Meredith Willson’s The Music Man

Get ready for an unforgettable journey to small-town America with Meredith Willson’s The Music Man, coming to San Francisco’s Orpheum Theatre from Friday, November 20 through Sunday, November 22, 2026. This beloved musical comedy combines infectious music, charming romance, lively comedy, and a heartwarming story about second chances, making it an ideal theatrical experience for audiences of all ages.

Set in the fictional town of River City, Iowa, the story follows Harold Hill, a charismatic and fast-talking traveling salesman who arrives with an ambitious plan—and a questionable business proposition. Hill convinces the townspeople that their community needs a boys’ marching band to keep local youngsters out of trouble. There is just one small problem: he intends to sell the townspeople expensive instruments and uniforms while secretly planning to leave town with their money, and he doesn’t actually know how to teach anyone to play music.

Harold’s carefully constructed scheme begins to unravel when he meets Marian Paroo, the town librarian. Intelligent, independent, and initially suspicious of Harold’s intentions, Marian sees through much of his charm. As their relationship develops, Harold begins to discover that River City—and Marian in particular—may be worth more to him than the easy escape he originally planned. What begins as a clever con gradually becomes a story about love, community, redemption, and the possibility of becoming a better person.

The musical is packed with memorable songs that have become classics of the American theater, including “Seventy-Six Trombones,” “Trouble,” “’Til There Was You,” “Pickalittle,” and “Gary, Indiana.” From energetic ensemble numbers to romantic melodies, the score captures the optimism, humor, and lively spirit of a community swept up in Harold Hill’s extraordinary promises.

A six-time Tony Award-winning musical, The Music Man has remained a favorite across generations thanks to its combination of colorful characters, infectious melodies, comedy, and heartfelt storytelling. Its family-friendly appeal makes the production particularly well suited to a shared theater outing, whether you’re introducing younger audience members to musical theater or revisiting a classic favorite.

The San Francisco engagement takes place at the historic Orpheum Theatre, with performances scheduled throughout the weekend of November 20–22, 2026. The production has a running time of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including an intermission, giving audiences plenty of time to become immersed in the story, music, and lively world of River City.

With its unforgettable songs, warm humor, spirited characters, and enduring message about love and transformation, The Music Man offers a wonderful opportunity to experience a classic musical on stage. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering Harold Hill and his famous trombones for the first time, this limited San Francisco engagement promises an entertaining and memorable theater experience for the whole family.