Casting

For Harold Hill, cast someone with charisma and charm, who is comfortable on stage. He should be a great actor, an average singer, and an average mover. For your sanity, make sure you cast someone who memorizes lines easily and has a good sense of musical rhythm. 

The role of Marian is a different twist on the traditional leading lady. The character progresses greatly during the show, starting as an uptight librarian and transforming into a trusting young woman. She must also have an air of confidence that draws Harold and your audience to her. Finally, take some time during auditions to try different pairs of Harolds and Marians until you reach the perfect match.

During the show, Winthrop transforms from a shy child to an outspoken child. Winthrop also needs to be able to affect a believable lisp.

Mrs. Paroo is the conscience of River City. She is a great mother, stands up for what she believes in, and gently pushes Marian to think of her future. The role requires an actress who can do a good Irish Brogue. 

Amaryllis is the slightly bratty girl who studies piano with Marian. 

You may be tempted to cast an "over-the-top" actor as Mayor Shinn, but resist and heed the warning of Meredith Willson. The actor playing Mayor Shinn certainly needs a good sense of comic timing, but should be able to perform the role very seriously. This is elemental in creating the humor of The Music Man SR., which is based in reality. Mayor Shinn does not have to sing or dance, but he is responsible for a great deal of the pacing and line pick up in the show. Make sure your actor can memorize long monologues.

The role of Zaneeta is often given dance features in both "76 trombones" and "Shipoopi". Zaneeta gets to deliver the classic "Ye gads" line!

Charlie Cowell is one of the premium acting-only roles. Cast a strong actor with a good loud voice who is a bit of a ham and likes being on the stage. Charlie is a good choice for an understudy to Harold Hill.

Gracie is Zaneeta's little sister. This role has one or two lines of dialogue and traditionally is the first soloist in "Wells Fargo Wagon." Gracie can also understudy Amaryllis in case of an emergency.

One of the core members of the Pick-a-little ladies, requiring girls with strong voices and a good sense of comedy. Maud is married to Ewart. You can also add additional Pick-a-little ladies.

Ewart is one of the four quartet members with the second highest voice or tenor. He is married to Maud Dunlop.

Eulalie is a great role for a great comic actress. Again, heed Mr. Willson's warning and avoid casting an actress who is over the top. If Eulalie takes herself seriously your audience will find her hysterical. Eulalie does have some singing and some dancing, or at least posing.

Oliver is one of the four quartet members with the second lowest voice or baritone. He is married to Alma Hix.

One of the core members of the Pick-a-little ladies, requiring strong voices and a good sense of comedy. Alma is married to Oliver. You can also add additional Pick-a-little ladies.

Jacey is one of the four quartet members with the highest voice or tenor. He is married to Mrs. Squires.

One of the core members of the Pick-a-little ladies, requiring girls with strong voices and a good sense of comedy. Mrs. Squires is married to Jacey. You can also add additional Pick-a-little ladies.

This classic sidekick to Harold has been immortalized by comedic greats like Buddy Hacket. Marcellus' big number is "Shipoopi" so the character has to act well, sing reasonably well (although a character voice is best) and be able to dance. 

Ethel is Marcellus's girlfriend. She's described by Marcellus as "a nice comfortable girl and the bosses' niece."  Ethel is also one of the solo Pick-a-Little ladies.

The Constable is a quietly wise man who sees through Harold, but doesn't seem to mind.

Olin is one of the four quartet members with the lowest voice or bass. 

Tommy is the teen heartthrob in the show. 

You'll want to cast several good actors to play traveling salesmen, especially salesmen number five, number three, and number one. If you find it necessary to cast girls as traveling salesmen make sure they play the roles as men.

The Boys' Band has two main features: "76 Trombones" and the finale of the show. 

The Ensemble is comprised of townspeople, dancers, and Wa Tan Ye girls. Can accommodate additional Pick-a-little ladies