Meredith Willson
Meredith Willson is an actor, bookwriter, lyricist whose BroadwayWorld credits include The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Awards include New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for The Music Man (1958).
Date of Birth: May 18, 1902
Date of Death: June 15, 1984 (82)
Birth Place: Mason City, IA, USA
Latest News on Meredith Willson:
Photos
Productions
Writing
Bookwriter
Composer/Lyricist
Composer/Lyricist
Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Composer
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Composer
Lyricist
Source Material
Bookwriter
Composer
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Composer
Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist
Lyricist
Awards and Nominations
winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1958 - Best Musical
Meredith Willson, The Music Man
winner
Tony Awards - 1958 - Best Musical
Meredith Willson, The Music Man
Videos
VIDEO: Hugh Jackman Reveals Why He's 'Ready to Move On' From MUSIC MAN on CBS MORNINGS
by Michael Major - 2022-12-13 11:14:49
News
THE MUSIC MAN to Play Ahmanson Theatre This Fall
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 18, 2026
Center Theatre Group will present Big League Productions' national tour of THE MUSIC MAN at the Ahmanson Theatre from October 27 to November 8, 2026, marking the show's first major Los Angeles engagement since 1980.
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 18, 2026
Center Theatre Group will present Big League Productions' national tour of THE MUSIC MAN at the Ahmanson Theatre from October 27 to November 8, 2026, marking the show's first major Los Angeles engagement since 1980.
Tony-Winners Audra McDonald, Bernadette Peters & More Set for MPAC 2026-27 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 18, 2026
Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown will kick off its new season with a concert by Jessica Vosk, followed by touring productions of WAITRESS, THE MUSIC MAN, MYSTIC PIZZA and concerts by Bernadette Peters.
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 18, 2026
Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown will kick off its new season with a concert by Jessica Vosk, followed by touring productions of WAITRESS, THE MUSIC MAN, MYSTIC PIZZA and concerts by Bernadette Peters.
Review: THE MUSIC MAN at Theatre Memphis
by Kevin Shaw - Aug 18, 2026
The American Broadway musical has seen quite the evolution since the 1927 introduction of SHOWBOAT, widely considered the blueprint for using song and dance to advance a story’s plot. Over the years, audiences and technology have grown so sophisticated that 2025’s Tony Award winner for Best Musical about two robots falling in love (MAYBE HAPPY ENDING) no longer seems far‑fetched.
by Kevin Shaw - Aug 18, 2026
The American Broadway musical has seen quite the evolution since the 1927 introduction of SHOWBOAT, widely considered the blueprint for using song and dance to advance a story’s plot. Over the years, audiences and technology have grown so sophisticated that 2025’s Tony Award winner for Best Musical about two robots falling in love (MAYBE HAPPY ENDING) no longer seems far‑fetched.
Review: Hugh Jackman Dazzles in Debut with Boston Pops at Tanglewood
by R. Scott Reedy - Aug 14, 2026
Making his debut with the Boston Pops at Tanglewood on August 11, Hugh Jackman dazzled his sold-out audience – under the Koussevitzky Music Shed and stretching as far as the eye could see on the lawn that surrounds it – from the moment he took the stage.
by R. Scott Reedy - Aug 14, 2026
Making his debut with the Boston Pops at Tanglewood on August 11, Hugh Jackman dazzled his sold-out audience – under the Koussevitzky Music Shed and stretching as far as the eye could see on the lawn that surrounds it – from the moment he took the stage.
LEGALLY BLONDE, WATER FOR ELEPHANTS and More Set for ATG San Francisco 2026/27 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 3, 2026
ATG San Francisco has revealed its lineup of special theatrical engagements coming to San Francisco throughout the 2026/27 season, including Legally Blonde, Water for Elephants and more.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 3, 2026
ATG San Francisco has revealed its lineup of special theatrical engagements coming to San Francisco throughout the 2026/27 season, including Legally Blonde, Water for Elephants and more.
THE MUSIC MAN to Open Theatre Memphis 106th Season
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 30, 2026
Theatre Memphis will kick off its 106th season with Meredith Willson's The Music Man in the Lohrey Theatre. Directed and choreographed by Jordan Nichols and Travis Bradley.
