The Music Man

The Music Man
There's trouble in River City when a fast-talking salesman gets his heart stolen by the town librarian.

By turns wicked, funny, warm, romantic and touching, The Music Man is family entertainment at its best. Meredith Willson's six-time, Tony Award-winning musical comedy has been entertaining audiences since 1957 and is a family-friendly story to be shared with every generation.

The Music Man follows fast-talking traveling salesman, Harold Hill, as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys' band that he vows to organize – this, despite the fact that he doesn't know a trombone from a treble clef. His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian, the librarian, who transforms him into a respectable citizen by curtain's fall.

Perfect for professional theatres, community groups, summer stock and schools alike, this award-winning, critically acclaimed Broadway classic is an all-American institution, thanks to is quirky characters, charmingly predictable dramatic situations and one-of-a-kind, nostalgic score of rousing marches, barbershop quartets and sentimental ballads, which have become popular standards. The cast features a soaring soprano ingenue, parts for young performers and children, and one of the musical theatre's treasures, a tour de force leading role for a charismatic actor who doesn't need to be a trained singer.

Concert Selections for The Music Man

MTI is pleased to provide the pre-approved rental materials of select songs for your symphonic concert performance. Please note, MTI is unable to grant the necessary Performance Rights with this material rental. The Performance Rights needed must be obtained separately through the individual song’s respective small rights agency such as ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC. Please email concerts@mtishows.com with any questions.

  • ENTR'ACTE ("MUSIC MAN")
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    WILLSON, MEREDITH
    Orchestrated by
    WALKER, DON
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Arranged for
    INSTRUMENTAL
    Starting Key
    E♭
    Estimated duration
    3 min 00 sec
    Instrumentation

    1 Reed 1, 1 Reed 2, 1 Reed 3, 1 Reed 4, 1 Reed 5, 1 Trumpet 1, 1 Trumpet 2, 1 Trumpet 3, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 1 Trombone 3, 18 Violin, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 3 Percussion, 1 Piano, 2 Piano Conductor, Conductor Score

  • GARY, INDIANA
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    Meredith Willson
    Lyrics by
    Meredith Willson
    Orchestrated by
    Don Walker
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Arranged for
    3 Voices (Typically 2 Female, 1 Young Male)
    Starting Key
    A♭
    Estimated duration
    1 min 50 sec
    Instrumentation

    1 Reed 1, 1 Reed 2, 1 Reed 3, 1 Reed 4, 1 Reed 5, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 1 Trombone 3, 1 Trumpet 1, 1 Trumpet 2, 1 Trumpet 3, 17 Violin, 5 Bass, 6 Cello, 3 Percussion, 1 Piano, 1 Fullscore, 2 PV, 3 Chorus Books

  • GOODNIGHT, MY SOMEONE
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    WILLSON, MEREDITH
    Lyrics by
    WILLSON, MEREDITH
    Orchestrated by
    WALKER, DON
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Arranged for
    1 FEMALE VOICE
    Starting Key
    C
    Estimated duration
    3 min 00 sec
    Instrumentation

    1 Flute 1, 1 Flute 2, 1 English horn, 1 Clarinet 1, 1 Clarinet 2, 1 Clarinet 3(Bass clarinet), 1 Bassoon, 2 Trumpet 1&2, 1 Trumpet 3, 1 Trombone 1, 17 Violin ABC, 7 Viola, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 3 Percussion(Drum set ,Bell), 2 Piano Conductor, 2 Chorus books

  • IOWA STUBBORN
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    WILLSON, MEREDITH
    Lyrics by
    WILLSON, MEREDITH
    Orchestrated by
    WALKER, DON
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Arranged for
    CHORUS (FEATURED SOLOS)
    Starting Key
    C
    Estimated duration
    3 min 00 sec
    Instrumentation

    1 Flute 1, 1 Flute2, 1 Clarinet, 1 Oboe, 1 Bassoon, 1 Trumpet1, 1Trumpet2, 1 Trumpet3, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 1 Trombone3, 3 Percussion, 25 Vocal Books, 1 Full Score

  • LIDA ROSE
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    WILLSON, MEREDITH
    Lyrics by
    WILLSON, MEREDITH
    Orchestrated by
    WALKER, DON
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Arranged for
    4 MALE VOICES, 1 FEMALE VOICE
    Starting Key
    G
    Estimated duration
    4 min 18 sec
    Instrumentation

