S U M M A R Y
Master showman Harold Hill is in town and he’s got “seventy-six trombones” in tow. Can upright, uptight Marian, the town librarian, resist his powerful allure? The story follows fast-talking traveling salesman, Harold Hill, as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band he vows to organize. The catch? He doesn’t know a trombone from a treble clef. His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian, whose belief in Harold’s power just might help him succeed in the end in spite of himself.
C H A R A C T E R B R E A K D O W N
Harold Hill – a smooth talking, charming traveling salesman. Despite his long history of being a con man, he has a heart of gold and really does want to make a difference.
Marian Paroo is Winthrop’s sister and the proper town librarian. She believes the town people would be better off if they just read a little more! She doesn’t trust Professor Hill at first – but eventually sees the good side in him.
Charlie Cowell – comedic role, loud, a bit of a ham.
Marcellus Washburn – sidekick to Harold Hill. Natural comic. Big number is “Shipoopi” so he has to sing reasonably well and dance.
Ethel Toffelmier – is Marcellus’s girlfriend. “A nice comfortable girl and the bosses’ niece. Also one of the solo Pick-a-Little ladies.
The Quartet – Barber shop singers as well as members of the School Board. These guys don’t get along at first until brought together by the Professor. Ewart Dunlop (F#5 – E4), Oliver Hix (F#5 – E4), Jacob Squires (A5 – B3), Olin Britt (D5 – A3).
Traveling Salesmen – strong character actors with good enunciation who can patter/sing (old time rapper). Will consider girls dressed as guys.
Mrs. Paroo – Marian’s Mom. She is sweet and always cheerful. Mrs. Paroo wants the best for everyone, which includes finding a boyfriend for Marian. Must be able to do an Irish accent.
Winthrop Paroo – Marian’s little brother (looking at 2nd to 5th grade) – he has a lisp and doesn’t talk much because of it – at least to start!
Amaryllis – Sweet, young (2nd to 5th grade) piano student (real piano skills a plus but can work around).
Mayor Shinn – Self-important, full of himself. Gets lots of things wrong, but doesn’t trust Harold Hill.
Eulalie Shinn – Society lady – knows everyone in town and wants to be the center of attention. Needs to be a little whacky!
Tommy Djilas – is the teen heartthrob. Rebel.
Zaneeta Shinn – daughter to the mayor. Tommy’s love interest. Strong female dancer.
Gracie Shinn – Zanneeta’s little sister. First soloist in “Wells Fargo Wagon”. Has dialogue.
Town Ladies – The town ladies follow Eulalie everywhere! Each one has a unique character – gossipy or cheerful or friendly.
Townspeople – Small town folks in Iowa are proud people. Not always super friendly, usually suspicious of outsiders, like salesman. But want the best for their kids. All ages – looking for a little movement and good voices.
River City Kids – just want to have fun – high energy. Sing and dance.
P R O D U C T I O N I N F O R M A T I O N
Thank you for your interest in the upcoming production of The Music Man, Jr. PLEASE NOTE THERE ARE 5 PERFORMANCES. If you audition, you must be able to commit to this.
- Friday, July 21 @2pm
- Friday, July 21 @ 7pm
- Saturday, July 22 @2pm
- Saturday, July 22 @ 7pm
- Sunday, July 23 @ 2pm
If you audition, you must be able to commit to the rehearsal process. Rehearsals run Sunday – Thursday from 6pm to 9pm. Rehearsals start May 30th. Tech week begins with loading in to the theatre on July 16. There will be occasional absences permitted but not tech week. Please list all conflicts on your audition form.
AUDITIONS:
Friday, May 19, 5:30pm – 9:00pm OR Saturday, May 20, 9:00am – 5:00pm
LOCATION:
THE COMMUNITY OF CHRIST CHURCH, 2121 S RIDGE DR., CORALVILLE
CALLBACKS: (by invitation only) Sunday, May 21, 1pm – 4pm at the Coralville Library
Children in grades K-12 are eligible to audition.
A U D I T I O N M A T E R I A L S
K – 2nd Grade
- You will be asked to sing “Happy Birthday” or “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” and an accompanist will be provided. No need to prepare a monologue. You will be asked to do a little improvisation.
3rd – 12th Grade
- Please prepare up to 32 bars of a musical theatre song of your choice that shows off your voice, and demonstrates your ability to tell a story. Bring sheet music and an accompanist will be provided.
- Prepare a one to two minute monologue; a good monologue lets a character open their heart and spill out their inner turmoil or makes us laugh!
FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE DIFFICULTY FINDING YOUR OWN AUDITION PIECES I will have sheet music for some songs from the musical available in the lobby of the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts, 1301 5th Street behind the box office table.
- “Gary, Indiana”
- “Goodnight My Someone”
- “Seventy-Six Trombones”
- “Till There Was You”
- “Wells Fargo Wagon”
- “Iowa Stubborn”
If you are having trouble finding a monologue, I will also have monologues from the show made available in the theatre lobby, free for the taking.
“Age breakdowns are only a guideline. Younger children are welcome to memorize a monologue and sing from the show. Older children can sing “Happy Birthday”! If you only want to sing and do not want individual lines, you do not need to memorize a monologue. I am looking to get a sense of who you are and what you are comfortable doing! If you have any questions or concerns about auditions, please feel free to email me. Thanks!” – Liz etracey@coralville.org.
If cast, Young Footliters does have a $30 annual per family membership fee and a $75 participation fee for this production to help cover costs (such as costumes, sets, props, painting, royalty rights, performance & rehearsal facitilites). Thank you for your understanding and support. We understand that participation fees may make it difficult for your child to be involved in a show. Please let us help. Scholarships are available through the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts for families with financial need.
F O R M S
- Please click here to sign up for an audition time-slot.
- Music Man Audition Form is available here for printing.
