The Music Man image

The Music Man

Broadway Theater
Majestic
Music
Meredith Willson
Premiered
19 December, 1957
The Music Man

The Music Man is a musical with book, music, and lyrics by Meredith Willson, based on a story by Willson and Franklin Lacey. The plot concerns con man Harold Hill, who poses as a boys' band organizer and leader and sells band instruments and uniforms to naïve Midwestern townsfolk, promising to train the members of the new band. Harold is no musician, however, and plans to skip town without giving any music lessons. Prim librarian and piano teacher Marian sees through him, but when Harold helps her younger brother overcome his lisp and social awkwardness, Marian begins to fall in love with him. He risks being caught to win her heart. In 1957, the show became a hit on Broadway, winning five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and running for 1,375 performances. The cast album won the first Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album and spent 245 weeks on the Billboard charts.

Music Meredith Willson
Lyrics Meredith Willson
Book Meredith Willson, Franklin Lacey
Productions 1957 Broadway, 1961 West End, 2000 Broadway revival

About The Music Man

A con man poses as a boys' band organizer and leader in order to sell band instruments and uniforms to naive Iowa townsfolk.

Achievement of The Music Man

The show was awarded five Tony Awards, including one for Best Musical. It spawned a 1962 film adaptation as well as a 2003 TV adaptation. 

Top Facts You Did Not Know About The Music Man

Tony Award for Best Musical.. Plays set in the United States.. Original musicals.. Grammy Hall of Fame Award recipients.

Latest information about The Music Man updated on July 28 2021.