A lavish and beautiful-looking production with almost everyone miscast. Matthew Broderick is a very gifted and highly versatile actor who certainly belongs in musical comedy but he doesn't have the right kind of personality for this part. Robert Preston created the part and Matthew hasn't made me forget him. Kristin Chenowitz is also gifted but her personality seems too fey for Marion. Debra Monk as Mrs. Paroo seemed determined to avoid Irish-American stereotypes but she also avoided the essence of the character and Victor Garber was not Paul Ford. Cameron Monaghan was good as Winthrop and did make me forget Ron Howard for the moment. The others lacked the right style, in my opinion. Shouldn't the barbershop quartet have moustaches? Stick with Robert and Shirley!!!
Review of The Music Man
