Miracle of The Music Man: The Classic American Story of Meredith Willson

The Music Man is a classic American musical theatre achievement, but few know about its rocky beginnings and the success story of its creator, Meredith Willson. Mark Cabaniss explores Willson's long and unusual career as a composer, conductor, radio personality, and flutist, which reached its pinnacle in the show. Despite initial doubts, the show became a star and is still beloved by millions worldwide. Willson's unique background, talent, persistence, and belief made him the only person who could have written the show, resulting in its ultimate success and longevity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2022
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

The Music Man, a remarkable achievement in American musical theatre, has a fascinating backstory that is often overlooked. Few people are aware of the challenges and struggles faced by its creator, Meredith Willson, in bringing this iconic show to life. In this captivating book, Mark Cabaniss delves into the origins of The Music Man, exploring the music that shaped it and the unlikely story of its creator.

Cabaniss takes readers on a journey back to the Golden Age of Broadway, where Willson's musical masterpiece took shape. He sheds light on the people who worked alongside Willson, providing behind-the-scenes accounts of their experiences and contributions to the show. Through these accounts, Cabaniss paints a vivid picture of Willson's long and unusual career as a composer, conductor, radio personality, and flutist. It was during this period that Willson reached his pinnacle with The Music Man.

Despite initial doubts and skepticism, The Music Man was a resounding success on its opening night. However, its journey to success was anything but straightforward. Willson's "Valentine to Iowa" was initially perceived as a corny flop or even a recipe for disaster. Many believed that the musical's themes and characters were outdated and would not resonate with audiences.

Yet, when the curtain fell on that first night, something extraordinary happened. The audience was captivated by the music, the lyrics, and the performances, and The Music Man became a star. Over the next 65 years, the show continued to captivate audiences around the world, endearing itself to millions.

Willson's unique background, talent, unwavering persistence, and unwavering belief in his vision played a significant role in the show's success. His experiences as a traveling salesman and his deep connection to Iowa and its people fueled his creativity and inspired the musical's themes of love, redemption, and community.

The Music Man's ultimate success and longevity can be attributed to a combination of factors. It was a well-crafted show with memorable songs, a compelling story, and exceptional performances. But more than that, it tapped into the human spirit and resonated with audiences on a profound level. The musical's message of hope, optimism, and the power of community continues to inspire and uplift people to this day.

In conclusion, The Music Man stands as a testament to the power of creativity, perseverance, and belief. It is a story of an unlikely creator who defied the odds and created a musical masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Through Mark Cabaniss's insightful book, we gain a deeper understanding of the origins of The Music Man, the music that shaped it, and the incredible story of its creator. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves musical theatre, history, or the human spirit.

Weight: 467g
Dimension: 232 x 160 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538154649