The Music Man facts for kids

The Music Man is a super popular musical from 1957. It was written by Meredith Willson. This amazing show even won a Tony Award for Best Musical, which is a really big deal in theater! When it first opened, famous actors like Robert Preston and Barbara Cook were in it. The Music Man has been so loved that it was made into movies twice, in 1962 and 2003. It has also been brought back to the stage many times.

The Story of Harold Hill

This musical tells the fun story of a traveling salesman named Harold Hill. He's a bit of a trickster, someone who tries to fool people to get what he wants.

Act One: Trouble in River City

Harold Hill arrives in a small town called River City, Iowa. His big plan is to convince everyone that River City has a lot of "trouble." He says this trouble comes from things like a new pool hall. Harold then tells the townspeople that the only way to save their kids from this "trouble" is to start a boys' band!

He promises to teach the band and order all the instruments and uniforms. Of course, he plans to take their money and leave town before anyone finds out he can't actually teach music. Harold gets help from his friend, Marcellus Washburne.

Most people in town believe Harold. This includes a shy boy named Winthrop Paroo, who has a lisp. Harold even gets the school board to form a barbershop quartet. He also helps the town's busy leader, Eulalie Shinn, start a ladies' dance group.

But not everyone trusts Harold. Mayor Shinn, who owns the pool hall Harold blames, is suspicious. The town's music teacher and librarian, Marian Paroo, is also very smart and doesn't fall for his tricks easily. Harold tries to win Marian over, but it's not easy!

Act Two: Love and Surprises

In the second part of the story, things are looking good for Harold. He's actually starting to get close to Marian. It seems like he'll be able to collect his money and sneak out of town soon.

However, a salesman named Charlie Cowell shows up. He knows Harold's tricks and tries to tell everyone the truth during a summer party. Harold tries to escape, but he can't. He realizes he's fallen in love with Marian and doesn't want to leave her.

Harold is arrested! He's almost punished by the townspeople. But then, he's forced to lead the boys' band. Even though the band isn't perfect, the townspeople are incredibly proud of their kids. They see the good Harold has brought to their town. Because of this, they let Harold go, and he gets to stay with Marian.

Songs You'll Hear

The Music Man is full of catchy songs! Here are some of the musical numbers you'll hear in the show:

The Movies

The Music Man has been made into movies twice!

1962 Movie

In 1962, a movie version was released. Robert Preston, who was the original Harold Hill on stage, played him again in the movie! Shirley Jones played Marian. Other famous actors included Buddy Hackett as Marcellus and Ron Howard (who was a child actor then!) as Winthrop. This movie is very much like the stage show, but it uses a different song called "Being in Love" instead of "My White Knight."

2003 Movie

Another movie version was made in 2003. In this one, Matthew Broderick played Harold Hill, and Kristin Chenoweth played Marian Paroo.

Images for kids

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  Weldon and Tucker in the National Tour, 1960