Letter to the Editor

No dialogue change for 'Music Man'

Friday, June 24, 2011

To the Editor:

I read with dismay the letter to the editor (June 17 opinion page) about the different dialogue in "The Music Man."

The script for the stage version of "The Music Man" was written before it was adapted into a musical. Both the libretto for the stage production of "The Music Man" and the screenplay for the movie were written by Meredith Willson.

In our version at Putnam County Playhouse, we did not add any additional dialogue or language to the original version as penned by the author. Any difference between the stage production and the movie was Meredith Willson's discretion.

As one who endeavors not use the Lord's name in vain, under no circumstances would I ever have added language which did so.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I respect the author of the letter's right to state her feelings; however, I do want to set the record straight for those who may have read her letter and did not see the show. The Putnam County Playhouse production of "The Music Man" followed Meredith Willson's script and did not add, change or "update" dialogue.

Shelly McFadden

Putnam County Playhouse board member and director of "The Music Man"