    1 Flute, 1 Clarinet 1, 1 Clarinet 2, 1 Clarinet 3, 1 Bass clarinet, 2 Trumpet 1&2, 1 Trumpet 3, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 1 Trombone 3, 17 Violin AB, 7 Viola, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 3 Percussion(Drum set ,Vibes), 5 Vocal quartet, 2 Piano Conductor

  • MARIAN THE LIBRARIAN
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    WILLSON, MEREDITH
    Lyrics by
    WILLSON, MEREDITH
    Orchestrated by
    WALKER, DON
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Arranged for
    1 MALE VOICE
    Starting Key
    F
    Estimated duration
    3 min 40 sec
    Instrumentation

    1 Reed 1(Flute, Piccolo), 1 Flute 2, 2 Oboe(English horn), 1 Clarinet 1, 1 Clarinet 2, 1 Clarinet 3(Bass clarinet), 1 Reed 5(Bassoon), 2 Trumpet 1&2, 1 Trumpet 3, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 1 Trombone 3, 17 Violin, 7 Viola, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 3 Percussion, 2 Piano Conductor Scores

  • MUSIC MAN: SYMPHONIC IMPRESSIONS
    First Performance Fee:
    $300
    Each Additional Performance:
    $150
    Music by
    WILLSON, MEREDITH
    Arranged by
    HAYMAN, RICHARD
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Concert/Symphonic Arrangement (Instrumental)
    Arranged for
    INSTRUMENTAL
    Starting Key
    E♭
    Estimated duration
    10 min 33 sec
    Instrumentation

    1 Bassoon 2, 1 Bassoon 1, 1 Clarinet 2, 1 Clarinet 1, 1 Oboe 2, 1 Oboe 1, 1 Flute 1, 1 Flute 2, 1 Horn 4(in F), 1 Horn 3(in F), 1 Horn 2(in F), 1 Horn 1(in F), 1 Trumpet 1, 1 Trumpet 2, 1 Tuba, 1 Trombone 3, 1 Trombone 2, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trumpet 3, 8 Violin 2, 7 Viola, 5 Bass, 6 Cello, 9 Violin 1, 1 Piano, 1 Harp, 3 Percussion, 1 Timpani, 2 PC

  • MY WHITE KNIGHT
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    WILLSON, MEREDITH
    Lyrics by
    WILLSON, MEREDITH
    Orchestrated by
    WALKER, DON
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Arranged for
    1 FEMALE VOICE
    Starting Key
    D♭
    Estimated duration
    3 min 04 sec
    Instrumentation

    1 Flute, 1 English Horn, 1 Clarinet 1, 1 Clarinet 2, 1 Bass Clarinet, 2 Trumpet 1&2, 1 Trumpet 3, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 1 Trombone 3, 17 Violin ABC, 7 Viola, 6 Cello 1&2, 5 Bass, 3 Percussion, 2 Piano Conductor

  • OVERTURE ("MUSIC MAN")
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    MEREDITH WILLSON
    Orchestrated by
    DON WALKER
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Starting Key
    F
    Estimated duration
    2 min 10 sec
    Instrumentation

    1 English horn, 1 Reed 1(Piccolo), 1 Reed 2(Clarinet 1), 1 Reed 3(Clarinet 2), 1 Reed 4(Clarinet 3), 1 Reed 5(Bass sax), 2 Trumpet 1&2, 1 Trumpet 3, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 1 Trombone 3, 17 Violin ABC, 7 Viola, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 3 Percussion(Drum set ,Cymb, Temple blocks, Xylo), 2 Piano Conductor

  • PICK A LITTLE, TALK A LITTLE
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    WILLSON, MEREDITH
    Lyrics by
    WILLSON, MEREDITH
    Orchestrated by
    WALKER, DON
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Arranged for
    FEMALE CHORUS (FEATURED SOLOS)
    Starting Key
    G
    Estimated duration
    1 min 57 sec
    Instrumentation

    1 Flute 1, 1 Flute 2, 1 Oboe, 1 Clarinet 1, 1 Clarinet 2, 1 Clarinet 3, 1 Bassoon, 2 Trumpet 1&2, 1 Trumpet 3, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 1 Trombone 3, 17 Violin, 7 Viola, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 3 Percussion, 2 Piano Conductor, 25 Chorus books

