The Music Man Broadway is a classic musical by Meredith Willson, which premiered on Broadway in 1957. The show tells the story of Professor Harold Hill, a con man who comes to a small town in Iowa to swindle the locals out of their money by selling them instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band. Little does he know that he will be caught up in the townspeople’s lives and, ultimately, win their hearts.
Plot Summary
The musical follows Professor Harold Hill as he arrives in River City, Iowa, claiming to be a boys’ band organizer and leader. Hill plans to sell instruments and uniforms to the townspeople, collect their money, and leave town before they realize he is a fraud. However, he falls in love with Marian, the town librarian, and begins to change his ways. The townspeople eventually discover Hill’s plan and confront him, but with the help of Marian and the children of River City, Hill is able to redeem himself and start a real boys’ band.
Musical Numbers
The Music Man Broadway features some of the most memorable and beloved songs in musical theater, including:
- Seventy-Six Trombones
- Till There Was You
- Goodnight, My Someone
- Gary, Indiana
- Shipoopi
Critical Reception
The Music Man Broadway was an immediate hit with critics and audiences alike, earning nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The show ran for 1,375 performances, making it the fourth longest-running musical in Broadway history. It has since been revived several times, with a 2020 Broadway revival currently in the works.
Notable Cast Members
The Music Man Broadway has been performed by some of the most famous names in musical theater, including:
Original Broadway Cast
- Robert Preston as Professor Harold Hill
- Barbara Cook as Marian Paroo
- Pert Kelton as Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn
Revivals
- Craig Bierko in the 2000 Broadway revival
- Matthew Broderick in the 2003 Broadway revival
- Meredith Willson in the 1957 film adaptation
Legacy
The Music Man Broadway has been a beloved classic for over 60 years, and its legacy lives on in its countless revivals, film adaptations, and recordings. It has become a beloved part of the American musical theater canon and is sure to continue to entertain audiences for many years to come.