Posted: Thu., Feb. 13, 2003, 5:28pm PT

Previously Reviewed

The Music Man

(Telepic; ABC, Sun. Feb. 16, 8 p.m.)

By Laura Fries

Kristin Chenoweth and Matthew Broderick co-star in ABC's small-screen adaptation of the classic legit musical 'The Music Man,' airing Sunday.

Filmed in Toronto and Millbrook, Ontario, Canada, by Storyline Entertainment in association with Touchstone Television. Executive producers, Craig Zadan, Neil Meron; co-executive producer, Jeff Bleckner; producer, John M. Eckert; director, Bleckner; writer, Sally Robinson; story, Meredith Willson, Franklin Lacy; editors, Geoffrey Rowland, Bryan M. Horne.

Professor Harold Hill - Matthew Broderick Marian Paroo - Kristin Chenoweth Mayor Shinn - Victor Garber Mrs. Paroo - Debra Monk Eulalie Mackechnie Shinn - Molly Shannon Marcellus Washburn - David Aaron Baker Winthrop Paroo - Cameron Monaghan Tommy Djilas - Clyde Alves Zaneeta Shinn - Cameron Adams Alma - Kinda Kash Charlie - Patrick McKenna Amaryllis - Megan Moniz Constable Locke - Richard Fitzpatrick

The Broadway experience goes global with ABC's spectacular remake of Meredith Willson's "The Music Man." Boasting an impressive pedigree, from "Chicago" producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron to Tony-winning stars Matthew Broderick and Kristin Chenoweth to its production crew, tuner reps the best of stage and TV.

Pic marks director Jeff Bleckner's first musical production, but viewers would never guess it from this vibrant take on Willson's classical tale of a con man who develops a conscience. Bleckner's swift camerawork and efficient storytelling invigorates a somewhat antiquated tale and auspiciously adapts its show-stopping numbers for the small screen.

Broderick stars as Professor Harold Hill, the skilled snake who sets his sights on River City, Iowa, a town known for its stubborn residents. Hill, thrilled by the challenge, plans to convince the conservative folk that their youth will go to ruin unless they find meaningful diversion other than the local pool hall.

Broderick is a savvy choice for the remake of such a perennial favorite. And although he doesn't have the greatest voice or the physical presence of Robert Preston, he has that wily, Ferris Bueller mischievous side that allows him to be naughty but ultimately redeemable.

Hill sells the townsfolk on starting a boys band, convincing everyone from the town bully to the shy grade schooler with a stutter of their potential musical genius. Hill, of course, knows nothing of reading or teaching music but sells them on the idea of the Think Method, where you simply think of a tune and then play it.

To be in the band, however, requires an investment in sheet music, instruments and band uniforms. Most folks are happy to oblige, swayed by Hill's influential charm. All, that is, but Mayor Shinn (Victor Garber), who owns the much maligned pool hall, and the town's savvy librarian, Marian Paroo (Kristin Chenoweth).

Hill dodges and deceives Shinn, but finds himself attracted to the willful Marian, who is all too aware of Hill's con man past, and plans to expose him until she notices the profoundly positive effect he has had on the town, especially her brother Winthrop (Cameron Monaghan). Suddenly, Hill's surefire scam becomes a lot more complicated when he realizes he, too, has become invested in River City.

Although not as familiar to TV audiences as Broderick, Chenoweth has star power and more. The signature pieces are, of course, "Seventy-Six Trombones" and "Ya Got Trouble," but Chenoweth's marvelous renditions of "Goodnight, My Someone" and "Til There Was You" serve as a reminder of why "The Music Man's" appeal endures.

Supporting characters are well cast, with stage vet Garber ("Alias") quickly earning a moniker as one of TV's most versatile actors.

Tech credits are to die for, with stellar choreography by "Kiss Me Kate's" Kathleen Marshall. Joseph Porro's costumes are a thing of beauty -- his hats alone deserving separate billing. Stephen Hendrickson's set is fanciful and immaculate, recalling the grandeur of the old musicals mixed with a bit of Disneyland's Main Street.

Camera, James Chressanthis; music, Michael Kosarin; choreographer, Kathleen Marshall; casting, Susan Edelman, Mary Buck, Jay Binder, Jack Bowdan, Tina Gerussi, Stephanie Gorin. 3 HOURS.