Overview

The Music Man stands as one of the greatest achievements in American musical theatre, but few know about its rocky beginnings and the against-all-odds success story of its creator Meredith Willson. Mark Cabaniss steps back into the Golden Age of Broadway and brings to life the origins of this classic show, the music behind it, and the unlikely story of its creator. Interweaving behind-the-scenes accounts of people who worked with Willson, Cabaniss looks at his long and unusual career as a composer, conductor, radio personality, and flutist, which reached its pinnacle in The Music Man. No one initially believed in Willson’s “Valentine to Iowa,” seeing it as nothing but a corny flop or, worse, a recipe for disaster. But when the curtain fell on opening night, a star called The Music Man was born. Over 65 years later, that star is still marching right to this day, endeared by millions around the world. To understand Willson, his career, and his music is to understand how The Music Man came to be: he was truly the only person who could have ever written this show due to his unique background, talent, incredible persistence, and belief. The show’s ultimate success and longevity was anything but inevitable—rather, it was truly a miracle.

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9781538154649

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Reviews

This masterfully written chronicle of Meredith's life and career is an eye-opening, thrilling ride that reveals exactly how and why this musical master created such a brilliant piece of American theater. It is a privilege to finally know my friend, Meredith Willson! -- Eddie Hodges, Broadway's original Winthrop in The Music Man A miracle can be viewed as a fortuitous, even lucky event, and luck is where preparation meets opportunity. In Miracle of The Music Man, Cabaniss reveals in attentive, humorous detail how Meredith Willson's unique life experience prepared him to create one of the most celebrated musicals of all-time. Cabaniss' thorough research, presented in his welcome, conversational style, offers a new depth of understanding even to readers very familiar with the show. Anyone who is a fan or who has an interest in theater history will revel in this fast-paced and incisive account of how and why this blockbuster show required years of development and rewrites before taking the world by storm. -- Drew Cohen, CEO of Music Theatre International, exclusive licensor of The Music Man stage performance rights

Author Information

Mark Cabaniss is a music publisher, writer, producer, and broadcaster, and his published compositions include musicals, cantatas, and instrumental works. He is a multiple recipient of ASCAP’s Popular Music Award and an award-winning producer. Mark is a correspondent for nationally-syndicated radio show Hollywood 360 and serves as an adjunct professor of music business at Belmont University. He is the author of Music Business Essentials, and his website is www.markcabaniss.com.

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