[Mr_X]

Hi. I have my WSS Audition on Wednesday, and I'm singing "Maria." Just a couple of questions:

1. I know I can hit the high A in the middle of the song, I just need to take a big breath before then. Unfortunately, it's like an aria, so I can't seem to find the proper place to take a great big breath. Can you guys think of the place?

2. I was thinking about how I should act the song. I know he's in love, and he's pretty overwhelmed. But is there a point where overwhelmed becomes overacted? I'm saying this because I'm known in my school for over-the-top comedy and I want to die it down for this song.

[The Pitlord]

Just try to get it straight and simple, and listen to what your director thinks. Better to get it even and down-tuned than rough and over-expressed for a start.

You can always sneak in a breath, given that you make a smooth phrasing. That is, do not sound as if you're out of air.

And if your MD don't like the breath at all, you probably have to learn to cope without, or look for a role with a lower range.

Edit: Punctuation

[what_the_heck013]

Where exactly is the A?

[Mr_X]

Oh jeez, okay this might seem confusing.

"Maria
I'll never stop saying Maria
Maria
Maria
Maria Maria
Maria
Maria
Maria
Maria
Maria, say it loud and there's music playing"

[pinkstiletto510]

just take the breath right after you finish the previous "maria" ....it doesnt seem like that would be a problem to take a breath after you finish the word esp. because you've said it a million times

[deedlebug103]

good luck w/ your audition- our school tried to do WSS, but none of our guys could hit those high notes!!

[Kaiana]

About the acting, I'd say he's also somewhat in awe as opposed to being entirely overwhelmed. This might be an easier direction and less likely to go over the top.

[Jennifer Lynn]

As far as the acting in the song goes...

I've always been very partial to Michael Crawford's version. It's part of his West Side Story medley on the "Michael Crawford's Favorite Love Songs" CD. Every other version I'd heard had the singer sing the lead-in quietly and reverently, then both he and the orchestra burst out full force on "Maria! I just met a girl named Maria!"

Michael, however, did it differently. He (and the orchestra) started the main verse quietly, as if he were awed by his own feelings and the woman who inspired them. Then, both he and the orchestra built in power as he continued through the verse, until finally they reached full blast on "MARIA! Say it loud and there's music playing!" I loved it!