  • SELECTIONS FROM "THE MUSIC MAN"
    First Performance Fee:
    $300
    Each Additional Performance:
    $150
    Music by
    MEREDITH WILLSON
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Symphonic Suite
    Arranged for
    SATB CHORUS and ORCHESTRA
    Starting Key
    C
    Estimated duration
    9 min 45 sec
    Instrumentation

    1 Flute 1, 1 Flute 2(Piccolo), 1 Oboe 1, 1 Oboe 2, 1 Clarinet 1, 1 Clarinet 2, 1 Bassoon 1, 1 Bassoon 2, 1 Horn 1, 1 Horn 2, 1 Trumpet 1, 1 Trumpet 2, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 2 Violin 1, 8 Violin 2, 7 Viola, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 1 Percussion 1, 1 Percussion 2, 1 Glock, 1 Conductor Score, 25 Chorus books

  • SEVENTY SIX TROMBONES
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    WILLSON, MEREDITH
    Lyrics by
    WILLSON, MEREDITH
    Orchestrated by
    WALKER, DON
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Arranged for
    1 MALE VOICE, CHORUS
    Starting Key
    C
    Estimated duration
    4 min 04 sec
    Instrumentation

    1 Flute, 2 Clarinet 1, 2 Clarinet 2, 1 Clarinet 3, 1 Oboe, 1 Eng.Horn, 2 Bassoon 2 Trumpet 1 & 2, 1 Trumpet 3, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 1 Trombone 3, 14 Violin , 7 Viola, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 3 Percussion, 2 Piano/Conductor, Flute 2, Violins, 25 Chorus books

  • SHIPOOPI
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    WILLSON, MEREDITH
    Lyrics by
    WILLSON, MEREDITH
    Orchestrated by
    WALKER, DON
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Arranged for
    1 MALE VOICE, CHORUS
    Starting Key
    G
    Estimated duration
    5 min 10 sec
    Instrumentation

    1 Flute 1 & Piccolo, 1 Flute 2, 1 Oboe, 1 Clarinet 1 (Opt. Eb Clarinet), 1 Clarinet 2, 1 Clarinet 3 & Bass Clarinet, 1 Bassoon, 1 Opt. Soprano Sax, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 1 Trombone 3, 2 Trumpet 1&2, 1 Trumpet 3, 17 Violin, 7 Viola, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 2 Percussion, 2 Piano Conductor, 25 Chorus books

  • THE MUSIC MAN - SUITE FOR ORCHESTRA
    First Performance Fee:
    $300
    Each Additional Performance:
    $150
    Music by
    WILLSON, MEREDITH
    Arranged by
    CABLE, HOWARD
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Concert/Symphonic Arrangement (Instrumental)
    Arranged for
    INSTRUMENTAL
    Starting Key
    G
    Estimated duration
    2 min 30 sec
    Instrumentation

    2 Flutes 1&2, 2 Oboes 1&2, 1 Clarinet 1, 1 Clarinet 2, 1 Bass Clarinet (opt), 2 Bassoon 1&2, 1 Tenor Sax (opt), 1 Alto Sax (opt), 2 Horn 1&2, 2 Horn 3&4, 1 Trumpet1, 1 Trumpet2, 1 Trumpet3, 1 Trombone1, 1 Trombone2, 1 Trombone3, 1 Tuba, 9 Violin1, 8 Violin2, 7 Viola, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 3 Percussion, 1 Conductor Score

  • TILL THERE WAS YOU
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    WILLSON, MEREDITH
    Lyrics by
    WILLSON, MEREDITH
    Orchestrated by
    WALKER, DON
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Arranged for
    1 FEMALE VOICE, 1 MALE VOICE
    Starting Key
    E♭
    Estimated duration
    2 min 46 sec
    Instrumentation

    1 Flute 1, 1 Flute 2, 1 Clarinet 1, 1 Clarinet 2, 1 Bassoon, 2 Trumpet 1&2, 1 Trumpet 3, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 1 Trombone 3, 17 Violin 1&2, 6 Cello 1&2, 5 Bass, 3 Percussion(Timp), 3 Piano Conductor, 2 Chorus Books

  • WELLS FARGO WAGON
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    WILLSON, MEREDITH
    Lyrics by
    WILLSON, MEREDITH
    Orchestrated by
    WALKER, DON
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Arranged for
    CHORUS
    Starting Key
    BFile:Flat.svg
    Estimated duration
    2 min 15 sec
    Instrumentation

