Bozeman’s high schools have worked long and hard to produce “The Music Man,” a show that can only be taken in the highest regard. The theater departments put together a timeless show while also adding their own taste. The group had an amazing ensemble which tackled creative choreography in front of a beautiful set, designed by their fellowBSD7 students. Specifically in the numbers “Seventy Six Trombones”, “Marian the Librarian”, and “Shipoopi”. While the ensemble performed tricky choreography they still managed to maintain a good blend, a skill that even some of the oldest choirs struggle with. 

While portraying fun moments, we, the audience, still felt the deep romance in the show between the lead characters, Marian Paroo, portrayed by Alexandra Rodi, and Harold Hill, portrayed by Levi Pufahl. Rodi truly came through with her librarian character; she used vocal techniques on her solo numbers “Goodnight my Someone” and “Lida Rose/Will I Ever Tell You” to give an emotional depth to the songs. She uses a lighter breathier tone on the more sorrowful phrases and utilizes a well rounded mix of tones. She belts on the phrases where her character would feel stronger. 

Pufahl also displays vocal maturity with a wide range of a bass register to a tenor range with seamless transitions between the registers, a high accomplishment for a sophomore. Overall, the one thing that could be improved would be a balance between the pit and ensemble. At times in the show the pit, despite being rather small, would still overpower the ensemble. Despite that minor issue the show went amazingly and was a fun watch. The theater department has made a great debut for this year and will no doubt continue to grow as the year progresses.