beautiful lyric soprano voice that shines in “The White Knight”. Gordon Nicholson makes “Professor” Harold Hill persuasive and smooth, while bringing his best game to “Seventy-Six Trombones”, where one is almost taken away with the promise of a band!

Janet Tweedie is perfect as Mrs Paroo, and Callum Doherty shows his fine young talent as Winthrop Paroo. Katy Larkin is the perfect Amaryllis. The barbershop quartet works as one. Kerry Warner plays Eulalie Shinn as a marvellous character and Bill Lord plays Mayor Shinn with the right dose of scepticism and irascibility.

Choreography by Kathryn Jones made the most of the many talents of the dance chorus and the cast. Standouts included the high-energy “Shipoopi” and the slinky “Marion the Librarian”.

Set design by Ian Croker is versatile and easily conveys a sense of place. The initial train set combined with lighting to bring the rail journey to life. Lighting was good but the show really needed a follow spot or two. Sound settled in as the show progressed.

The orchestra was enthusiastic and under the direction of Zach Raffan, the orchestra worked well as a group.

This is an enjoyable production with the good casting and pride in musicianship that is expected of Queanbeyan Players.

Rachel McGrath-Kerr

Images: Gordon Nicholson and Deanna Gibbs.