**Special Note - September 19th:**
We have assembled a great cast for THE MUSIC MAN thus far, but we are still in need of more "River City townspeople" and a few key players.
"Winthrop Parro" should be middle school aged and be able to speak with a lisp. This was the part played by the young Ron Howard in the movie and features the solo, "Gary Indiana."
"Olin Dunlop" is the bass singer in the barbershop quartet group. The three had been lifelong enemies on the school board, until singing in harmony brings them together.
"Maud Dunlop" is one of the "Pick-a-Little" ladies.
More Townspeople of all ages and sizes would be appreciated, no special experienced required.
If you are interested in one of these roles, simply come to one of the scheduled rehearsal this Tuesday, (9/19) or Thursday. (9/21)
Rehearsals are Sun/Tu/Th at 6:30PM. Performances are November 3, 4, 10 & 11 @7:30PM and Matinees on Sundays, November 5 & 12, @2:00PM
NPTG is pleased to announce upcoming auditions for Meredith Willson's
THE MUSIC MAN
Audition Dates:
August 27, 28 & 30 at 6:30PM with possible call-backs on Thursday, August 31st. There will be no appointments necessary, but we would like everyone to arrive by 6:30PM.
Performance Dates:
November 3, 4, 10 & 11 at 7:30PM
November 5 & 12 at 2:00PM (Matinee)
Tentative Rehearsal Schedule*
Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday evening from 6:30PM to @ 9:00PM
Additional rehearsals are generally added during "production week."
* This may change, depending on the availability of those cast.
Director: Bob Healy
Musical Director: Kris Layton
Choreographer: Nicole Couture-Skorb
Co-Producers: Nancy King and Bill McGrath
Audition Preparation:
An accompanist will be provided. Please bring sheet music for any song you would like to sing NOT from THE MUSIC MAN.
Adults: Be prepared to sing a song of your choice, either from THE MUSIC MAN
or another "traditional" Broadway show of your choice.
Children may sing anything they like. "Happy Birthday" works, if they don't prepare
anything in advance. Those seeking a role should prepare a song.
Those seeking a speaking roles should be prepared for the vocal audition and dry readings from the script.
The Characters:
HAROLD HILL: (Baritone, A Flat to High F)
A smooth talking con man and traveling salesman with plenty of charm, who tries Iowa after saturating Illinois; convinces
townspeople they need a boys’ band to keep them out of trouble. He falls for Marian, & kisses her on stage; does need some movement ability, & sings “Trouble”, “Seventy-six Trombones,” “The Sadder-But-Wiser Girl,” “Marian the Librarian,” “Shipoopi,”(Dance only) “Till There Was You,” & “Goodnight My Someone” reprise.
Marian Paroo Age 25-35 Soprano: Low G to High A
Daughter of Mrs. Paroo, sister to Winthrop. She is the stuffy, conceited librarian and piano teacher in town. She is very learned and defends the “questionable” books that are in the library. She was close to her deceased father’s friend, Mr. Madison, and the town believes that she had an affair with him. After all, he left the library to the town and the books to her! But there was no affair, he was like an uncle to her. At first, after meeting Harold Hill, she dislikes him but then gets to know him better and we see a transformation in her while she falls in love. She realizes that like her, in spite of their reputations, he is earnest in wanting to make a difference. They end up together.
Marcellus Washburn Age: 30-40 Tenor: G to High A
Marcellus works in town and is dating Ethel Toffelmeir. He knows Harold from a long time ago. When they are reunited in River City, they become fast friends again. He is a comical character. He helps Harold in learning about the town, in setting up the con and in trying to help him get out of town before they figure it all out.
Mrs. Paroo Age: 50-60 Mezzo Soprano: A flat to E flat
Widowed, Irish mother to Marian and Winthrop. Sweet homemaker who wants the best for everyone. Gives Marian a lot of advise about finding a man. Dotes on Winthrop. Falls for Harold’s con. Always keeps her hands busy.
Winthrop Paroo Age: 5-8 Alto: C - E flat
Marian’s lisping little brother. Cute as a button. Does not talk because he misses his deceased father. Learns to trust again and is a chatterbox by the end of the show.
