Musical tourism in middle America - suggestions?

Hi All,

I'm collecting ideas for places to visit in middle America (West of the Mississippi River, East of California) that have to do with musicals. For example, the real-life bridges of Madison County, and Music Man Square in Mason City, IA (the inspiration for River City). I hope to be back in New York seeing Broadway shows this Fall, but until then I'd like to scratch the travel itch with some quirky road trips.

Would love to hear your ideas and suggestions!

Jackson County, Missouri, or Salt Lake City, Utah (The Book of Mormon)

La Grange, Texas (inspiration for The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas)

Chicago

Tulsa, Oklahoma (Violet)

Duluth, Minnesota (Girl from the North Country)

My Dad's family is from Mason City, been there many times. Do yourself a favor and skip it. I live in KC, and you can hit up a couple here as others have mentioned

MichelleCraig said: "Denver, Colorado…visit THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN’s house/mansion."

Where the first thing they tell you is that her name was Margaret and no one called her Molly!

The real-life bridges of Madison County (the few that remain) are quite lovely (I recommend the Boseman). Some of them have been burned down (often as an act of unrequited love). Francesca's house (the one they did establishing shots of for the film) was also burned a few years ago. You can go to the cafe that was featured in the film (I think it's referenced in the musical) in nearby Winterset, IA. And actually, Winterset has the old timey town square that is much more quaint and old fashioned than River City. Winterset is on the outskirts of Des Moines, you can easily get there. It's also the birthplace of John Wayne and you can visit the gift shop/historic home too.

If you want to do a double hitter, you can visit the great Iowa State Fair (as featured in the original - not Ann Margret version - film and also the musical) in August and make a weekend of it.

PS - I am not working for the Iowa or Winterset publicity teams. Heck, I'm not even an Iowan!