Saw this Wednesday evening from center orchestra after rushing....and I absolutely loved it! This show was set up for me to *not* enjoy it - I mostly go for modern, original musicals, especially ones that have a high song count. I also appreciate a hefty plot (TMM plot is fairly thin, for what it is).
That being said, absolutely everything about this production worked for me. Hugh and Sutton are doing an incredible job, as is the rest of the cast. Easily some of the finest child actors I've seen on Broadway. Is Hugh an incredible singer? No, but he does what is needed for the role and he's certainly not bad. He has exactly the charisma needed for someone to play Harold Hill. Sutton is underused here, but that's not her fault, it's just the role. I think she only dances twice, but she's fantastic for what she does. I could easily see Benanti or someone similar taking over this role. Even though the ensemble cast is phenomenal, I do think a big name would be necessary for HH once Hugh leaves to keep the show running.
During one scene on Wednesday evening, Sutton accidentally spit all over Hugh during her lines, inducing a 30 second giggling fit for both of them before continuing. The audience loved it.
I do think some of the sets could be a bit more inspired - multiple scenes take place in front of a backdrop with nothing else. Although the Wells Fargo Wagon was done in such a cool way!
