Show Synopsis:
A con man named Harold Hill convinces the people of River City, Iowa that the moral fiber of the town?s young men is disintegrating, and that the American wholesome activity of playing in a band will remedy this. He also flirts with Marian Paroo, a stubborn and beautiful woman who prefers her books to men. Harold Hill begins to take orders for their band uniforms and instruments, although he is relentlessly pursued by the school board, four arguing men who need his credentials. Harold slowly transforms the character the town, first turning the school board into a barbershop quartet, then finally kissing Marian, and giving confidence to Marian?s young and shy brother Winthrop. Using library research, Marian discovers that Harold Hill is a fraud, but hides it from the Mayor and the rest of the town so that he will stay along longer. The women of the town begin to accept Marian and the books that had previously deemed strange and foreign, and Marian begins to realize she has feelings for Harold. Traveling salesman Charlie Cowell tries to discredit Harold, and Marian distracts him, although he tells her Harold has seduced many women before. He exposes Harold to the town right after he and Marian declare their love for each other, and the Paroo family tries to hide Harold until he can escape the angry townspeople who want their money back. Harold stays so that he might be with Marian a little while longer and is thrown in jail. The kids of the town come in their uniforms to play a very rough version of Beethoven?s Minuet in G, bringing joy to the entire town, and Harold is forgiven.

Character:
Marian Paroo, a beautiful woman who loves learning and books; stubborn and quick to spot ruses; very loyal to her family.

Song Context:
Harold and Marian meet at the town footbridge, and she confesses how much better her life has been since he arrived in town.

Fun Facts:
1) This musical is based on a mix of Meredith Willson?s childhood in Mason City, Iowa and a story he wrote with Franklin Lacey. 
2) The character of Marian is based on a real librarian named Marian Seeley, who Willson met during World War II. 
3) Rebecca Luker played Marian in the 2000 Broadway revival of the musical, and in an interview with Broadway.com, she called it a ?dream come true? to perform. She said ?Marian is a character I wish I could be more like in real life. She has a strong sense of self and was ahead of her time, particularly in 1912. She remained single until she found the right man, and ironically he was a shyster who came to town. It?s just a beautiful love story ? the way [Harold Hill] changes, and the way he changes her ? and a brilliant comedy.?