Reviews

Well, as far as I can see, there are only three things wrong with this movie, compared with the rest of the director's output:

1) It doesn't have Bill Demarest in it.

2) It doesn't have Jimmy Conlin in it.

3) It isn't funny.

There were, overall, three outstandingly good things about this production: Debra Monk as Widow Paroo (a nice change from playing Andy Sipowicz' long-suffering ex-wife on "NYPD Blue," or even her repertory roles on A&E's problematic "Nero Wolfe" series); the pretty young lass (credit not findable in IMDB) who danced Zaneeta; and the welcome restoration of "My White Knight." These were all unqualified triumphs.

The qualified triumph was that of Kristin Chenoweth, hobbled by overly busy hair, uninteresting costumes, and unflattering extreme closeups. But a great Broadway voice can manage to transcend, if not entirely overcome, these problems.

Other than these, the casting was in large part a total disaster. Matthew Broderick has sweetness and charm, but none of the menace and broad affability needed by a Harold Hill. Victor Garber's Mayor was a dull thud; Molly Shannon was squirmingly unfunny; Cameron Monaghan's Winthrop succeeds only in that he sings far more nearly in tune than that famous director guy; David Aaron Baker as Marcellus came off as a total comedic zero; Patrick McKenna's Charlie Cowell is not for one moment a believable threat; and the School Board was reconceived (and reharmonized) as a "boy band" instead of a quartet of trustworthy and mature gentleman whom you might actually believe in their civic role.

In short, a dismal failure, three hours I shall never get back. If one HAD to make a musical TV vehicle for Matthew Broderick, why not a remake of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying"? The time is about right for the original J. Pierpont Finch, Robert Morse, to play J. B. Biggley (Rudy Vallee on Broadway and in the movie).

I rest my case.