Mayor Shinn Age: 40-50
The Mayor of River City. Somewhat blustery, pompous, not terribly intelligent. Gets a lot of things wrong! Listens to wife. Protective of daughter, Zaneeta, who he thinks is dating the wrong boy in town. Stereotype small-town politician.
Eulalie Shinn Age: 40-50 Alto: D – D
Mayor Shinn’s wife. Definitely a society lady. Knows everyone in town. Struts like a peacock. Somewhat snooty. Member of every auxiliary organization in town. Has some strange ideas and doesn’t think she looks as ridiculous as she really is. Keeps husband in line.
Zaneeta Shinn Age: 14-18
Mayor’s & Eulalie’s daffy teenage daughter. Has a crush on the “bad” boy in town, Tommy. Not rebellious but learning to stand up for herself. Very cute and feminine.
Gracie Shinn Age: 6-10
Mayor’s and Eulalie’s younger daughter. Somewhat of a tomboy and a bit devilish.
Olin Britt Age: 40-60 Bass
A member of the School Board who does not get along with the other members. However, once Harold gets him to sing with the others, they are inseparable and not only learn to sing in harmony but behave in harmony.
Ethel Toffelmier Age: 30-40
Plays the player piano. Is jolly and friendly. She is dating Marcellus. She does gossip, however, with the other ladies in town.
Oliver Hix Age: 40-60 Baritone
A member of the School Board who does not get along with the other members. However, once Harold gets him to sing with the others, they are inseparable and not only learn to sing in harmony but behave in harmony. Married to Alma.
Alma Hix Age: 40-55
Wife to Oliver. Gossipy lady who is a buddy of Eulalie and other “hen/bird” women.
Ewart Dunlop Age: 40-60 Baritone
A member of the School Board who does not get along with the other members. However, once Harold gets him to sing with the others, they are inseparable and not only learn to sing in harmony but behave in harmony. Married to Maud.
Maud Dunlop Age: 40-55
Wife to Ewart. Gossipy lady who is a buddy of Eulalie and other “hen/bird” women.
Jacey Squires Age: 40-60 Tenor
A member of the School Board who does not get along with the other members. However, once Harold gets him to sing with the others, they are inseparable and not only learn to sing in harmony but behave in harmony. Married to Mrs. Squires.
Mrs. Squires Age: 40-55
Wife to Jacey. Gossipy lady who is a buddy of Eulalie and other “hen/bird” women.
Tommy Djilas Age: 16-18
A teenager who has a crush on Zaneeta. Wants to do the right thing but is shunned by all because he comes from the “other” side of town so he is considered the “bad” boy in town. Harold befriends him, makes him useful and gives Tommy self-confidence and trust.
Charlie Cowell Age: 30-50
A rival traveling anvil salesman. First seen on train at the start of the show. He returns to town to warn them about Harold and hopefully, make himself a hero and thus earn sales himself.
Constable Locke Age: 30-60
Town policeman. Always ready to do as instructed. Cuffs Harold.
Amaryllis Age: 8-10 Alto: C to E
Young piano student of Marian’s. Likes Winthrop
Conductor Age: 50-60
Conductor on train. Very business like. Intent on collecting tickets and doing job. Does not sing.
Traveling Salesmen Ages: Various
Salesmen on train that warn each other about what they’ve heard about Harold Hill. None of them have ever met him but all know about his reputation. They do not realize that he is there among them and can hear everything they are saying. They have a syncopated song in the beginning of the show – no singing but patterned to sound like a moving train. Very clever. Script written for 5 in addition to Charlie Cowell.
River City Townspeople Ages: Various
These are small town folks who are proud of their town. They consist of men and women, teenagers and children. All ages should be used. (NOTE: the Traveling Salesmen can become Townspeople once Act I Scene 1 is finished.
We have assembled a great cast for THE MUSIC MAN thus far, but we are still in need of more "River City townspeople" and a few key players.
"Winthrop Parro" should be middle school aged and be able to speak with a lisp. This was the part played by the young Ron Howard in the movie and features the solo, "Gary Indiana."
"Olin Dunlop" is the bass singer in the barbershop quartet group. The three had been lifelong enemies on the school board, until singing in harmony brings them together.
