There aren't many musicals that deliver the kind of consistent quality in the songs and the story that “The Music Man” does.

A plot driven by characters and one marvelous tune after another, have made this one of the gems of American musical theater.

And aside from a couple of early bumps in the road, the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse production of the Meredith Willson classic is a jewel of a production itself.

Director Ed Sayles has chosen to stage much of the play, and nearly all of the chorus numbers, to the front, a decision which serves the play well except for the famous “Trouble in River City” number.

Here, it seems, Harold Hill is less sympathetic as a character, imposing his con game on the townsfolk instead of drawing them in.

To be sure, this makes the change in the character over the arc of the play more dramatic, but I'm not convinced that it's necessary.

The other problem with this number was Al Bundonis, as Hill, trying too hard to exorcize the ghost of Robert Preston.

The tempo of the patter and the lines can and should be changed by any actor looking to make the part his own. But the lines still need to serve the situation and make sense in that context, and the overall effect is diminished by changing the tempo merely for the sake of change.

For the rest of the show, Bundonis is superb, informing the character with his delivery and executing the musical numbers with style and polish, demonstrating a sure presence and an excellent singing voice.

Kristin Carbone is wonderful as Marian, turning in a graceful and poised performance and providing a gorgeous voice. Robert Lydiard and the always watchable Sandra Karas are absolutely priceless as the Mayor and his eccentric wife.

Joyce Nolen, Evan Alboum, James Cantu, Casey Garritano and Beth Crandall are wonderful in support, and local performers Anders Namestnik, Nikkia Borowski and Michael Nye are never overmatched. Jessica Mary Murphy, Jeannie Hines-Clinton, Sharlene DelFavero and Cindy Daly as the Pick-a-little ladies and Dan Norton, Marty Olschewske, Dave Kester and Bill Rohlin as the barbershop quartet are all marvelous.

Musical Director Jeff Caldwell has the cast and his orchestra fine tuned, and Lori Leshner does great work with the choreography. Michael F. Hottois provides terrific sets, and Robert Frame provides subtle and deft lighting.

Ami Shupe's costumes are beautiful, and Lisa Rokicki does exemplary work with the hair and makeup designs.

The Music Man is suitable for families.

If you go

What: “The Music Man”

When: Through Aug. 11

Where: Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, Emerson Park

For tickets: Call the box office at

255-1785 or (800) 457-8897

For details:

Visit www.merry-go-round.com