Unlike Rodgers and Hammerstein whose scores of musical achievements abound in their field, Meredith Willson did not start out writing musicals. Willson was a radio personality and band leader until debuting on Broadway at age 55. Willson's other well-known musical is "The Unsinkable Molly Brown".
"The Music Man", set in 1912, is the story of con man, Harold Hill who, posing as a music teacher, tries to sell the residents of River City expensive, non-existent band instruments and uniforms. Teaching them using his imaginary 'think system', his troubles begin when he realizes that he has fallen in love with Marian, the librarian, and he begins having second thoughts about his scheme. As the story moves toward his being exposed, residents see how his enthusiasm brought their dead town back to life and that even though his intentions were far from honorable, many positive things had occurred since his arrival.
On December 19, 1957, "The Music Man" debuted on Broadway at New York's Majestic Theatre. This production, starring Barbara Cook and Robert Preston, enjoyed 1375 performances in its run. Taking 8 Tonys, including best musical, best author and best composer & lyricist, "The Music Man's" charm had all the makings of a definite hit. Winning the first grammy ever for its cast album, everyone was singing those memorable songs like Seventy-six trombones, Till there was you, Goodnight my Someone and My White Knight. And who could forget the infectious enthusiasm of the townspeople singing Pickalittle Talkalittle? (For a complete list of songs, scenes, cast and much more go to http://www.themusicmanbroadway.com)
As a revival, "The Music Man" has been less successful. Neither the 1960's touring version starring Dick Van Dyke nor the New York City opera production in 1988 received favorable review.
Currently, Susan Stroman (choreographer of numerous shows) directs the newest revival of this classic with Craig Bierko (13th floor/Mad about you-Paul's agent) starring as Harold Hill and Rebecca Luker (Secret Garden/Sound of Music/Phantom of the Opera/Showboat) as Marian. Luker, who many believe is being wasted in such revivals, has her own website at http://www.rebeccaluker.com. Stroman has included some dialogue from the very famous movie version (stars Shirley Jones and Robert Preston) in her Broadway revival. The film has been complimented as one of the best films in transferring a show from stage to screen.
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