Having had the honor and privilege to know Shirley Jones since 1948 when we took our first drama lessons together at The Pittsburgh Playhouse and I was able to dance and act in her first play in 1951 (WONDERFUL GOOD), also at The Pittsburgh Playhouse after she'd been crowned Miss Pittsburgh, it was a joy to re-connect with her last Saturday night backstage following the performance in THE MUSIC MAN - IN CONCERT at Mystic Lake Casion-Hotel's massive showroom in Prior Lake, Minnesota.
Even if I'd never known Shirley (or one of the people with whom she performed in the film version of THE MUSIC MAN, named Timmy Everett, my best friend in high school in New York, who sadly committed suicide at age 35), I would still genuinely rave about the delightfulness of this production. For movie and nostalgia fans, it doesn't get any better than this production. It's a combination of the songs and performances we remember, interlaced with contemporary asides and banter to the audience, as well as Shirley's backs-and-forths with one of her sons, Patrick Cassidy, who is equally delightful as Professor Harold Hill.
The first-class, Broadway-caliber remainder of the cast are of that ilk throughout, and the cleverly-devised finale, which I won't divulge, will have you cheering with a standing ovation. Better bring your goosebump cream (it there is such a thing) as well as a box of Kleenex. The combination of tears of joy and heartfelt smiles are perpetual and audience-wide from the moment Shirley walks out on stage (she still has a magnificent singing voice, too) until she and Patrick walk off stage at the conculsion of the production.
Brava to Shirley and bravo and brava to this excellently-crafted and joyful trip down memory lane. You won't regret buying a ticket. I certainly was glad to do so.