"Maud Dunlop" is one of the "Pick-a-Little" ladies.
More Townspeople of all ages and sizes would be appreciated, no special experienced required.
If you are interested in one of these roles, simply come to one of the scheduled rehearsal this Tuesday, (9/19) or Thursday. (9/21)
Rehearsals are Sun/Tu/Th at 6:30PM. Performances are November 3, 4, 10 & 11 @7:30PM and Matinees on Sundays, November 5 & 12, @2:00PM
NPTG is pleased to announce upcoming auditions for Meredith Willson's
THE MUSIC MAN
Audition Dates:
August 27, 28 & 30 at 6:30PM with possible call-backs on Thursday, August 31st. There will be no appointments necessary, but we would like everyone to arrive by 6:30PM.
Performance Dates:
November 3, 4, 10 & 11 at 7:30PM
November 5 & 12 at 2:00PM (Matinee)
Tentative Rehearsal Schedule*
Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday evening from 6:30PM to @ 9:00PM
Additional rehearsals are generally added during "production week."
* This may change, depending on the availability of those cast.
Director: Bob Healy
Musical Director: Kris Layton
Choreographer: Nicole Couture-Skorb
Co-Producers: Nancy King and Bill McGrath
Audition Preparation:
An accompanist will be provided. Please bring sheet music for any song you would like to sing NOT from THE MUSIC MAN.
Adults: Be prepared to sing a song of your choice, either from THE MUSIC MAN
or another "traditional" Broadway show of your choice.
Children may sing anything they like. "Happy Birthday" works, if they don't prepare
anything in advance. Those seeking a role should prepare a song.
Those seeking a speaking roles should be prepared for the vocal audition and dry readings from the script.
The Characters:
HAROLD HILL: (Baritone, A Flat to High F)
A smooth talking con man and traveling salesman with plenty of charm, who tries Iowa after saturating Illinois; convinces
townspeople they need a boys’ band to keep them out of trouble. He falls for Marian, & kisses her on stage; does need some movement ability, & sings “Trouble”, “Seventy-six Trombones,” “The Sadder-But-Wiser Girl,” “Marian the Librarian,” “Shipoopi,”(Dance only) “Till There Was You,” & “Goodnight My Someone” reprise.
Marian Paroo Age 25-35 Soprano: Low G to High A
Daughter of Mrs. Paroo, sister to Winthrop. She is the stuffy, conceited librarian and piano teacher in town. She is very learned and defends the “questionable” books that are in the library. She was close to her deceased father’s friend, Mr. Madison, and the town believes that she had an affair with him. After all, he left the library to the town and the books to her! But there was no affair, he was like an uncle to her. At first, after meeting Harold Hill, she dislikes him but then gets to know him better and we see a transformation in her while she falls in love. She realizes that like her, in spite of their reputations, he is earnest in wanting to make a difference. They end up together.
Marcellus Washburn Age: 30-40 Tenor: G to High A
Marcellus works in town and is dating Ethel Toffelmeir. He knows Harold from a long time ago. When they are reunited in River City, they become fast friends again. He is a comical character. He helps Harold in learning about the town, in setting up the con and in trying to help him get out of town before they figure it all out.
Mrs. Paroo Age: 50-60 Mezzo Soprano: A flat to E flat
Widowed, Irish mother to Marian and Winthrop. Sweet homemaker who wants the best for everyone. Gives Marian a lot of advise about finding a man. Dotes on Winthrop. Falls for Harold’s con. Always keeps her hands busy.
Winthrop Paroo Age: 5-8 Alto: C - E flat
Marian’s lisping little brother. Cute as a button. Does not talk because he misses his deceased father. Learns to trust again and is a chatterbox by the end of the show.
Mayor Shinn Age: 40-50
The Mayor of River City. Somewhat blustery, pompous, not terribly intelligent. Gets a lot of things wrong! Listens to wife. Protective of daughter, Zaneeta, who he thinks is dating the wrong boy in town. Stereotype small-town politician.
Eulalie Shinn Age: 40-50 Alto: D – D
Mayor Shinn’s wife. Definitely a society lady. Knows everyone in town. Struts like a peacock. Somewhat snooty. Member of every auxiliary organization in town. Has some strange ideas and doesn’t think she looks as ridiculous as she really is. Keeps husband in line.
