Bigfork Summer Playhouse Opens 67th Season with Classic The Music Man on June 24

When the summer sun climbs over Montana’s Flathead Valley, the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts will glow with the bright, nostalgic score of Meredith Willson’s 1957 musical The Music Man. The playhouse kicks off its 67th season on June 24, 2026, with an 8 p.m. opening that will run in repertory alongside Newsies, Young Frankenstein and Mean Girls.

The new season’s flagship show follows con‑artist Harold Hill as he arrives in the fictional River City, Iowa, and convinces the townsfolk that he can organize a boys’ marching band. Hill’s scheme—to sell instruments and uniforms while pretending he knows how to conduct—unfolds into a tale of charm, music and romance with the town’s librarian, Marian Paroo. The plot centers on Hill’s interactions with the community and the love that blossoms between him and Marian.

Producer Brach Thomson said, "The Music Man is the perfect summer musical. It’s funny, nostalgic, uplifting, and packed with memorable music. Audiences will find themselves humming the songs long after they leave the theatre." The sentiment reflects the playhouse’s aim to deliver high‑quality, accessible theatre that resonates with both locals and visitors.

Since its founding in 1960, the Bigfork Summer Playhouse has staged professional musical theatre for the Flathead Valley. The venue hosts six nights a week from mid‑May to mid‑September, offering a mix of classic Broadway revivals, contemporary hits and new works. The 2026 schedule lists The Music Man opening on June 24, with the show running in repertory throughout the summer.

Tickets are available online at BigforkSummerPlayhouse.com or by calling the box office at 406‑837‑4886. The box office opens at noon each day. Early booking is encouraged for opening night, which is expected to sell out.

Willson’s score features well‑known numbers such as "Seventy‑Six Trombones," "Ya Got Trouble," "The Wells Fargo Wagon," and "Till There Was You." Willson, an American flautist, composer and playwright, premiered the show on Broadway in 1957. The production ran for 1,375 performances, won five Tony Awards and earned a Grammy for its cast album.

Bigfork is a census‑designated place in Flathead County, Montana, with a 2020 population of 5,118. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, the town attracts outdoor recreation enthusiasts and cultural audiences alike.

The 67th season marks more than six decades of live theatre in the region. The playhouse’s programming has historically blended family‑friendly shows, classic revivals and new works, and the inclusion of The Music Man continues that tradition of staging beloved Broadway titles.

The production is poised to draw both local residents and visitors from surrounding areas. Its emphasis on community, music and humor aligns with the playhouse’s mission to provide engaging theatre experiences.

In addition to The Music Man, the season will feature Newsies, Young Frankenstein and Mean Girls, offering a varied lineup that appeals to families, theatre enthusiasts and casual audiences alike.

With the opening of The Music Man on June 24, the Bigfork Summer Playhouse launches a season that promises a blend of nostalgia and fresh performances. The venue’s long‑standing presence in Montana’s cultural landscape and its commitment to professional theatre make it a key destination for live performance in the region.

Tickets remain available through the playhouse’s website and box office. The Bigfork Summer Playhouse invites the community to experience one of Broadway’s most cherished classics in a setting that celebrates music, community and the joy of live theatre.