Music and Lyrics by: Meredith Willson Original version directed by: Morton Da Costa

Book by: Franklin Lacey and Meredith Willson Broadway revival directed by: Susan Stroman

A video from the Broadway cast's Rosie appearance added (under Recordings)

With his fast-talking style, "Professor" Harold Hill convinces a small Iowa town that unless they adopt his revolutionary music program, the youngsters of River City will be forever doomed. Chaos ensues as Hill's credentials are questioned and he is called upon to prove himself to the citizens of River City, all the while falling in love with the willful, spinster librarian, Marian Paroo. Read the complete synopsis. For a more thorough look at the way things unfold, browse through the lyrics to the show.

The Music Man is an original story, based in part on Meredith Willson's experiences growing up in small-town Iowa. It took more than 8 years and 40 different songs for him to write the show, which has earned a place as one of the greatest American musicals of all time. Read more about the development of the musical. The original movie version of the musical, starring Robert Preston, was a big success, and recently Disney took a shot at bring the musical to television.

I don't own the original Broadway recording yet - I'm working on adding that to my collection! But, I do have a couple of other recordings...read my reviews of the CDs that I do have, or listen to a sound clip from one of my favourite songs. Want to see the Broadway revival cast in action? Check out their performance of 76 Trombones on the Rosie O'Donnell show in 2000!

I saw the revival of this show on Broadway, which, believe it or not, was my first exposure to the show. And, naturally I really enjoyed it! Read some more of my thoughts on that particular performance.

The movie cast has made an impact on the popular consciousness, but there have been some other great performers in this show too! Read a bit more about some of my favourites. Once you're done looking around here, check out some of the other Music Man sites that are out there.