30 review for The Music Man

1. 

   4 out of 5

   Karin – Aug 21, 2020

   The Music Man was one of my favourite musical movies when I was a child, and by the time I was finished this I had the most ear wormy song from it in my head (the Gary, Indiana one) because naturally I thought of the music. It's a fun tale of a con artist who comes to sell a boys band idea to a small town in Indiana, set in 1912. There's romance (Professor Hill is romancing the town librarian who is also the local music teacher to try and distract her from his con, plus there is a youthful roman The Music Man was one of my favourite musical movies when I was a child, and by the time I was finished this I had the most ear wormy song from it in my head (the Gary, Indiana one) because naturally I thought of the music. It's a fun tale of a con artist who comes to sell a boys band idea to a small town in Indiana, set in 1912. There's romance (Professor Hill is romancing the town librarian who is also the local music teacher to try and distract her from his con, plus there is a youthful romance I'll say nothing about so as to not spoil it), mayhem, band instruments and, of course, the wait for the uniforms. If you haven't seen the musical and you like them, I recommend it even if it is a bit old school given that the musical book (was first published in 1958 (the novel form in 1962). Some of Willson's songs from his other musicals have become standards (he wrote "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" for example.)

2. 

   5 out of 5

   Talia – Mar 13, 2012

   This is probably my favorite musical of all time, and as a young teenager, I acquired the movie novelization of this book which was published in 1962. It’s obviously not the top tier of literature, but it’s a neat little way to get some background on the movie and see things from the stage adaption that didn’t carry over to the movie. Plus, Willson gets to flesh out Harold Hill and Marian Paroo a bit more, so that’s nice.

3. 

   5 out of 5

   Emily – Apr 09, 2020

   While it is mostly the same as the movie, there are a couple extra little bits and details here and there that made this book a little extra special.

4. 

   5 out of 5

   Marie – Jan 14, 2022

   Didn't read the novel, just the book of the show itself (play form, with lyrics for the songs and stage directions), but couldn't find that on goodreads. Perfection, my favorite of all time. Loved every page. Didn't read the novel, just the book of the show itself (play form, with lyrics for the songs and stage directions), but couldn't find that on goodreads. Perfection, my favorite of all time. Loved every page.

5. 

   5 out of 5

   Brian McCann – Apr 02, 2019

   Perfect example of a book musical from the Golden Age.

6. 

   5 out of 5

   Tegan – May 01, 2021

   Found this gem at my local library. Complete with photos from the musical film and lyrics to soundtrack songs. Brings back memories! Posture, Ladies! Posture!

7. 

   4 out of 5

   Olivermagnus – Sep 28, 2020

   Con artist Harold Hill comes into River City, a small town to sell band uniforms and supposedly train the members of the new band. The problem is that once he’s gotten local parents to shell out for musical instruments, instruction books and uniforms, Hill plans to skip town before anyone finds out he can’t carry a tune. Librarian and music teacher Marian Paroo is the most difficult for Hill to convince. When she sees how her little brother, Winthrop, becomes excited by the prospect of playing in Con artist Harold Hill comes into River City, a small town to sell band uniforms and supposedly train the members of the new band. The problem is that once he’s gotten local parents to shell out for musical instruments, instruction books and uniforms, Hill plans to skip town before anyone finds out he can’t carry a tune. Librarian and music teacher Marian Paroo is the most difficult for Hill to convince. When she sees how her little brother, Winthrop, becomes excited by the prospect of playing in the band, she gives in, even though she has researched Hill's claim to a musical background in Gary, Indiana and knows it's a lie. There are some great songs here and when you're done reading the book, you're going to want to see the movie, starring Robert Preston, who personifies Henry Hill. The Music Man shows us what great musical theatre is all about and I think you'll enjoy it.

8. 

   4 out of 5

   Jaime – Oct 23, 2016

   This is a slice of the lost Americana of the turn of the century with a dash of humor and deception. Fast-talking 'Professor" Harold Hill comes into River City, a small town to sell band uniforms and supposedly train the members of the new band. The problem is that Harold is no musician and plans to make his sales and then skip. The problem is that Hill becomes smitten with Marian, a prim librarian and piano who sees through him. The other problem is that Hill gets personal with the townsfolk an This is a slice of the lost Americana of the turn of the century with a dash of humor and deception. Fast-talking 'Professor" Harold Hill comes into River City, a small town to sell band uniforms and supposedly train the members of the new band. The problem is that Harold is no musician and plans to make his sales and then skip. The problem is that Hill becomes smitten with Marian, a prim librarian and piano who sees through him. The other problem is that Hill gets personal with the townsfolk and becomes a hero to the children, especially Marian's younger brother. The other looming problem is that his scheme is falling apart. Yes, it is schmaltzy but it works.

9. 

   5 out of 5

   Andrew – May 11, 2014

   I love this libretto. That does not mean that I don't see the flaws though. Some scenes are unneeded. Still, great characters, well crafted lyrics, and great climax lend itself to a recommendation from me. I love this libretto. That does not mean that I don't see the flaws though. Some scenes are unneeded. Still, great characters, well crafted lyrics, and great climax lend itself to a recommendation from me.

10. 

    5 out of 5

    Elizabeth – Nov 23, 2014

    I'm pretty sure my family is mentioned in there! Love this story written by an Iowan from Mason City! I'm pretty sure my family is mentioned in there! Love this story written by an Iowan from Mason City!

11. 

    4 out of 5

    Miles –

12. 

    5 out of 5

    YogaCat –

13. 

    5 out of 5

    John –

14. 

    4 out of 5

    Rachel –

15. 

    4 out of 5

    Amy Nora –

16. 

    4 out of 5

    Jacqueline Atherton –

17. 

    4 out of 5

    Marianne Crapol –

18. 

    4 out of 5

    Therese –

19. 

    5 out of 5

    Bradley –

20. 

    5 out of 5

    Catie –

21. 

    4 out of 5

    Jennifer –

22. 

    4 out of 5

    Ilana Lupkin –

23. 

    5 out of 5

    Donn Headley –

24. 

    5 out of 5

    Amy Norman –

25. 

    5 out of 5

    Zach –

26. 

    5 out of 5

    Peter J Casey –

27. 

    5 out of 5

    Sabrea – Jun 14, 2008

    I hate this show.

28. 

    5 out of 5

    Mikaylienne –

29. 

    4 out of 5

    Spanishliz –

30. 

    4 out of 5

    Decaman –