The concert, which will feature Jones in the role of Mrs. Paroo, as well as as host and narrator, will begin in Willson's home town of Mason City, IA, Sept. 18. Subsequent tour stops include Prior Lake, MN; Paducah, KY; Topeka, KS; Springfield, MO; Oklahoma City, OK; and Little Rock, AR. More locations will be announced at a later date. will direct.
Jones' son Patrick Cassidy (, ) will star in the concert as Harold Hill, joined by a 12-piece big brass band on stage as well as a local choir. The cast also includes () as Marian the Librarian along with Janna Cardia, Julie Cardia, Michael Dotson, Phil Gold, Danielle Hansen, Perry Lambert, Dink O'Neal, Joseph Torello and Janis Uhley.
Here's how the production is billed: "Shirley Jones serves as host and storyteller, sharing her experiences from 50 years ago, when she was starring as Marian the Librarian in the now classic film. Today, on stage, she takes on a second part: Mrs. Paroo, Marian's mother. But it's the third role that Shirley will say is most important: mother to Patrick Cassidy now starring as Harold Hill.
"The plot concerns con man Harold Hill, who poses as a boys' band organizer and sells band instruments and uniforms to the naive Iowa townsfolk, promising to train the members of the new band. But Harold is no musician and plans to skip town without giving any music lessons. Prim librarian and piano teacher Marian sees through him, but when Harold helps her younger brother overcome his lisp and social awkwardness, Marian begins to fall in love. Harold risks being caught to win her."
Jones' stage work includes Maggie Flynn and . An Academy Award winner, her film credits include "The Music Man," "Carousel," "Oklahoma!" and "Elmer ." She played Shirley Partridge on "The Partridge Family" and has appeared on "The Drew Carey Show," "Sabrina, The Teenage Witch," "Melrose Place" and "General Hospital." .
Based on a story by Willson and , The Music Man has book, music, and lyrics by Willson. In 1957, the show became a hit on Broadway, winning five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and running for 1,375 performances. It was adapted into a film version in 1962, starring as Harold Hill and Jones as Marian Paroo. The concert adaptation is by Evans Haile, with additional material by Patrick Cassidy and Phil LaDuca.
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