Sunday, May 25, 2003

The last few days have been filled with the things I'm not doing. Here's a short list:

• updating this here blog
• seeing The Matrix Reloaded
• enjoying typical late spring Washington weather (low 80's, blue skies, less than monsoon-strength rains)
• rehearsing for or performing in a show

So, what have I been doing? Not a whole hairy heck of a lot. I'm trying to enjoy the fact that work is the only thing in my life on which I must spend energy and attention. Recovering, both physically and emotionally, from Music Man is still my main activity. So much work, so many demands on the body and mind, and so very much fun can really take it out of a guy.

Speaking of Music Man, I finally got the chance to watch the Disney production that aired on ABC back in February. After hearing everyone I know pan the thing for the last three months, I was prepared for a train wreck. I'd even been making jokes about it, sight unseen. Whenever I got a compliment about my take on Harold Hill, I'd quip that I was going to send Matthew Broderick a thank you note for lowering everyone's expectations for my performance.

But now that I've seen their production, I have to say that I really, really liked it. It doesn't compare to the original with Robert Preston and Shirley Jones, but it shouldn't have to. That was a film made when Hollywood musicals were still a staple; big and bold was the way to go. This was a work for television, a smaller medium which allows for more subtlety, and was made for an audience that, for the most part, hasn't grown up on musicals.

Broderick's Hill was a quiet salesman, the kind who draws you in with a whisper rather than bowling you over with a shout. I found that take refreshing, and perfectly suited to the tone of the movie as a whole, which had a very intimate feel. Kristin Chenoweth was wonderful as Marian, making the transition from insular "old maid" to open, loving, and empowered woman with equal parts charm, grace, and strength. Victor Garber took a very straight-forward approach to Mayor Shinn that was a tad overpowering at times, but ultimately worked quite well and brought the role a depth that was a welcome contrast to Paul Ford's outrageous, amusing bluster.

Okay, that should be it about Music Man, in any form, from me for a while.

Well, one more thing: a shout out to my homies Bill and Sean, who were such a blast to work with in Music Man and have recently been cast as Harold and Winthrop in another production of the show opening in July. Way to go, guys! I can't wait to see you up there; I know you're going to blow me away.

There. No more about Music Man for the foreseeable future. I swear.

Posted @ 11:21 AM

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