The Music Man question

[SallyBrown]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 6:58am

So I was watching the ABC movie last night for like the 50th time, and dont get me wrong, I love it and all, but there's something I dont get about the ending. So, somehow these little kids teach themselves how to play like a great, great band with just their instruments and books..?

[whatyouown223]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 7:07am

Duh, because it's The Music Man!

[SallyBrown]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 7:17am

right, thanks

[wildcat]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 8:01am

MORAL: Faith can move mountains!

[Bwaybaby109]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 8:29am

lol it's an unexplainable miracle.

[MusicMan]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 9:39am

I couldn't bring myself to watch the ABC movie so I don't know to what you are referring. But, in the show as originally written and in the 1962 movie, the kids DON'T play well at the end. Their 'musicality' lies only in their parents' perception of their playing: "That's MY Johnny!!!" That's the brilliant punchline. If you're referring to the fact that they play at the curtain call, that's just to leave audiences on a celebratory high note, as it were.

Updated On: 3/22/05 at 09:39 AM

[Feodor Sverdlov]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 9:52am

I find it disturbing to know that there is someone who actually loves the ABC production of THE MUSIC MAN. Anyway, MusicMan is correct. They play horribly, but their parents think they are great!

[WISHIHADATONY]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 10:51am

in both the original film adaptation and the television film of THE MUSIC MAN, "fantasy finales" are portrayed that does indeed have "all the boys" performing proficiently as members of River City's All Boy's Marching Band.

I found the Broderick/Chenowith film a delight on many levels. I am thrilled that is brought THE MUSIC MAN to a new generation on television and therefore helped created new lovers of musicals.

I certainly found the tv film excellent on most levels, but it was imperfect, as was the original film version. Particulary disturbing to me in the tv film were the uninspired performances of Molly Shannon (I was expecting she would really "do something" with the part) and the young man who played Marcellus.
Also, while often adorable and engaging, Matthew Broderick's performance just didn't quite work. And, the almost always reliable Victor Garber's performance didn't quite work very well here, either.

Chenowith was divine as the librarian as was the warmth of Debra Monk as her mother.

[judy_in_disguise]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 10:53am

The final band with the red coats is my brother's marching band (stupid kid is in the film!). They're a trained internationally-acclaimed marching band.
That's why they don't seem like kids hashing at their instruments for the first time.

Guess it still doesn't make anything make sense!

[Caroline-Q-or-TBoo]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 10:55am

what i loved about that movie was the Iowa song. twas great

[Bwaybaby109]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 11:12am

Yeha I was surprised that Victor Garber and Molly Shannon didn't do as well as I thought they would. I thought Molly would have brought a lot of laughs, but I guess not. It had its moments but overall I didn't quite enjoy the remake. As much as I love Matthew Broderick, I thought he did a horrible job as Harold Hill. If Harold Hill isn't strong then the whole show itself doesn't carry out well. I hate to say that he is no Robert Preston, because I believe that every actor can make an equal and original view of a character, but Robert Preston had the finnese to make that role so great as it is.
I wished they had gotten someone like...you may strongly disagree...Steve Martin. Even though he is a little older, which works, or if they had the chance to remake it like 10 years ago he would have been awesome. I heard they orignally considered him before casting Matthew. Anyways I'll get off my soap box, but that remake had its moments, esp with Chenoweth, but nothing beats the original.

Updated On: 3/22/05 at 11:12 AM

[judy_in_disguise]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 11:14am

BwayBaby, you're right. Broderick was too much of an innocent cute little guy, like his Eugene Jerome days. They needed someone a little sleazier to swindle his way through River City.

[Bwaybaby109]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 11:21am

Absolutely and I love his voice but I don't that score doesn't quite fit in his range. It's written for a strong baritone, but some tenors can get away with it. He didn't. Honestly I wish they would remake the How to Suceed... movie, I think he would be more enjoyable in that, I love that show. He probably doesn't beat the great Robert Morse as Finch though. I hope Matthew is more impressive in The Producers movie.

[robbiej]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 11:21am

Steve Martin would have been wonderful. Same with Scott Bakkula (though I guess he doesn't have a 'star' name any longer). I still think a brilliant choice would have been (a toned-down) Jim Carrey.

[Bwaybaby109]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 11:24am

hmm..Jim could get away with it. He does have a nice voice! I wish he would sing more often in his movies. I think I was the only one who enjoyed him in The Majestic. He's brilliant! Scott Bakula can sing too! I love hearing him on The Cats Dont Dance soundtrack! hehe!

[Caroline-Q-or-TBoo]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 11:34am

patrick wilson?

[JBSinger]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 11:41am

The ABC Music Man was a respectable undertaking but completely devoid of character or charisma. Chenoweth was great as Marian and I'd love to hear her sing the songs in the original keys/arrangements. Broderick - aside from drawing on his Producers fame, was completely detached and unsexy throughout the show. He didn't capture or command. Why would anyone buy anything from him? or pay attention in "Trouble." Most of his lip-synched performances were pretty lame.

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 11:51am

I played in the pit for the Music Man, and one of my favorite parts was that last part, where a select few of us played horribly--doing everything you're taught not to do, not get out high notes and squeak all the time, it was fun.