Any advice for a poor sap like me?

[TheQuibbler]

Posted: 1/6/04 at 4:26pm

Our high school is doing "The Music Man" this year and I'm dying to play Harold Hill. People have basically been told by the director that it's between myself (I'm a junior) and a senior. This senior is a great singer (probably better than me), but I think he lacks the pizazz and energy to pull off the role. So, my question is, is there anything I should do to make an really good impression when I try out?

I also have problems with my voice because it's very inconsistant. One day I will sing great, but the next, I won't be able to sing for crap. Are there any tricks or anything that I can do to make sure my voice is in top form for the audition?

Thanks a lot for the help.

[son_of_a_gunn_25]

Posted: 1/6/04 at 4:29pm

We had a post where we talked about this but it was actually off topic for the post, peppermint tea with honey, if your throat is sore at all take an Aleve, suck on a peppermint stick before you go in to audition(Thats from Phantom2). Drink lots of water, don't shout or over use your voice...you know, the basics

Updated On: 1/6/04 at 04:29 PM

[Craig]

Posted: 1/6/04 at 4:35pm

Harold Hill is not a part that "needs" an amazing singer. Robert Preston wasn't known as an amazing singer. What he has was charisma, charm and the ability to sell the role like nobody's business.

My basic advice is to remember WHO Harold is and why he does what he does. Throw that into your sides and you should be fine.

[TheQuibbler]

Posted: 1/6/04 at 4:36pm

I'm a big fan of Halls. But the peppermint tea sounds good.

[JoizeyActor]

Posted: 1/6/04 at 5:24pm

Make you sure you warm up thoroughly before going in to audition, to give your "inconsistent" voice a better chance at being good. Tea. Tea. Tea.

Hell, before you go in, why don't you meditate or do some yoga. I think that's what I'm going to do tomorrow before I audition at 5:30. Get everything under control.

Good luck!

[Phantom2]

Posted: 1/6/04 at 5:43pm

Suck on a peppermint stick! That was MY tip!! It works every time.

Updated On: 1/6/04 at 05:43 PM

[son_of_a_gunn_25]

Posted: 1/6/04 at 6:44pm

Sorry I'll fix it in my original post Phantom

Updated On: 1/6/04 at 06:44 PM

[MasterLcZ]

Posted: 1/6/04 at 6:52pm

Slip the senior a Mickey Finn.

Seriously, though....Craig has the best advice (aside from the tea). Harold Hill has tremendous CHARM, even moreso than singing talent. He has to be slippery and smooth. With that in mind..and don't be stiff...you should be fine.

Posted: 1/9/04 at 3:54pm

"Suck on a peppermint stick! That was MY tip!! It works every time."

I know of several actors who suck on something else to get the parts they covet....

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 1/9/04 at 3:57pm

**gasp** I am NOT saying a word...

[tkts]

Posted: 1/9/04 at 7:20pm

One thing to do, get the DVD copy of The Music Man with Matthew Broderick. Watch it. They don't do anything like he did. The role calls for part user car salesman and part southern preacher. Broderick brings none of this to the role, IMHO.