Editor's note: Bluffton University will present "The Music Man" Thursday, Friday and Saturday (May 3-4-5) in Founders Hall. Dr. Steve Jacoby, retired Bluffton University music professor, suggested that the Icon interview the two Bluffton graduates who played the part of Harold Hill in previous campus productions of the "The Music Man." We thought Steve had a great idea, so we caught up with the two previous Harold Hills - Mark Thompson (1972) and Dan Basinger (1995).
In 1995, you played the part of Harold Hill in Bluffton College's May Day production of "The Music Man". What year in college were you at that point?
I was a junior when I played the part of Harold Hill in 1995.
What do you remember most clearly about that role? How did you prepare for the role? Had you seen "The Music Man" elsewhere? Was it a difficult part to play? What did you enjoy most about it?
Truthfully, before I played the role of Harold Hill, I had not seen the movie nor the stage production. I only was aware that the character Harold Hill was a shyster. I remember Deb Brubaker saying that I had the panache to play the role. I wondered what that meant and why she said that to me.
Prior to auditions Kathy Lehman helped me learn "Trouble." She was dilligent with repetition and timing. We sat in classroom #3 for about an hour and a half. I guess it helped. I delivered it well.
I don't remember it being a difficult part to play, just fun. It was fun to play an overtly advantagious trickster. It's a great, light, easily protrayed role.
Who played the part of Marian Paroo? Do you remember any of the other actors?
Danielle Swan played Marian. Jason Diller was Marcellus, Thomas Eachus was Mayor Shinn with Michelle Park as Mrs. Shinn. I'm not certain, but I think one of Lawrence Mathews' sons played Winthrop, or possibly one of Randy Keeler's boys. I remember Cory Roach, Adam Simcox, and Merv Miller were three of the quartet. Tommy was played by a guy named Dan (boy, my memory has gone fast!) Most of the main characters were played by music majors or students who were frequently in performance ensembles.
What is your favorite song from "The Music Man"?
I like "Goodnight My Someone" because it involves the "cross hands" piano piece Marian's student, Amaryllis, is practicing. I like adult/child duets. It's a simple piece; it is soft with no frills. I also generally like the partner songs involving the quartet.
Who were the directors for that performance? Do you remember anyone who played in the orchestra?
Deb Brubaker was the Music Director. I'm not certain if Gene Caskey was the stage director or not; it may have been a year he didn't do the musical. Joel West directed the pit. I enjoyed having him at the helm when I was on stage. He was always on top of cues and consistent with tempos. I can remember Lisa Diller on trombone and Liza Jacoby on cello in the pit. Jack Gerding played piano. Jack had a habit of constantly playing "Rustling Leaves" whenever Deb Brubaker would begin talking to us. It was funny...for a while.
I assume this was performed in Founder's Hall. As a part of the production, did you also participate in building scenery?
Yes, it was in Founder's Hall. As with the musicals in 1993 and 1994, Jim Keller designed the set. Jim is a BC grad from the 1980s. He taught music at Columbus Grove for years and is now with Columbus City Schools. Jim and I became fast friends my freshman year when I asked him if I could help with the set for Oklahoma. He introduced me to many of my Lima Encore Theater and Van Wert Civic Theater friends. My favorite set to help build was Into the Woods in 1994.
How did you get involved in music and theater productions during college? Were you a music major? Had you performed in productions as a high school student? What is the first part you played in any production?
I was a music major and I assumed that vocal performance majors were expected to participate in the May Day musical, not that I had an objection to doing it anyway. As a high school student at BHS, I participated in Bye, Bye, Birdie and The Wizard of Oz. I was also active in Pat Rodabaugh's drama activities. My first dramatic experience was played alongside Cara Young, Liza Jacoby and Doug Hammond in a winter dinner theater done at Marbeck Center the Christmas of 1983. The four of us were in fourth grade and played "carolers". Eloise Caskey made knickers for Doug and me. The next year I played Snoopy for our fifth grade class production under Mrs. Caskey.
Fill us in on what you've done since graduating from Bluffton College? Are you still involved in theater in any way?
I presently am the vocal music teacher for Arlington Local Schools. I briefly taught at Riverdale Local Schools and went to Lima City Schools where, for 10 years, I enjoyed teaching in various Lima schools. I have been involved in over 70 musicals in the last twenty years. I have worked with Lima Encore Theater, Van Wert Civic Theater, Jesters Roving Players, Fort Findlay Playhouse and Findlay Light Opera Company. By the reading of this article, my role as Captain Edward J. Smith in Titanic will have sailed his last. I'm currently working with friends from Fort Findlay Playhouse to write a musical review called "Let's Fall in Love". The performances will be in June to coordinate with the Findlay City Bicentennial. I hope to do more performing; however, it's becoming more difficult. I used to do 5-6 shows per year, but now barely have room for one because of the things I am doing professionally as a musician.
Will you attend this year's May Day production of "The Music Man"?
May Day weekend is the same weekend as Arlington High School's ARTSFest program. My students have vocal and instrumental performances Friday and Saturday evenings, and on Thursday I am committed to a rehearsal in Findlay. Although, in the real world, Dan Basinger can portray someone else on stage, unfortunately no one has been able to figure out how any of us can be at two places at the same time. I send the cast of this year's May Days production of Music Man the best of wishes, and I hope they will remember and treasure the enjoyment they will be providing audience members. Enjoy! I certainly did.