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 30, 2026
Theatre Memphis will kick off its 106th season with Meredith Willson's The Music Man in the Lohrey Theatre. Directed and choreographed by Jordan Nichols and Travis Bradley.
Ana San Martín y Daniel Anglès llegan a L'Auditori con Tarde de musicales
by Fasika Velasco Gomez - Jul 24, 2026
Ana San Martín y Daniel Anglès pondrán voz a este recorrido por algunos de los grandes títulos de Broadway y el West End junto a la Banda Municipal de Barcelona, bajo la dirección de Sergi Cuenca.
by Fasika Velasco Gomez - Jul 24, 2026
Ana San Martín y Daniel Anglès pondrán voz a este recorrido por algunos de los grandes títulos de Broadway y el West End junto a la Banda Municipal de Barcelona, bajo la dirección de Sergi Cuenca.
Music Man Foundation Names GRAMMY-Nominated Violinist Curtis Stewart to Board
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 23, 2026
The Music Man Foundation named seven-time GRAMMY-nominated violinist Curtis Stewart and former Music Center Foundation CEO Steven T. Benson to its Board of Directors, expanding leadership of the Meredith Willson legacy organization.
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 23, 2026
The Music Man Foundation named seven-time GRAMMY-nominated violinist Curtis Stewart and former Music Center Foundation CEO Steven T. Benson to its Board of Directors, expanding leadership of the Meredith Willson legacy organization.
Jessica Vosk, Audra McDonald, WAITRESS and More Set for MPAC 2026-2027 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 18, 2026
Mayo Performing Arts Center has revealed its 2026-2027 season lineup of over 120 events, featuring touring Broadway productions, classic rock legends, comedians, and dance companies including the MPAC debut of Ailey II.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 18, 2026
Mayo Performing Arts Center has revealed its 2026-2027 season lineup of over 120 events, featuring touring Broadway productions, classic rock legends, comedians, and dance companies including the MPAC debut of Ailey II.
THE MUSIC MAN & More Lead Dallas's Summer 2026 Top Theatre Shows
by Team BWW - Jun 10, 2026
Dallas Picks for June 2026 IncludeDallas is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for summer 2026 include The Musical Man and more.
by Team BWW - Jun 10, 2026
Dallas Picks for June 2026 IncludeDallas is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for summer 2026 include The Musical Man and more.
THE MUSIC MAN Will Come to Buddy Holly Hall in June
by Stephi Wild - May 26, 2026
The Tony Award-winning musical Meredith Willson's THE MUSIC MAN will play Buddy Holly Hall in Lubbock as part of the Broadway at The Buddy Holly Hall series, with four performances scheduled.
by Stephi Wild - May 26, 2026
The Tony Award-winning musical Meredith Willson's THE MUSIC MAN will play Buddy Holly Hall in Lubbock as part of the Broadway at The Buddy Holly Hall series, with four performances scheduled.
THE MUSIC MAN National Tour Will Play Waterbury’s Palace Theater
by A.A. Cristi - May 6, 2026
Big League Productions' national tour of MEREDITH WILLSON'S THE MUSIC MAN will present three performances at the Palace Theater in Waterbury, CT, directed by Matt Lenz with choreography by Emmy winner Joshua Bergasse.
by A.A. Cristi - May 6, 2026
Big League Productions' national tour of MEREDITH WILLSON'S THE MUSIC MAN will present three performances at the Palace Theater in Waterbury, CT, directed by Matt Lenz with choreography by Emmy winner Joshua Bergasse.
THE MUSIC MAN National Tour is Coming to The Playhouse on Rodney Square
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 27, 2026
The National Tour of The Music Man will present at Wilmington's Playhouse on Rodney Square, directed by Matt Lenz with choreography by Emmy winner Joshua Bergasse. Tickets start at $60.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 27, 2026
The National Tour of The Music Man will present at Wilmington's Playhouse on Rodney Square, directed by Matt Lenz with choreography by Emmy winner Joshua Bergasse. Tickets start at $60.
HADESTOWN, Audra McDonald, Leslie Odom, Jr. and More Set for Charleston Gaillard Center 2026–2027 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 24, 2026
The Charleston Gaillard Center announced its 2026–2027 season featuring Yo-Yo Ma, Leslie Odom Jr., Renée Elise Goldsberry, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, and a world premiere from Beeple and Sō Percussion.
