THE MUSIC MAN
Character Descriptions
The amazing thing about this amazing musical is that there are so many characters in the play which have a wide variety of performance requirements. This is a musical that actually has major characters that don’t sing or dance, some characters that only sing, some that only dance, and some that have to do all three. So there’s plenty of opportunity to go around.
HAROLD HILL – lead male – a complete musical theatre package. A fast-talking, charismatic travelling salesman who woos an entire town with his vision of a boys’ band only to get his foot caught in the door. Must be a triple-threat – sing, dance, act – and do comedy well. A great role for a young man. Audition song: 76 Trombones, Till There Was You
MARIANPAROO – lead female – honest, forthright, and somewhat stubborn librarian and music teacher who sees through Hill’s charms only to realize she’s falling in love with him. Must be able to sing well – soprano. Audition song: Goodnight My Someone, Till There Was You
MARCELLUSWASHBURN – supporting comic male – Hill’s best friend and fellow “swindler” with a heart of gold – loveable, geeky sidekick who has a heart for River City people. Must sing, but in “character” – so selling the song is more vital that the purity of the voice. Audition song: Shipoopi
MRS. PAROO – supporting female – Marian’s very genuine Irish mother who has her own agenda for Marian and Harold; loving, supportive, but a wonderfully fun and silly character. Must sing, a bit – but in “character”. Audition Song: Gary, Indiana
MAYORSHINN – supporting male – hysterically buffoonish overly self-involved mayor who never says the right word. Older character but not a caricature. Fun role that requires no singing.
MRS. SHINN – supporting female – great “old prissy” character who is the Mayor’s wife who doesn’t always follow her husband’s laws. Very much the toast of the town – out of fear, not necessarily respect. A fun part that requires no solo singing.
TOMMYDJILAS – featured male – “troublemaker” teen boy who always seems to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. His energy drives a lot of the young boys in town, and his dancing must celebrate the essence of this musical. No singing required. But this is a dancing role.
ZANEETASHINN – featured female – The Mayor’s disobedient and obstinate daughter who is in love with Tommy and equally energized about the summer of 1912. Like Tommy, no singing…but dancing a must!!!
WINTHROP – featured male – will be cast from the Youth Ensemble
AMARYLLIS – featured female – will be cast from the Youth Ensemble
CHARLIE COWELL – featured male – has 2-3 scenes that involve lots of scenery chewing as he is the man who knows the truth behind Harold’s swindling ways, but no one seems to care. No singing required. A good smaller role.
THEQUARTET – feature males – the “school board” of RiverCity populated with four men who hate each other, but whom Harold Hill convinces can make great music together. These four men are a Barbershop Quartet, solid, tight, classic harmonies with fun songs. They will be cast solely on their singing voices – a great chance to showcase a talented singer. When done right, these guys usually steal the show. Audition Song: Lida Rose or choice.
THEPICK-A-LITTLELADIES – featured females – great collection of gossipy old busy-bodies married to the Quartet and whose sole purpose is to support Mrs. Shinn in all things she wants to do, and to talk about anyone who isn’t present. Many have individual speaking lines and characters. Fun, silly, self-involved old hags who eventually become quite artistic and won over by Harold Hill. All “character” singers. Audition Song: Pick a Little or choice
ENSEMBLE – The Music Man must populate the stage with the townspeople of River City, Iowa – families, moms, dads, young men and women, salesmen, farmers, blacksmiths, etc. The ensemble will portray numerous people in the show. Many small roles will come from the ensemble. With a large ensemble, the levels of individual talent will be varied, but the stage must be filled with vibrant, energetic people willing to go “over the top” for the story. Audition Song: 76 Trombones, Gary, Indiana, Iowa Stubborn or choice.