Mezzo auditioning for soprano role...is this okay?

Question

In the audition notice, they don't really say anything about vocal range or anything (it's a youth theater, so most people auditioning will be around 9 years old, and they don't all have previous vocal training). However, I really want to play the role of Marian Paroo in this production of "The Music Man Jr." Now, I am a mezzo, but after doing some research, I have found that this role is typically played by a soprano. Is it still OK for me to want this role? I mean, will my vocal range totally throw me off? Thanks for the help!

Answer 1

While Marian Paroo is typically sung by a soprano, what's more important than your actual cassification (many mezzo's can sing into soprano territory) is that you can sing in a legit style (versus a belt or mix).

Mezzo's tend to have a darker, smokier sound than Soprano's, but if you can sing with a lyrical voice and the range is not a problem, then I don't see why you couldn't go for Marian.

Definitely listen to her songs beforehand. There are several versions on you tube including ones by Kristin Chenoweth when she sang the role for the movie.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Marian's songs can go pretty high. I don't know if they've modified the range for the jr. version,but listen to her songs on youtube and see if the notes are in your range.

Answer 3

As someone else said, unless they change the key for the junior version, Marian sings a high A at the end of "My White Knight". She also needs to sing a low G during the "Piano Lesson", so I would say a mezzo range should be perfect. Only in opera does Mezzo mean anything about the sound/quality of the voice. Uually in musical theater, if you say you are a mezzo, it means you are a 2nd soprano.

find a clip on you tube or get the cast recording and see if you can hit the higher notes (more important than the lower ones) and if you are comfortable and sound good, then go for it!  But don't worry if you don't get the part this time, if you keep singing and developing your voice, I'm sure you'll play Marian another time! chorus roles are quite fun in this show as well.

Answer 4

As long as you can sing the music without straining, I wouldn't think it would be a problem.  Like a previous poster mentioned, mezzos tend to have a somewhat "heavier" voice, as opposed to the lighter sound of a soprano.   But if you can sing it, and sound good, theres nothing that should sotop you from auditioning for the part!

Answer 5

why dont you obtain a copy of the soundtrack and see if you can hit all the notes, some mezzos can sing soprano roles easily, I do it all the time.

Answer 6

If you can sing the songs, then you're OK.  There's no rule that you have to be a soprano vs a mezzo.