Book, Music & Lyrics by Meredith Willson
Based on a Story by Willson and Franklin Lacey
Directed by Mary Zimmerman
“Musical comedy at its feel-good best”
– The New York Times
The Music Man
Jun 29 – Aug 18, 2019 in Goodman's Albert Theatre
2 hours and 30 minutes with one intermission
Seventy-six trombones. One joyous musical masterpiece.
He’s charming and charismatic—no wonder con man Harold Hill assumes he can easily fleece the citizens of staid River City, Iowa with the grand promise of a marching band. But the smooth-talking swindler can’t tell a trombone from a treble clef—and Marian, the local librarian, knows it. In his attempt to steal her heart (and save his hide), Harold learns a thing or two about moral responsibility—and unexpectedly enriches the town with a love of music. Tony Award-winning director Mary Zimmerman (The Jungle Book, Wonderful Town) brings her magic touch to “one of the sunniest musicals ever” (The New York Times), including memorable favorites “Goodnight My Someone,” “Seventy-Six Trombones,” “Gary, Indiana” and “Till There Was You.”
Critical Praise
-
“A really fun night of old-school musical theater”
– Dean Richards
-
“Exudes a vibrant energy”
– Chicago Sun-Times
-
“Simply a wonderful musical that the whole family will love”
– Chicago Parent
-
“As American as apple pie and a Fourth of July oration”
– The New York Times
-
“Beautifully staged” with “the right touch of humor”
– Dean Richards
-
“Colorful, clever”
– Chicago Sun-Times
-
“Staged to perfection and meticulously choreographed”
– Dean Richards
-
“Musical comedy at its feel-good best”
– The New York Times
-
“One of the sunniest musicals ever”
– The New York Times
-
“A theatrical slice of cherry pie that both sends up and pays tribute to the old-fashioned manners and mores of small-town America”
– Variety
-
“A legendary American musical theater form comes alive”
– Hollywood Chicago
-
“Attending the Ice Cream Sociable that is The Music Man at Goodman Theatre is one of the finest ideas of the summer”
– Newcity Stage
Audience Feedback
-
Saw The Music Man last night and it was FANTASTIC!!! I highly recommend seeing this incredible musical, put on by a truly wonderful cast and musicians!
Kristen L. via Facebook
-
Anyone in community theater who has ever wrestled with the opening scene, or was in the quartete, would absolutely LOVE the Goodman’s staging of this gem of musical theater! It was all I could do to keep from singing along.
Alan H. via Facebook
-
Toe-tapping infectious tunes from a fabulous orchestra, perfectly delivered wit that will have you laughing out loud and an amazingly energetic & talented cast! The Music Man knocks it out of the theatrical park!
Renee S. via Facebook
-
The Music Man was energized, creative and beautifully done. The acting, singing, and dancing were outstanding.
Leslie Y. via Facebook
-
Saw it this afternoon—just great! Lovely and well done and fun all around!
Jenny N. via Facebook
-
You WON’T be disappointed. Can’t wait to see it again.
Missy G. via Facebook
-
Grabs your heart in sheer delight. Another Broadway valentine for the soul the Goodman has brought to life, all wrapped in red, white and blue ribbon.
James D. via Facebook
-
It was a great performance! We saw it yesterday! The audience was really fun—we were all into the music!!
Christine M. via Facebook
Artists
