“THE MUSIC MAN”
AUDITIONS

 Auditions: Saturday, April 13th and Sunday, April 14th at The Keeton.

The Keeton Theatre, 108 Donelson Pike Nashville 37214.

All roles are available. We would love to have a diverse cast – all ethnicities welcome! There are roles for all ages. (Not a paid opportunity.)

Saturday, April 13th

9:00am-11:00am Children’s Audition (ages 6-12)

All children will learn some of “Wells Fargo Wagon” to sing and a short dance combination. *Some children may be asked to read a scene for the roles of Winthrop and Amaryllis. Parents or guardians must stay until their child has finished auditioning.
*There is NO FEE for your child to participate in The Music Man!

12:00pm-3:00pm General Auditions (ages 13 and older)

Please prepare 32 measures of a song in the style of the show (sheet music or tracks, no a cappella). Everyone will learn a short dance combination and cold read from the script. Bring a headshot and resume if you have them, and know all your possible conflicts with rehearsals in advance.

Sunday, April 14th

6:30pm-9:00pm General Auditions (ages 13 and older)

Tuesday, April 16th

Possible Callbacks. (If you’re not called back, it does not mean you haven’t been cast.)

Performance Dates: Shows run June 14th -30th, which includes two performances on Saturday June 22nd. Rehearsal will begin at the end of April and will include weekend rehearsals.

If you are unavailable for auditions or have any questions, please email Abby Waddoups at awhwaddoups@gmail.com

SYNOPSIS

In this classic musical comedy, Harold Hill, a traveling grifter, arrives in River City, Iowa to convince the locals to start a children’s marching band by purchasing the uniforms and instruments from him. His intention is to flee as soon as he receives the money. Librarian Marian Paroo suspects Harold is a fraud but holds her tongue because her sad little brother, Winthrop, is excited about the band. As Harold begins to develop feelings for Marian, he faces a difficult decision about skipping town.

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:

Age ranges are approximate to characters but may not reflect actual age of the actor.

Male Characters

Harold Hill

(Baritone, A Flat to High F, age range 30-45) A smooth talking con man and traveling salesman with plenty of charm. He’s a schemer full of charisma, but he genuinely falls for Marian. He does need some movement ability.

Marcellus Washburn

(Tenor, G to High A, age range 25-50,) Former con man and friend to Harold Hill who now lives in River City; becomes fast friends with Harold again and helps him learn about the town and then tries to help Harold get out of town after the con. A comedic role. Should have some dance movement ability.

Mayor George Shinn

(Non-Singing, age range 40+) The Mayor of River City, self-important, blustery, pompous, not terribly intelligent. Gets lots of things wrong. Over-protective of his daughter, Zaneeta, whom he thinks is dating the wrong boy in town. Takes himself seriously, but comes across funny. (Typically a non-singing role but could lend his voice to ensemble numbers.)

Winthrop Paroo

(Alto, C – E Flat, Age 8-12) Marian’s little brother, cute as a button. Does not talk much because of a lisp and missing his dead father. Learns to trust again and is a chatterbox by the end of the show.

BARBERSHOP QUARTET

(4 members of the School Board, ages 25+) These four men are always arguing unless they are singing. Some movement ability required. Names are: Olin Britt (Editor of the Gazette), Oliver Hix (banker), Jacey Squired (Owner of Livery Stable) and Edward Dunlap (Owner of the General Store.)

Charlie Cowell

(Talk sings but must have good rhythm. Age range 25+) A rival traveling salesman, first seen on the train at the start of the show, he returns to town to warn them about Harold and hopefully make himself a hero and earn sales himself. (We may also double him as a River City Townsperson if needed.)

Tommy Djilas

(Tenor, age range 16-25) A teenager from the “wrong side of town” who starts out as a troublemaker, but falls for Zaneeta, the Mayor’s daughter, and encouraged by Harold, begins dating her secretly. He also becomes the assistant leader of the Boys’ Band, thanks to Harold giving him confidence and trust. Must move well. Lead dancer in "Shipoopie”, “Marian the Librarian” and “Seventy-Six Trombones.”

Male Ensemble

(Children, teens and adults needed) will cover the smaller speaking roles and be featured in all the ensemble numbers.Male Ensemble (children, teens and adults needed) will cover the smaller speaking roles and be featured in all the ensemble numbers.

Female Characters

Marian Paroo

(Soprano, Low G to High A, Age range 20-35) Daughter to Mrs. Paroo and sister to Winthrop, she is the librarian and piano teacher in town. Everyone thinks she’s stuffy and conceited, but she’s really a romantic. She is very learned and defends the “questionable” books that are in the library. She was close to her deceased father’s friend, Mr. Madison, and the town believes that she had an affair with him. At first, after meeting Harold Hill, she dislikes him but then gets to know him better, and we see a transformation in her while she falls in love. She needs to be a legit soprano with some dance movement ability.

Mrs. Paroo

(Mezzo Soprano A Flat to E Flat, age range 40-60) Widowed Irish mother to Marian and Winthrop, she speaks with an Irish accent. She is a sweet, cheerful homemaker who wants the best for everyone. She gives Marian a lot of advice about how to find a man and dotes on Winthrop. She thinks Harold would be a good match for her old maid daughter.

Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn

(Alto, D to D, Age 50+) Mayor Shinn’s wife, she is a society lady, knows everyone in town, struts about like a peacock. A member of every auxiliary organization in town, she has some strange ideas and doesn’t think she looks as ridiculous as she really is. Keeps her husband in line. Leads the “Ladies Dance” group.

Amaryllis

(Alto, C to E, Age range 8-12) She is the young, slightly bratty, piano student of Marian’s. She likes Winthrop, but doesn’t understand why he won’t talk to her.

Zaneeta Shinn

(Age range 15-25) Mayor Shinn & Eulalie’s daffy teenage daughter, she has a crush on the town “bad boy” Tommy. She is not rebellious, but is learning to stand up for herself. Very cute and feminine, she is a dancer, featured in “Marian the Librarian” “Shipoopie”, and “Seventy-six Trombones”

Gracie Shinn

(Age range 8-14) She is the mayor’s younger daughter, and somewhat of a tomboy and a bit devilish.

Society Ladies

(Ages 40+) These four ladies are friends of the mayor’s wife, and some are married to the men in the Barbershop Quartet. All comedic roles that must be able to sing and move as they will be in all the ensemble numbers. Their names are Alma Hix, Maud Dunlap, Ethel Toffelmeier, and Mrs. Squires.

Female Ensemble

(Children, teens and adults needed) for small speaking roles and to be in the large ensemble numbers.