Energetic ‘Music Man’ Sings Despite Some Distractions

Ann Winkowski’s soaring soprano is the highlight of Music Theatre of SouthernCalifornia’s revival of Meredith Willson’s “The Music Man” at the San Gabriel Civic Auditorium and later at the Alex Theatre in Glendale. Winkowski and a charming Michael G. Hawkins as Harold Hill won’t make you forget Shirley Jones or Robert Preston; in fact, Bill Shaw’s energetic staging seems crafted to march to the nostalgia of the movie version. And it mostly succeeds, despite distracting costume design and lackluster choreography.

The first act opens with a funny rendition of the rhythmic “Rock Island.” The plaid suits of the traveling salesmen work fine, but Pamela Gill’s costume designs falter when Hill disembarks at River City. Hill is lost in a cacophony of loud colors--these “Iowa stubborn,” small-town folks are decked out in turquoise, radiant oranges, kelly greens and vibrant yellows. The supposed contrast of brightly colored band uniforms is lost on these boys.

At the performance reviewed, there were minor blips in the sound system, and on some melodies the orchestra drowned out the voices. Highlighted by Joey Gyondla’s stylish leaps, Rikki Lugo’s acrobatic choreography nonetheless sagged during some of the longer dance numbers.

The voices of Danny Michaels, James Warnock, Russell Stewart and Joe Santiago blended wonderfully for barbershop harmonies, and Winkowski’s sweet renditions of “Goodnight My Someone” and “Till There Was You” were melodic perfection.

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* “The Music Man,” San Gabriel Civic Auditorium, 320 S. Mission Drive, San Gabriel. Tonight, Saturday and May 18-20, 8 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday, May 20 and 21, 2 p.m. $20 to $42. (626) 308-2868. Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. May 26-27, 8 p.m.; May 28, 7 p.m.; May 27 and 28, 2 p.m. $22 to $42. (800) 233-3123. Ends May 28. Running time: 2 hours, 40 minutes.