Thoroughly Modern Millie!!

[*Beautifully Tragic*]

Posted: 1/9/08 at 9:29pm

Oooookay so I know this show is a little older and everything, but I LOVE it and my school is doing it this year for our musical. Auditions were monday and I got callbacks for Muzzy,
Meers, Flannery, and A Hotel Priscilla girl. Now I love this show, and it was my first broadway musical EVER! (:oD) but I never really got into Muzzy until recently and I know her character, but my callback song is "Only in New York", and I know how to sing it.. but like how to act while I sing it, I don't know.. does anyone have any access to or know where I can find an 'Only in New York' video with Sheryl Lee Ralph singing in?? I wasn't a big fan of Carol Channing in the movie with Julie Andrews and I just want to see Sheryl sing it so I can get a feel for what to do while I'm singing instead of just standing there you know? Cause I mean, How interesting is that right?? Any feedback would be VERY helpful! Thanks! :o)

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 1/9/08 at 10:00pm

First off... Muzzy in the original film and the Muzzy in the Broadway production are written completely different. For starters -- in the film she's caucasian and in the Broadway musical adaption she's black. Also, Carol sang "Jazz Baby" in the film and Sheryl Lee sang 2 nite-club numbers/songs: "Only in New York" and "Long As I'm Here With You".

For "Only in New York", Sheryl Lee sang the song straight-on -- no movement, no sets, no dancers... it was just her solo on stage. "Long As I'm Here With You" was different. Since it was a nite-club number/song... she shared the stage with the male nite-club dancers and there were dance movements in it.

[*Beautifully Tragic*]

Posted: 1/9/08 at 10:13pm

I am upset cause like when I saw this, I was in sixth grade and HARDLY remember any parts besides Dorothy and Millie. Okay.. but like.. hmm idk I wish could see Sheryl perform it again just to get a feel for what to do.. you know?

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 1/9/08 at 10:20pm

She doesn't DO anything. The scene reveals itself with Muzzy upstage in silhouette, and slowly a soft spot light grows on her. All she is doing is slowly walking downstage as she's singing the song. By the end of the number, she's downstage and center. That's it. She just performs the song -- its not a dance number and she's NOT singing it to anyone. Its performed like a nite-club number. Again...she ain't doin' anythin'!

Nothing more; nothing less.

[Blue-Eyed Wonder]

Posted: 1/9/08 at 10:22pm

The thing you have to remember about Muzzy is that she's a rich widow who is the ultimate toast of the town. The song, as you know, is about the magic that is New York. In my opinion, you need to find a balance of two mentalities- that New York is as great as it is because of you and that you are as great as you are because of New York. It's this balance that can make this song.

[*Beautifully Tragic*]

Posted: 1/9/08 at 10:28pm

okay, I get.. thanks guys. I realy want either Muzzy or Meers. I think Meers would be SUCH a fun part to play!! :o) I've been working on the fake accent since I found out I got her for callbacks. Our song for her is Muquin.

[lusciouslace]

Posted: 1/9/08 at 11:35pm

I saw Leslie Uggams as Muzzy and I've seen it more recently in a community theatre (it was an excellent cast and show). Basically, just remember that Muzzy is sophisticated and rich. As someone said she's the toast of the town. She's a big deal. But she's not arrogant. She's got a big heart and she's friendly and approachable. Play her as sophisticated and a little older (there are some jokes about her age at the end of the show). Not like 80, but I would say that as a teenager you really want to give an older feeling. Also, she sings this song at her welcome back party, so she's the guest of honor. The way that I've seen it stages is that the ensemble is onstage and generally they're just watching her.

That's just my opinion...PS I think she's a super fun part and LOVE singing her songs.

[IdinaBellFoster]

Posted: 1/10/08 at 12:24am

When singing Only in New York just remember that YOU are the sh*t. There are no sets moving, no characters making crosses and no backup vocals, you have to own the song.

Command the stage, the moment you show insecurity, you loose the audience. When your the only thing they are looking at you have to keep their undivided attention.

Updated On: 1/10/08 at 12:24 AM