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 24, 2026
The Charleston Gaillard Center announced its 2026–2027 season featuring Yo-Yo Ma, Leslie Odom Jr., Renée Elise Goldsberry, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, and a world premiere from Beeple and Sō Percussion.
THE MUSIC MAN To Be Presented At State Theatre New Jersey
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 23, 2026
State Theatre New Jersey will present Meredith Willson's THE MUSIC MAN for four performances in New Brunswick, directed by Matt Lenz with choreography by Emmy winner Joshua Bergasse. Tickets start at $52.
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 23, 2026
State Theatre New Jersey will present Meredith Willson's THE MUSIC MAN for four performances in New Brunswick, directed by Matt Lenz with choreography by Emmy winner Joshua Bergasse. Tickets start at $52.
Review: THE MUSIC MAN at Van Wezel
by Shanti - Apr 15, 2026
From the very first moment the lights went down, this production of Meredith Willson's beloved classic made it clear it was going to be something special. The opening scene set the tone immediately — the ensemble cast moved in perfect synchrony, their bodies swaying and jolting in unison to conjure the rhythmic clatter of a train in motion, no props required. It was one of those rare theatrical moments where you lean forward in your seat and think: yes, this is going to be a good night.
by Shanti - Apr 15, 2026
From the very first moment the lights went down, this production of Meredith Willson's beloved classic made it clear it was going to be something special. The opening scene set the tone immediately — the ensemble cast moved in perfect synchrony, their bodies swaying and jolting in unison to conjure the rhythmic clatter of a train in motion, no props required. It was one of those rare theatrical moments where you lean forward in your seat and think: yes, this is going to be a good night.
THE MUSIC MAN Brings Will Come to The Washington Pavilion This Month
by Stephi Wild - Apr 10, 2026
Big League Productions' national tour of THE MUSIC MAN will take the stage at the Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls for four performances, directed by Matt Lenz with choreography by Joshua Bergasse.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 10, 2026
Big League Productions' national tour of THE MUSIC MAN will take the stage at the Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls for four performances, directed by Matt Lenz with choreography by Joshua Bergasse.
Submission Window Opens For Olney Theatre's Vanguard Arts Fund
by Stephi Wild - Apr 9, 2026
Olney Theatre Center announced an open call for new team-developed work proposals for its 2026-27 Vanguard Arts Fund, offering workshop time, stipends, and housing to support artists at any stage of development.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 9, 2026
Olney Theatre Center announced an open call for new team-developed work proposals for its 2026-27 Vanguard Arts Fund, offering workshop time, stipends, and housing to support artists at any stage of development.
HELLO, DOLLY! & More Lead Dallas's Spring 2026 Top Theatre Shows
by Team BWW - Apr 2, 2026
Dallas is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Check out our top picks for Spring 2026 in Dallas!
by Team BWW - Apr 2, 2026
Dallas is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Check out our top picks for Spring 2026 in Dallas!
THE MUSIC MAN Comes To Century II Concert Hall April 24-26!
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 31, 2026
The American Theatre Guild will present THE MUSIC MAN at Century II Concert Hall in Wichita, Kansas as part of the 2025–2026 Broadway in Wichita Series. The production is scheduled to run April 24–26.
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 31, 2026
The American Theatre Guild will present THE MUSIC MAN at Century II Concert Hall in Wichita, Kansas as part of the 2025–2026 Broadway in Wichita Series. The production is scheduled to run April 24–26.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Meredith Willson written?
Meredith Willson has written 4 shows including The Unsinkable Molly Brown (Composer), Here's Love (Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist), The Music Man (Source Material), Meredith Willson's 1491 (Bookwriter).
What awards has Meredith Willson been nominated for?
Meredith Willson has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. One of his notable nominations includes a nomination for Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "The Music Man". Additionally, "The Music Man" also received a nomination for Best Musical at the Tony Awards. These nominations highlight the recognition and acclaim that Willson's work has received in the Broadway industry.
What awards has Meredith Willson won?
Meredith Willson has won several awards for his work. He received the Best Musical award from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards and the Tony Awards for his musical, The Music Man.
