There are not many musicals that I care for, but I've loved this one since I first saw it as a kid in the sixties. Frank Sinatra? No, that would have been trouble, yes I say trouble, that's trouble with a T and that rhymes with P and that stands for POOL! Seriously, I can't imagine anyone but Robert Preston as Harold Hill...
My absolute favorite musical of all time. When I first saw "The Music Man", I was very near to Winthrop's age at the time, so I identified with him. Add to that, I live in Avalon, on Catalina Island, and the school librarian was named . . . Marian. Yep, I knew a real life Marian the Librarian.
I thought I heard somewhere, maybe TCM, that the role was offered to Cary Grant? If I remember right, he turned it down and said "That's Bob's role." As much as I love Cary Grant, and Sinatra, there is no one but Robert Preston who could have played the part.
This brings back wonderful memories of a shining time in my life as a young teenager when we of the Joplin High School choir performed The Music Man. We had such a grand time and were received well. I even remember being on local television plugging the show. I am not sure but I think I was pretty giddy. Ah the fantastic times I had at Joplin High.
Sinatra couldn't have done this role...not at all. His voice or skinny form could not have carried the role. It would have been ridiculous! Robert Preston WAS Prof. Harold Hill.
I totally agree. That would have been HORRIBLE casting!!! I am so glad when they let the original cast members reprise their roles in the film version.....such as with Rex Harrison in My Fair Lady.
Preston's greatest role and a perfect job casting him as Harold Hill. Could not imagine anyone else in that spot.
Robert Preston had the exact kind of charisma need for the role, in spades. He was absolutely brilliant.
My heart skipped a beat when I first saw Shirley Jones in the Music man......Any other red blooded lads feel the same?? :)
There are not many musicals that I care for, but I've loved this one since I first saw it as a kid in the sixties. Frank Sinatra? No, that would have been trouble, yes I say trouble, that's trouble with a T and that rhymes with P and that stands for POOL!
Seriously, I can't imagine anyone but Robert Preston as Harold Hill...
what a lovely story such a nice lady
My absolute favorite musical of all time. When I first saw "The Music Man", I was very near to Winthrop's age at the time, so I identified with him. Add to that, I live in Avalon, on Catalina Island, and the school librarian was named . . . Marian. Yep, I knew a real life Marian the Librarian.
Great story...what a beautiful lady.
I thought I heard somewhere, maybe TCM, that the role was offered to Cary Grant? If I remember right, he turned it down and said "That's Bob's role." As much as I love Cary Grant, and Sinatra, there is no one but Robert Preston who could have played the part.
I met Shirley in 1997. I was tongue tied.
I just love her!
What a totally charming story. . . the things you learn on youtube.
This brings back wonderful memories of a shining time in my life as a young teenager when we of the Joplin High School choir performed The Music Man. We had such a grand time and were received well. I even remember being on local television plugging the show. I am not sure but I think I was pretty giddy. Ah the fantastic times I had at Joplin High.
Sinatra couldn't have done this role...not at all. His voice or skinny form could not have carried the role. It would have been ridiculous! Robert Preston WAS Prof. Harold Hill.
Sweet story; I love reminiscences like this.
I would love to hear about working with the Buffalo Bills.
I totally agree.
That would have been HORRIBLE casting!!!
I am so glad when they let the original cast members reprise their roles in the film version.....such as with Rex Harrison in My Fair Lady.
Awe, what a cute story!
Muchas gracias recuerdo a Mrs Jones en Pepe con Cantinflas
see says "it was *our* one and only kiss", not "THE" one and only kiss.
There's no doubt about it...he just couldn't get that talking style going on "Trouble"
Not even close.
But on the same subject , Barbara Cook should of been in the Music Man a far better singer and actress , Then again look what the did with Mame !