Zaneeta Shinn Age: 14-18
Mayor’s & Eulalie’s daffy teenage daughter. Has a crush on the “bad” boy in town, Tommy. Not rebellious but learning to stand up for herself. Very cute and feminine.
Gracie Shinn Age: 6-10
Mayor’s and Eulalie’s younger daughter. Somewhat of a tomboy and a bit devilish.
Olin Britt Age: 40-60 Bass
A member of the School Board who does not get along with the other members. However, once Harold gets him to sing with the others, they are inseparable and not only learn to sing in harmony but behave in harmony.
Ethel Toffelmier Age: 30-40
Plays the player piano. Is jolly and friendly. She is dating Marcellus. She does gossip, however, with the other ladies in town.
Oliver Hix Age: 40-60 Baritone
A member of the School Board who does not get along with the other members. However, once Harold gets him to sing with the others, they are inseparable and not only learn to sing in harmony but behave in harmony. Married to Alma.
Alma Hix Age: 40-55
Wife to Oliver. Gossipy lady who is a buddy of Eulalie and other “hen/bird” women.
Ewart Dunlop Age: 40-60 Baritone
A member of the School Board who does not get along with the other members. However, once Harold gets him to sing with the others, they are inseparable and not only learn to sing in harmony but behave in harmony. Married to Maud.
Maud Dunlop Age: 40-55
Wife to Ewart. Gossipy lady who is a buddy of Eulalie and other “hen/bird” women.
Jacey Squires Age: 40-60 Tenor
A member of the School Board who does not get along with the other members. However, once Harold gets him to sing with the others, they are inseparable and not only learn to sing in harmony but behave in harmony. Married to Mrs. Squires.
Mrs. Squires Age: 40-55
Wife to Jacey. Gossipy lady who is a buddy of Eulalie and other “hen/bird” women.
Tommy Djilas Age: 16-18
A teenager who has a crush on Zaneeta. Wants to do the right thing but is shunned by all because he comes from the “other” side of town so he is considered the “bad” boy in town. Harold befriends him, makes him useful and gives Tommy self-confidence and trust.
Charlie Cowell Age: 30-50
A rival traveling anvil salesman. First seen on train at the start of the show. He returns to town to warn them about Harold and hopefully, make himself a hero and thus earn sales himself.
Constable Locke Age: 30-60
Town policeman. Always ready to do as instructed. Cuffs Harold.
Amaryllis Age: 8-10 Alto: C to E
Young piano student of Marian’s. Likes Winthrop
Conductor Age: 50-60
Conductor on train. Very business like. Intent on collecting tickets and doing job. Does not sing.
Traveling Salesmen Ages: Various
Salesmen on train that warn each other about what they’ve heard about Harold Hill. None of them have ever met him but all know about his reputation. They do not realize that he is there among them and can hear everything they are saying. They have a syncopated song in the beginning of the show – no singing but patterned to sound like a moving train. Very clever. Script written for 5 in addition to Charlie Cowell.
River City Townspeople Ages: Various
These are small town folks who are proud of their town. They consist of men and women, teenagers and children. All ages should be used. (NOTE: the Traveling Salesmen can become Townspeople once Act I Scene 1 is finished.
PLEASE CONSIDER A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION TO HELP KEEP YOUR THEATER ALIVE -
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS OUR 'GO FUND ME' PAGE
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS OUR 'GO FUND ME' PAGE
As we begin our 48th season,
Our 2023 Membership Drive is on -- click here to join or renew!
Our 2023 Membership Drive is on -- click here to join or renew!

The NPTG Festival Singers sang on "Barbara & You" at FATV on Tuesday February 11th!
We continue to sing and add music - in general, rehearsals are on Mondays and Thursdays @ 7 PM. You can join! You don't need to memorize the music, or learn any dance moves....just come, sing, and have fun. We're having a wonderful time, and look forward to more opportunities to perform throughout 2020!
(The Covid-19 crisis temporarily halted this group, but they may have resumed. Contact us for a status report.)