    1 Reed 1(Flute, Piccolo), 1 Reed 2(Clarinet ,Oboe), 1 Reed 3(Clarinet B, clarinet), 1 Reed 4(Clarinet or Flute 2), 1 Reed 5(Bassoon), Opt.Bass sax, Oboe, Clarinet 3, 2 Trumpet 1&2, 1 Trumpet 3, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 1 Trombone 3, 17 Violin 1&2, 7 Viola, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 3 Percussion, 2 Piano(Conductor score), Vocal, 25 Chorus books

  • YA GOT TROUBLE
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    WILLSON, MEREDITH
    Lyrics by
    WILLSON, MEREDITH
    Orchestrated by
    WALKER, DON
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Arranged for
    1 MALE VOICE, CHORUS
    Starting Key
    A♭
    Estimated duration
    6 min 50 sec
    Instrumentation

    1 Flute 1, 1 Flute 2, 1 Clarinet 1, 1 Clarinet 2, 1 Clarinet 3, 1 opt Bass Clarinet, 1 Bassoon, 2 Trumpet 1&2, 1 Trumpet 3, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 1 Trombone 3, 17 Violin, 7 Viola, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 3 Percussion, 2 Piano Conductor, 25 Chorus books

  • YA GOT TROUBLE (REPRISE)
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    WILLSON, MEREDITH
    Lyrics by
    WILLSON, MEREDITH
    Orchestrated by
    WALKER, DON
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Arranged for
    1 MALE VOICE, CHORUS
    Starting Key
    A♭
    Estimated duration
    1 min 48 sec
    Instrumentation

    1 Reed 1, 1 Reed 2, 1 Reed 3, 1 Reed 4, 1 Reed 5, 1 Trumpet 1, 1 Trumpet 2, 1 Trumpet 3, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 1 Trombone 3, 17 Violin, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 3 Percussion, 2 Piano/Conductor

Resources

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Questions & Answers

October 31, 2019
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Available shows

Is the show Music Man available for August 2020? Our group, Glyndon Area Players (GAP) is looking to peforming the show.

 

Thank you,

Dino Gaetani,

Treasurer, GAP

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October 07, 2019
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Related shows or resources: The Music Man
Will The Music Man be available for licensing next year?

Will The Music Man be available for licensing next year?

Hello all! When searching for a show to perform at our high school, we came across The Music Man. We would really love to perform it for our 2020 spring musical. However, we heard that The Music Man is getting revived this next season (opens October 15th, 2020). Can we still buy the licensing and perform it next May despite this? Or will it be removed from the list by then? Thanks so much!

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September 13, 2019
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Related shows or resources: The Music Man
Will The Music Man be available for licensing next year?

Hello all! When searching for a show to perform at our high school, we came across The Music Man. We would really love to perform it for our 2020 spring musical. However, we heard that The Music Man is getting revived this next season (opens October 15th, 2020). Can we still buy the licensing and perform it next May despite this? Or will it be removed from the list by then? Thanks so much!

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September 05, 2018
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Related shows or resources: The Music Man
representative

I was told by Kyle that Barbara Morgan was now my MTI contact.I have emailed her twice and not gotten a response.

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July 26, 2017
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Related shows or resources: The Music Man
Being in Love
Is it possible to perform Being in Love in place of My White Knight?
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December 21, 2015
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Related shows or resources: The Music Man
Can I save rehearscore PLus on a flash drive?
My laptop does not have a CD rom to load the Rehearscore Plus software. I was wondering if I can load it onto a flash and then onto my laptop. Or is there another option?
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October 08, 2011
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Music Man Dance Music
Does anyone have either:1 . A recording of all of the dance music in the Music Man that actually aligns with the score?or2. A list of what measures in the score align with the music on any of the recordings? I'm having a heck of a time finding the music in the score that matches with what's on various recordings. And the choreographer has choreographed based on certain recordings, so I would rather just find it in the score. Specifically, I mean the Shipoopi, 76 Trombones, Marian Dance, It's You Ballet, Eulalie's Ballet, and the Chase Music.ThanksEmily McDuffee
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July 29, 2011
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The Music Man - Concert Version
I am currently working on the concert version of "The Music Man". Has anybody done this version of the show before? What works? What would you do differently? Thanks!
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September 14, 2010
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Related shows or resources: The Music Man
Length of The Music Man
Does anyone know how long a performance of The Music Man lasts? If it is over 3 hours, is there a way to cut it down without ruining the show?Thanks :-)
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