Marching Still Right Today

Chapter 4 takes up the story of how The Music Man eventually reached the stage in a successful pre-Broadway tryout in Philadelphia before arriving in New York in December 1957. It also explores the show’s afterlife, including the screen versions and revivals, as well as uncovering stories such as Liza Redfield’s historic appointment as the first woman to become the permanent musical director of a Broadway production, during the show’s initial run. Special consideration is given to the 1962 movie version, exploiting previously unseen correspondence and pointing out how the apparently faithful adaptation actually has numerous significant changes from its stage incarnation.