Show

"The Music Man" in Concert
June 15-17, 2023

Book, Music and Lyrics by Meredith Willson
Story by Meredith Willson and Franklin Lacey
Concert Adaptation by Evans Haile

To honor the memory of its founder, Dudley Birder, Music Theatre - Summer Stage proudly presents Meredith Willson's THE MUSIC MAN - CONCERT VERSION. All the music you know and love, and all the charming story from a full cast of characters who will be joined onstage in concert by a live band and 60+ choir members from the Dudley Birder Chorale. This celebration of one of the most beloved American musicals pays tribute to St. Norbert's own music man, Dudley, who loved this show and conducted it many times over his 50+ years with Music Theatre. The Music Man - Concert Version follows fast-talking traveling salesman, Harold Hill, as he schemes and 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.

THE MUSIC MAN CONCERT VERSION is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

Auditions

Summer stage is open to all community members who wish to audition. We encourage all ethnicities, gender identities and persons with disabilities to participate. Our casting is generally age appropriate for each character within the show, and by contract, we are required to portray each character according to their gender as written.

REGISTER FOR AUDITIONS

Our production of “Music Man” will be presented in a concert format.  What does this mean?

• A full 60-member choir, provided by the Dudley Birder Chorale, will be on stage and back up large ensemble numbers along with the cast.
• A band will be on stage with the performers and choir.
• All the roles defined in the script will be cast just as it would be with a traditional presentation.
• Nearly all the scenes and songs will be performed and sung.
• The downstage area of the stage will be reserved as the “performance” space for the cast.
• While there will be very little scenery, if any, there will be an emphasis on sound, music, and lighting along with minimal costumes and props.
• Our intention is to present this show with a reduced rehearsal process and a succinct technical setup and build.

Here is what you need to know about auditions

• Auditions have been rescheduled for Friday, April 14 (5-9 pm) or Saturday, April 15 (9-Noon) in Birder Hall – 400 Grant Street in De Pere.
• You need to sign up for an audition group here.
• Each audition group is limited to 10 persons and will be there for approximately one hour. There will only be movement auditions at callbacks.
• If you previously registered for March 25th, you must re-register for a new time on the rescheduled audition days.
• If you weren't able to register before, you are welcome to register for the rescheduled audition days.
• If you are unable to attend in-person auditions you may send a video audition to musictheatre@snc.edu. The video must be received by Noon on Friday, April 14.
• These auditions are to determine the cast (principals, supporting roles and ensemble) of the show.
• Prepare two short musical excerpts - together lasting 2 minutes or less.
• Callbacks are scheduled for Tuesday, April 18, 2023, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Hall of Fine Arts Choir Room.

Please note that our auditions are closed to each audition group. Only members of the same group may watch each other throughout the audition process.

If you have additional questions about the rescheduled auditions, call 920-403-3087.

Here are the Group Audition Time Slots:

Here is what you need to prepare for auditions:
Please prepare two contrasting musical theatre songs that are not from the show. Be prepared to sing no more than one minute from each song, preferably memorized. That minute of music should be what showcases your voice and performance ability. We will provide an accompanist, but please bring sheet music for the accompanist to use.  You will not be permitted to audition with a pre-recorded track or sing unaccompanied.

Check-in when you arrive at Birder Hall in the lobby (400 Grant Street in De Pere). Arrive early to have your photo taken and to get your audition number. Registration will start 15 minutes before each audition group time.

Additional information for the child / young teen performer:
Summer Stage is seeking 2 child or young teen performers to play the roles of Amaryllis and Winthrop.  There are no special audition sessions set aside for child / young teen performers; they will audition alongside the older auditionees.

For those child auditionees who fall into the younger part of the age range, the child performer needs to be able to:

• Sing
• Follow directions
• Execute basic blocking and stage movements
• Memorize and recall lines, music, and blocking

Parents/Guardians must accompany auditionees who are 12 years old or younger throughout the audition process.

Roles to be cast:
NAME / CHARACTER’S GENDER / CHARACTER’S AGE
Note: The age range listed for each character does not necessarily reflect the age of the performer.

Harold Hill / male / 25-45
Charlie Cowell / male / 25-45
Mayor Shinn / male / 50-60
Ewart Dunlop / male / 25-45
Oliver Hix / male / 25-45
Jacey Squires / male / 25-45
Olin Britt / male / 25-45
Marcellus Washburn / male / 30-50
Marian Paroo / female / 20-35
Mrs. Paroo / female / 45-60
Amaryllis / female / 8-12
Winthrop Paroo / male / 8-12
Eulalie Mckecknie Shinn / female / 40-50
Alma Hix / female / 25-45
Maud Dunlop / female / 25-45
Ethel Toffelmier / female / 25-45
Mrs. Squires / female / 25-45

General Rehearsal Information / Dates for all cast members:
The rehearsal plan will be finalized once casting and conflicts are known. You can expect individual and small group rehearsals scheduled several times over the months of April and May. Those rehearsals will generally be held Monday through Friday in the evenings. The closer we get to performances, the more intense the rehearsal cycle will be. Principal performers can expect more rehearsals.

Targeted Individual and Small Group Rehearsal Period:
MO, April 3 through SU, May 14, 2023

Light Rehearsal Period: (most of the week for some, a few nights for others)
MO, May 15 through TH, May 25, 2023

Heavy Rehearsal Period: (most of the week for everyone)
TU, May 30 through FR, June 9, 2023

Technical and Dress Rehearsal Dates: (everyday for everyone, no absences)
SA, June 10 through WE, June 14, 2023

Performance Dates: (everyday for everyone, no absences)
TH, June 15, 2023 at 7:30 PM
FR, June 16, 2023 at 7:30 PM
SA, June 17, 2023 at 2:00 PM

REGISTER FOR AUDITIONS