ORLANDO — One of the most ideal musicals for the summer months may be The Music Man, Meredith Willson’s charming Broadway hit about turn-of-the-century con man Harold Hill, who poses as a boys’ band leader so he can sell band instruments and uniforms to Iowa townfolk.
The Broadway hit, later an Academy Award-winning 1962 movie with Robert Preston, is coming to the Orlando stage this month, marking the opening season for Central Florida Vocal Arts.
“We are thrilled to present The Music Man In Concert,” CFVA notes in a news release. The show is being done in collaboration with the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts in the Alexis and Jim Pugh Theater. Showtimes will be on Friday, Aug. 22 and Saturday, Aug. 23 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 24 at 3 p.m.
What is the Musical The Music Man?
The Music Man made its Broadway debut in 1957, running for 1,375 performances and winning 5 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The cast album won the first Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, and was later adopted to film in 1962 and a TV version in 2003.
It’s a popular revival choice among professional and amateur theater companies, and particularly with high school and college theater groups.
CFVA agreed this was the perfect choice for summer fun.
“Meredith Willson’s iconic musical follows charismatic con man Harold Hill as he attempts to swindle the unsuspecting citizens of River City,” CFVA notes. “His plan? Sell them instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band he has no intention of leading. But when Harold unexpectedly falls for Marian Paroo, the town librarian, his scheme — and his heart — begin to change.”
The show marks the start of CFVA’s 2025-2026 fall season, titled Picture Perfect: Idealism On Stage. “The curtain rises on a new season,” CFVA notes. “Now entering our 14th season, we are thrilled to present three mainstage productions that explore the concept of idealism through music and storytelling.”
Additional Season 14 productions will include Sunday in the Park with George (Nov. 7–9) and Operatic Double Bill: Susanna’s Secret & Trouble in Tahiti (Spring 2026).
Where Can I See The Music Man?
The Music Man will be performed at Dr. Phillips Center For the Performing Arts, 445 S Magnolia Ave. in downtown Orlando, and the box office can be reached by calling (407) 358-6603. Tickets can also be purchased on the CFVA website.
The Music Man will be performed on:
- Friday, Aug. 22 at 8 p.m.
- Saturday, Aug. 23 at 8 p.m.
- Sunday, Aug. 24 at 3 p.m.
To learn more, email info@centralfloridavocalarts.org.
Central Florida Vocal Arts is a non-profit music advocacy organization “dedicated to re-imagining the future of vocal arts,” the group notes on its website. “Central Florida Vocal Arts and Opera del Sol provide a space for our students and audiences to feel, to heal and to connect with others and perhaps most importantly, with the most authentic version of themselves.”
Michael Freeman is an Orlando journalist, playwright and author of the terrifying book “Bloody Rabbit”. Contact him at Freelineorlando@gmail.com.
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