The Music Man
MPAC's annual spring musical
Written by Meredith Wilson
Directed by Carol Devendorf
Audition dates: February 23 & 25
February 23 from1-4 pm [8-10 year olds]
February 23 from 5 - 8pm [11-13]
February 25 6 - 9pm [14+]
Production Dates: June 12 - 14
By turns wicked, funny, warm, romantic and touching, The Music Man is family entertainment at it's best. Meredith Willson's six-time Tony Award-winning musical comedy has been entertaining audiences since 1957 and is a family-friendly story to be shared with every generation.
The Music Man 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 that he vows to organize – despite the fact that 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, the librarian, who transforms him into a respectable citizen by curtain's fall.
Characters (in approximate order of appearance)
Charlie Cowell: A traveling salesman who is on to Harold Hill's schemes. Tirelessly attempts to prove to everyone the true con-man behind Harold Hill.
Harold Hill: Our story's unsuspecting protagonist. A con man, traveling under the auspices of a salesman, he eventually falls in love with Marian Paroo. Charismatic and charming.
Mayor Shinn: A blustery politician who is all too "self-important." Begrudgingly married to Eulalie, he is skeptical of the town rumor mill.
Ewart Dunlop: A member of the quartet formed by Harold Hill with a tenor voice. Ewart is married to Maude Dunlop.
Oliver Hix: A baritone in the quartet formed by Hill. Oliver is married to Alma Hix.
Jacey Squires: The highest tenor in the quartet. Married to Mrs. Squires.
Olin Britt: A citizen of River City and the bass of the quartet formed by Harold Hill.
Marcellus Washburn: Harold's chummy old friend and former con man, he now lives in River City and is trying to settle down.
Tommy Djilas: An attractive, young man from the wrong side of town. He is secretly courting Zaneeta.
Marian Paroo: The stuffy town librarian and music teacher. She is an attractive young lady who eventually falls for Harold Hill. Stuck up. Curious.
Mrs. Paroo: Cheerful and always plotting. An Irish widow and mother to Marian and Winthrop.
Amaryllis: A slightly bratty piano student of Marion Paroo who may have a crush on Winthrop.
Winthrop Paroo: Marian's baby brother, he is very shy because of a noticeable lisp. Embraces Harold Hill and the marching band.
Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn: Mayor Shinn's peacock wife. A serial gossiper and snob, she has trouble keeping her opinions to herself.
Zaneeta Shinn: The Mayor's fresh-faced daughter who is in love with Tommy. Sweet and outgoing. Appears to be daffy at times.
Alma Hix: A "Pick-a-Little Lady" married to Oliver Hix.
Maud Dunlop: A "Pick-a-Little Lady" married to Ewart Dunlop.
Ethel Toffelmier: A comical "Pick-a-Little Lady," and Marcellus Washburn's girlfriend.
Mrs. Squires: A "Pick-a-Little Lady" married to Jacey Squires
Ensemble: Constable Locke, Newspaper Readers, River City Townspeople, Traveling Salesmen, and more!