Grab Your 76 Trombones for "The Music Man" Auditions

This week the Oradell-based community theater group  will hold open auditions for its 80^th season opening, The Music Man, one of the most beloved musicals of all time. With book, music and lyrics by Meredith Willson, and based on a story by Meredith Willson and Franklin Lacey, auditions will take place at the Little Firehouse Theatre, 298 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell, from Tuesday May 22 thru Thursday, May 24. Performances are scheduled to run September 6 through Oct. 6, 2012.

Directed by Larry Landsman of Wyckoff, musical directed by Steven Bell of Teaneck, choreographed by Vanessa Garrabrant of Harriman, NY, and produced by Kathie Robitz of Westwood, The Music Man is an affectionate paean to Smalltown, U.S.A. of a bygone era. It 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 – this despite the fact 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. Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, the Bergen County Players’ 80^thseason opener will feature a live orchestra and a cast of over 30.

This award-winning, critically acclaimed Broadway classic is an all-American institution, thanks to its quirky characters, charmingly predictable dramatic situations, and one-of-a-kind, nostalgic score of rousing marches, barbershop quartets and sentimental ballads that have become popular standards such as Till There Was You; Seventy-Six Trombones; Ya Got Trouble; Gary, Indiana; Pick a Little; Shipoopi and Goodnight My Someone. By turns wicked, funny, warm, romantic and touching, The Music Man is family entertainment at its best.

Audition Schedule:

• Tuesday, May 22, 6:30 PM – Children 6-11 only (vocal only)
• Tuesday, May 22, 8:00 PM – Barbershop Quartet Auditions only (see specific requirements below)
• Wednesday, May 23, 7:00 PM – General Auditions (vocal and dance)
• Thursday, May 24, 7:00 PM – General Auditions (vocal and dance)
• Tuesday, May 29, 7:00 PM - Callbacks by invitation only

A headshot/picture is appreciated but not required. Auditioners should prepare an excerpt of a song (16-32 bars) not from The Music Man that best represents their voice and must bring sheet music for the accompanist in the proper key. A contemporary Broadway or pop genre song is preferred but not required. No a cappella or recorded music auditions please. Auditioners also should dress comfortably and be prepared to learn a brief dance routine.

Callbacks will include readings from the script and singing a song from the show. 

BCP is seeking individuals or pre-established groups for the barbershop quartet. Individuals should be prepared to perform 30 seconds to one minute of a song, as well as harmonize in a group. Pre-established quartets should be prepared to sing one slow and one quick song together. All auditioners will be asked to sing “Sincere” from The Music Man in a group and stay for a short reading.

Character Breakdown:

• Marcellus Washburn - Harold's chummy friend, G - High A, Tenor
• Harold Hill - A dynamic con man, A flat –High F, Baritone
• Mayor George Shinn – A blustery, pompous politician
• Quartet: Ewart Dunlop, Oliver Hix, Jacey Squires, Olin Britt – Four judgmental school board members
• Charlie Cowell – A rival salesman
• Constable Locke – The town sheriff
• Conductor 
• Marian Paroo – Stuffy, "stuck-up", town librarian and music teacher, Low G - High A, Soprano
• Mrs. Paroo – Marian's Irish mom, A flat - E flat, Mezzo-Soprano
• Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn – Mayor Shinn's wife, D –D, Alto
• Ethel Toffelmier (pick-a-little ladies core group) – The "pianola" girl
• Alma Hix (pick-a-little ladies core group) – Gossipy wife of a Quartet member
• Maud Dunlop (pick-a-little ladies core group) –Gossipy wife of a Quartet member
• Mrs. Squires (pick-a-little ladies core group) –Gossipy wife of a Quartet member 
• Tommy Djilas – The town "bad" boy 
• Zaneeta Shinn – The mayor's oldest daughter
• Gracie Shinn – The mayor’s youngest daughter 
• Withrop Paroo – Marian's lisping baby brother, C - E flat, Alto
• Amaryllis – Marian's young piano student, C –E, Alto 
• Ensemble (various ages)Adults, teens and children to play townspeople, traveling salesmen, newspaper readers, Wa Tan Ye girls, boys' band

NOTE: Children under 12 will not be cast without an adult or guardian staying with them during every rehearsal.

Rehearsals are scheduled to begin mid June and will run on weeknights and at least one weekend day (Saturday or Sunday) to start. 

Those interested in more information may contact Larry Landsman at LL1157@aol.com or go to www.bcplayers.org.

Have a question or news tip? Contact editor Eamon Harbord at Eamon.Harbord@patch.com, or find us on Facebook and Twitter. For news straight to your inbox every morning, sign up .