Goodman’s colorful, clever ‘Music Man’ gives Marian’s journey its due
An ultra-affectionate caricature of early 20th century middle America, the musical comedy “The Music Man” looks nostalgically back at Iowa in 1912 from the perspective of the 1950s. It brims with unrelenting confidence in America while gently satirizing the industrious seriousness of its citizens. It’s an upbeat show — filled with rhythmic patter from its very first scene — calling out for Americans to have more fun, embrace the nation’s brassiness, and fall in love. It won the best musical Tony award in 1958, beating out, believe it or not, “West Side Story,” which insightfully depicted the nation’s social problems.
So if you’re looking for a light entertainment, then “The Music Man” can be your ice cream on a hot summer day. It will lift your mood. You can bring the kids.
