In Part 2 of a series of interviews with the cast of 2nd Star Productions’ The Music Man, meet Emily Mudd.
Joel: Please introduce yourself and tell our readers where they may have seen you in the past year on local stage?
Emily: Hi! I’m Emily Mudd. I’m coming back from about a two-year hiatus from theater; most recently I was in 2nd Star’s production of Camelot as Queen Guenevere. I was also Laurie in their production of Oklahoma! and I’ve done work with Red Branch Theatre Company and Colonial Players of Annapolis in recent years.
Why did you want to be part of The Music Man?
It’s so much fun, and a classic musical! And I love the music. What an incredible score The Music Man has!
Who do you play in the show and how do you relate to your character?
I play Marian Paroo, the librarian and piano teacher in River City, Iowa. She thinks that it’s her responsibility to make the people of River City more culturally aware. Because of this, many of the townspeople think that she’s a bit snobbish and aloof. But she has a heart of gold, which you can especially see when she’s interacting with her little brother, Winthrop, who’s going through a rough phase of his life. She’s very suspicious of Harold Hill, the self-proclaimed “Music Man” when he first comes to town.
One way I can really relate to the part is that I’m a librarian in life as well! Libraries have, of course, changed quite a bit since the 1910’s, so the role of librarian has also undergone many changes (not nearly as much “shhh”ing for one thing!). But it’s fun to be a librarian playing a librarian!
Have you appeared in other productions of before and who did you play and how is this production different and
This is my first time participating in The Music Man.
What is your favorite scene in the show that you are not in and why? What is your favorite scene that you are in and why?
I love many of the scenes in this show, so it’s hard to choose! I especially enjoy watching “76 Trombones.” Lee Nicol, our Music Man, does a phenomenal job selling the citizens of River City the idea of a boys’ band. It’s a wonderful ensemble piece with lots of great dancing.
My favorite scene that I’m in is probably a scene near the end of the show with Harold, Winthrop, and Marian. It’s very touching and shows just how much each of the characters has grown during the course of the show.
Which character in the show is most like you and why?
I do relate to Marian a lot, not just because of her occupation! She tends to put up some protective barriers between herself and most of the world and it can take some time to know the real Marian.
How did you prepare for your role and what were the biggest challenges you faced and how did you resolve them?
Lee Nicol is marvelous to work with. We spent a lot of time talking through our scenes and our relationship. Our production team for the show is great. They really made the process of putting the show together fun and painless.
My biggest challenge was the dancing. I’ve had little dancing to do for most of the roles I’ve played in the past so I really had to spend some time practicing. I want to do the fantastic choreography justice!
What do you admire most about your fellow castmates?
Their kindness, dedication, and enthusiasm. It’s such a great group of talented people and It really feels like a family. Also, their dance skills!
Why should audience goers bring their families to see Music Man?
People of all ages will smile, laugh, and feel invested in this heart-warming story. And they’ll leave humming all of the wonderful melodies from the show!
The Music Man plays from October 16 through November 14, 2015 at 2nd Star Productions performing at the Bowie Playhouse – 16500 White Marsh Park Drive, in Bowie, MD. October 16 through November 14, 2015. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 3 PM. The closing performance on Saturday, November 14, 2015 is at 3 PM. For tickets, call the box office at (410) 757-5700, or (301) 858-7245, or purchase them online.
LINKS:
Meet the Cast of 2nd Star Productions’ ‘The Music Man’: Part 1: E. Lee Nicol.
Meet the Cast of 2nd Star Productions’ ‘The Music Man’: Part 2: Emily Mudd.
