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).
Forty years ago, 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 believe this performance was during my last year at Bluffton.
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?
I remember that this role took a lot of energy throughout the whole play. I remember I would prepare for the opening scene on the train by bouncing up and down in the wings to get my body warmed up and my mind in sync with the beginning music. Of course I had seen the movie version of the play. I even convinced Dr. Dickey to rent the movie so I could study Robert Preston (Harold Hill). I wanted to duplicate his every move and mannerism. To me, Robert Preston was Harold Hill. You need to remember that back 40 years ago, there was no VHS or DVD; they actually rented a reel to reel that I put on a projector to study this role. I spent all of my extra time watching Preston perform; it also helped me learn all of my lines. I loved everything about playing this wonderful character, from all the preparation to the actual performances and especially working with the directors, cast and crew. I must say, I thought we did a very professional job on this production.
Who played the part of Marian Paroo? Do you remember any of the other actors?
Marcia Amstutz was my Marian. Unfortunately the other actors are but a distant memory. I did find a picture of Marian and Harold that was taken as an advertisement photo.
What is your favorite song from "The Music Man"?
I loved all the songs, but I especially loved the singing and dancing in the library, chasing after Marion with my little bag of marbles (marshmallows), the song, the dancers were all over the stage, it was a lot of fun. Besides, I got to get a quick kiss in that scene.
Who were the directors for that performance? Do you remember anyone who played in the orchestra?
As I recall, Dr. Jacoby, Dr. Dickey and Gene Caskey all collaborated on this wonderful production. After all of these years, my memories of the orchestra are very faint; unfortunately I don't recall who may have been playing all of the wonderful music.
I assume this was performed in Founder's Hall. As a part of the production, did you also participate in building scenery?
Yes, Founder's Hall was our theater for this production and to tell you the truth, I was so busy getting ready for the performance I don't think I took the time to get any of the staging ready. I do remember that it was fantastic, first rate and it gave us a wonderful background in which to perform.
How did you get involved in music and theater productions during college? Were you a music or theater major? Had you performed in productions as a high school student? What is the first part you played in any production?
It is funny, the only prior acting experience I had before Bluffton College, was a middle school performance of the Mikado, in which I was Nanki-Poo and a role in a stage play called "That Darn Cat." During my days at Bluffton College I wanted to perform, as I was a speech and drama major. I decided to audition for The Three Penny Opera which was being directed by Dr. Earl Lehman. Dr. Lehman did not know anything about me at the time but when he heard me sing (The Impossible Dream), he quickly put me in the cast. From there I enjoyed parts in "The Fantastics" (El Gallo), "Fiddler on the Roof" (Perchik) and "Murder in the Cathedral" (Thomas Becket),which was performed at the Mennonite Church on Jackson St. As you can see I love theater, but I am hooked on musical theatre.
When I was in high school, we performed "Oliver". You directed that production and we loved you! How did that happen? What productions have you directed since then?
During my college years, Bluffton High School advertised for at Drama Club Advisor, so I applied and got the job. Our first show at Bluffton was called "Hip Hip Hippy Hooray" a funny little play that was fun to do. Then we did "Oliver" and had a wonderful cast. I remember those students working so hard to put on a great show and it paid off, it was wonderful. Then we did a play that was also part of my Senior project that was held in the old Chapel on campus at Bluffton titled "I Never Saw Another Butterfly", a story about Jewish children in the German concentration camps. This was a very moving play and the students took it seriously and it turned out great. Interesting side note, my 14- year-old granddaughter earned a role in last year's Encore Theater's performance of "I Never Saw Another Butterfly", so we have come full circle.
Fill us in on what you've done since graduating from Bluffton College? Are you still involved in theater in any way?
Since I graduated from Bluffton I have performed in Community Theater over the years. I had the opportunity to play Harold Hill and Perchik at Encore Theater. I also played the part of Dick, in "Dames at Sea". I had the opportunity to be the top tenor in the Music Man quartet at the Civic Center in Lima. The fun part of that was that my two sons, Shea and Seth, were also cast members of this play.
I spent 19 years in the field of Developmental Disabilities in both Putnam and Allen Counties. I have helped my wife, Fran, develop her Longaberger Basket business over the years, taught one year at Paulding schools and now substitute teach in both Allen and Hardin Counties.
After Bluffton I did act and sing as I said, but I also followed my other passion, coaching basketball. I started as a volunteer coach at St. Gerard, St. Charles, Elida and Lima Central Catholic. Most recently I was the boys head coach at both Paulding and Hardin Northern and after 35 years I have finally hung up my whistle.
Now that I am no longer coaching, I have noticed an itch to get back in front of the footlights. Who knows, Community Theater may be back in my future.
Will you attend this year's May Day production of "The Music Man"?
I would love to see this year's performance and watch the wonderful performers who will again have "Trouble in River City". I want to wish them all the best as they bring this wonderful story back to life.
Break a leg.