We continue to sing and add music - in general, rehearsals are on Mondays and Thursdays @ 7 PM. You can join! You don't need to memorize the music, or learn any dance moves....just come, sing, and have fun. We're having a wonderful time, and look forward to more opportunities to perform throughout 2020!
(The Covid-19 crisis temporarily halted this group, but they may have resumed. Contact us for a status report.)
***** Wallace Foundation Awards Grant for NPTG Elevator *****
We are very pleased to announce that we have been awarded a grant by the Trustees of the George R. Wallace foundation in the amount of $5,000 for the major upgrade of our elevator. Although that is GREAT news, it has been awarded as a "matching grant" knowing that we will need raise $5,000 to reach the amount needed to repair the elevator and be awarded the grant. Our elevator company tried for some time to find parts to "retro-fit" our elevator, however, they were unsuccessful and an entirely new logic and control system has been quoted to us at $10,000. The elevator is not simply a convenience. We have had to turn away some elderly and handicapped people from seeing their friends of family members in our shows, which is very distressing and unfortunate - for them and NPTG. With the cost of productions rising all the time and the size of our theater, this is not the kind of money we can easily raise without your help.
Could you consider a donation?
NPTG is federally recognized 501(C)3 organization and your contributions are totally tax deductible. Many people look for a deserving place to make a donation, as we near the end of the tax year; so we hope you might consider us.
Although no plans are finalized at this time, I would hope that we could plan to mount a plaque near the working elevator in the near future, listing the Wallace Foundation and at least all the major contributors.
We are very pleased to announce that we have been awarded a grant by the Trustees of the George R. Wallace foundation in the amount of $5,000 for the major upgrade of our elevator. Although that is GREAT news, it has been awarded as a "matching grant" knowing that we will need raise $5,000 to reach the amount needed to repair the elevator and be awarded the grant. Our elevator company tried for some time to find parts to "retro-fit" our elevator, however, they were unsuccessful and an entirely new logic and control system has been quoted to us at $10,000. The elevator is not simply a convenience. We have had to turn away some elderly and handicapped people from seeing their friends of family members in our shows, which is very distressing and unfortunate - for them and NPTG. With the cost of productions rising all the time and the size of our theater, this is not the kind of money we can easily raise without your help.
Could you consider a donation?
NPTG is federally recognized 501(C)3 organization and your contributions are totally tax deductible. Many people look for a deserving place to make a donation, as we near the end of the tax year; so we hope you might consider us.
Although no plans are finalized at this time, I would hope that we could plan to mount a plaque near the working elevator in the near future, listing the Wallace Foundation and at least all the major contributors.
Donations can be made here -->
or mailed to NPTG, 15 Rollstone Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420. |
|
***Pay Membership Dues Here!***
Haven't renewed your membership? Or want to become a new member? You can do so right now: |
|
The NPTG Festival singers joined the Ashby Band on December 14th to bring a free concert to the community. A great time was had by all!
help save our community theatre!
NPTG Donations
or
http://www.gofundme.com/nptg-campaign
Watch our Slideshow below and see what's been happening on our stage.
Hover over the picture and click 'play'
Hover over the picture and click 'play'
******************************************************************************************************************************************************
New Players Theatre Guild's goal is to foster and promote an active interest in community theater. It is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to encouraging people of all ages to participate in the joy of creating quality theater for the Montachusett area audiences. NPTG presents small to medium-scale musical productions and musical reviews for the public as well as straight plays. New Players Theatre Guild was founded in 1975 and varies in membership size, but has, at times grown to a membership of over 120 people. The group is managed by a Board of Directors, elected yearly by the membership, as well as several committees that carry out the various activities of the organization.
15 Rollstone Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420, 978 345-6570 (use Street, not Road!)
New Players Theatre Guild's goal is to foster and promote an active interest in community theater. It is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to encouraging people of all ages to participate in the joy of creating quality theater for the Montachusett area audiences. NPTG presents small to medium-scale musical productions and musical reviews for the public as well as straight plays. New Players Theatre Guild was founded in 1975 and varies in membership size, but has, at times grown to a membership of over 120 people. The group is managed by a Board of Directors, elected yearly by the membership, as well as several committees that carry out the various activities of the organization.
15 Rollstone Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420, 978 345-6570 (use Street, not Road!)