As a younger man, I was incredibly drawn to the character Harold Hill. The actor who originated the character on Broadway and reprised the role in the widely popular film, Robert Preston was able to project a steely, unflappable confidence, talking is his superpower. One of the reasons that Robert Preston's interpretation of Harold Hill comes across as incredibly likable is that his sales pitch is affirming; he's able to get everyone in town to see the best in themselves and aspire to be even better. Harold Hill doesn't sell band instruments, but instead sells the promise that we can all be better than we give ourselves credit for.
As I've gotten older, I've come to realize more and more that the show’s real hero is Marian Paroo. Unlike many of the other female characters written at the time, Marian is a dynamic character who demonstrates agency throughout the play. She is the only person to really see what is happening in the town. From almost the first moment of the show, Marian sees right through Harold’s smoke screen, but she also sees through the other individuals in town just as clearly. She is the first to notice how everyone seems to be changing for the better - everyone starts to become a little more kind, find a little more joy, and widely experience a greater sense of self-worth. She sees the value of Harold Hill, even if it’s not band instruments, uniforms, and the world’s grandest “dog-and-pony” show; he has helped a town with hearts “cold as their falling thermometers in December” become warm and kind to one another. It is a joyful reminder that we are tasked to be our best selves and to help one another.
Marian is also given great agency over her own story. She has taken up the charge of supporting her family as their breadwinner after her father’s passing. Marian chooses to allow Harold to stay in town. Marian chooses if and how she pursues relationships with her suitors. Ultimately, it’s Marian that chooses to save Harold from himself. She is willing to see the best, even in him.
The Music Man is a redemptive story, and not just for Harold. Everyone in the town is given a chance to forgive, to be thankful for the changes in their lives, and to love one another. It is a beautiful reminder for us all - we may not know why God puts certain people in our lives, but it is often an opportunity to foster a positive change in others and allow others to affect positive changes on us.
Thank you, and please enjoy Hinsdale Adventist Academy’s production of Meredith Willison’s “The Music Man.”
