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'''The Music Man''' is a 1957 musical comedy by Meredith Willson. It is unusual in that the music, lyrics, and book were all written by the same person. It is set in "River City," Iowa<ref>A fictionalized version of Willson's home town, Mason City</ref> in 1912. It is a light-hearted, "feel-good" piece of Americana. The plot revolves around Harold Hill, the "music man" of the title, who comes to town to organize a boy's marching band; a central theme of the musical is the importance of marching bands and the pride they inspire in their members and in the town.

'''The Music Man''' is a 1957 musical comedy by Meredith Willson. It is unusual in that the music, lyrics, and book were all written by the same person. It is set in "River City," Iowa<ref>A fictionalized version of Willson's home town, Mason City</ref> in 1912. It is a light-hearted, "feel-good" musical (in marked contrast to 1957's ''West Side Story.'') Brooks Atkinson's opening-night review made much of Willson's Iowa background, saying "Mr. Willson’s roots are not in Broadway show business but in Americana." <ref>Atkinson, Brooks (1957): "The Music Man. Robert Preston Becomes Lyric Stage Star in Meredith Willson's Revel." ''The New York Times, December 29, 1957, p. 53</ref>. It ran for 1375 performances. 

 

The plot revolves around Harold Hill, the "music man" of the title, who comes to town to organize a boy's marching band; a central theme of the musical is the importance of marching bands and the pride they inspire in their members and in the town.

Harold Hill, is, unfortunately, a swindler. His scam is that he "sells" towns on the proposition that he is going to organize a band, and teach the children to play. He keeps the parents and children going by ordering instruments and uniforms... but in reality, he has no knowledge of music and no ability to teach it or conduct a band. His [[modus operandi|MO]] is to leave town shortly after the uniforms arrive, leaving the band in effect all dressed up with no place to go.

Harold Hill, is, unfortunately, a swindler. His scam is that he "sells" towns on the proposition that he is going to organize a band, and teach the children to play. He keeps the parents and children going by ordering instruments and uniforms... but in reality, he has no knowledge of music and no ability to teach it or conduct a band. His [[modus operandi|MO]] is to leave town shortly after the uniforms arrive, leaving the band in effect all dressed up with no place to go.

The song "Till There Was You" has become a standard, and was recorded by the Beatles on one of their early albums.

The song "Till There Was You" has become a standard, and was recorded by the Beatles on one of their early albums.

''The Music Man'' is the only Broadway musical to feature a barbershop quartet. An integral part of the plot, they are the four members of the school board who are always sniping and bickering. As soon as Harold Hill gets them to sing one single, perfect chord together, they are thrilled with the sound. Harold Hill predicts, correctly, that henceforth they will never be seen out of each others' company.  

''The Music Man'' is the only Broadway musical to feature a barbershop quartet. An integral part of the plot, they are not initially a quartet, but four members of the school board who are always sniping and bickering. As soon as Harold Hill coaxes them to sing one single, perfect chord together, they are thrilled with the sound they have produced. They are now, literally, in harmony. Harold Hill predicts, correctly, that henceforth they will never be seen out of each others' company.

 

==Notes and references==

==Notes and references==

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