Broadway RFD brings classic to stage
LINDSBORG, Kan. (AP) — Kansas' longest-running outdoor theater is presenting "The Music Man" this summer, continuing a tradition that has entertained audiences under the stars for more than six decades.
Broadway RFD will stage the beloved musical at the Band Shell in Swensson Park through the summer season, with performances beginning at 8:30 p.m. on July 18, 19, 25, and 26. The production marks the theater's 2025 offering, bringing Meredith Willson's classic tale to the outdoor venue.
Established in 1959, Broadway RFD is a community-based, volunteer-run nonprofit organization that brings together talented members of the Smoky Valley community and surrounding areas to produce theatrical performances.
"The Music Man" tells the story of con man Harold Hill, who poses as a boys' band organizer in a Midwestern town, selling instruments and uniforms while planning to skip town without providing music lessons. The plot follows Hill's romantic entanglement with prim librarian Marian Paroo, who sees through his scheme but falls in love after he helps her younger brother overcome social challenges.
The musical debuted on Broadway in 1957, winning five Tony Awards including Best Musical and running for 1,375 performances. Its success led to numerous revivals, a popular 1962 film adaptation and frequent productions by professional and amateur theater companies nationwide.
Patrons traditionally bring lawn chairs to sit in the summer breeze while being immersed in song and dance, though VIP ticket holders receive reserved seating with chairs provided. The theater is located on the 400 block of North Main Street in Lindsborg.
General admission tickets cost $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 5-12, with children under 4 admitted free. VIP tickets are $30 and include a reserved seat with chair in a designated section, while VIP Plus tickets cost $40 and add popcorn and a beverage delivered before the show.
Tickets can be purchased online through CUR8, at The Good Merchant store in Lindsborg during regular hours, or at the gate on performance nights. Online sales end at 10 a.m. on show days. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult during performances. The theater also participates in the Kansas Sunflower Summer program, offering free general admission tickets through a mobile app for registered users.
Broadway RFD's mission focuses on providing high-quality theatrical performances and educational experiences while promoting the arts in Lindsborg and the broader Smoky Valley region.