[Mistress]

I just got into Music Man because I was curious about it after I found out that a favourite theatre festival of mine is performing it as one of its two annual musicals (the other is Cabaret). I did a little reading and was surprised to discover that our Harold Hill has very little, if any, singing experience. What I've been able to find suggests that he doesn't have any musical experience...but it was a only a minimal credentials lists on a bio blurb in a programme. But I do know that he is a great Shakespearean actor (he was a wonderful Oberon when I saw him) to the point where the critics seem to almost always like him even if they hate the rest of the show.

I don't know much about our Marion...I think she's new to the company, or at least new to leading roles (I don't pay too much attention to the ensembles when I read up on the actors).

So, what do you guys think? Can they do Music Man with a Professor who lacks experience in the genre?

Hre's the site, if you're interested: http://www.stratfordfestival.ca/plays/musicman.cfm

Thanks in advance!

update: I just did a bit of extra research and discovered that the actor played Hill once before as well as Jesus in Godspell and Danny in Grease...in highschool....hmmm...he's also about 35 and I don't know how much age matters for this part...still what do you guys, as the more experienced fans think?

[LameUsername]

In terms of a musical, singing skill is always a positive. However a lot of Harold's singing is almost rhythmic singing, the most well known example of course being "Trouble," but that's not to say someone who is tone deaf could take the stage and have no trouble, their are plenty of very melodic songs in the show.

[Brock07]

He doesn't necessarily have to be trained or the strongest singer, but a basic abilty to sing is almost a must in my book.

[AnnieER25]

Harold Hill was Robert Preston's first musical role and he played it on Broadway and in the 1962 film. I think for this role it's more about charisma than singing experience. Matthew Broderick had a lot more singing experience, than Preston, before landing the role in the 2003 film, and I think he falls flat by comparison. But that may just be me.

I never question based on experience or a lack thereof because I've known too many people that have experience playing leads but just aren't that great and probably never will be. And on the flipside I know people who've landed a lead their first time out and nailed it.