Who could tackle Professor Harold Hill?

[FOAnatic]

I know the last revival of "The Music Man" was back in 2000 and the likelihood of a revival in the near future is slim.

But, I'm been in a very "Music Man" mood lately. The cast recording has been on repeat on my iPod and it inspires such a happy feeling.

The show, in my opinion, is a theatrical treasure. Such a pure hunk of Americana and leaves the theatre-goer leaving with a bright smile on their face.

If there were to be a revival or film soon, who would you like to see as Professor Harold Hill?

I know his name is tossed in for almost any leading male role, but I truly would love to see Hugh Jackman's take on it. I think he's got the comedy and he's got the voice. He's certainly handsome enough for people to buy him as a successful con-man. And he's got that charisma that naturally grabs an audience's attention.

He's also about the age that Robert Preston was when he appeared in the film version.

Any other thoughts?

And, please, no one say Neil Patrick Harris.

[E.Davis]

It would have to be something completely different and reinvented in order to be fresh.

[E.Davis]

It would have to be something completely different and reinvented in order to be fresh.

[wickedfan]

Hugh Jackman always seems to be the "go to" guy for celebrity casting. I'm sure he would be fine, but I'd rather see him in something else.

Norbert Leo Butz would be my first pick. Followed by Will Swenson or Aaron Eckhart 9if we're talking film).

[FOAnatic]

Aaron Eckhart!

Now, there's something I'd love to see!

[dramamama611]

I wouldn't want a film version ti be made. I think the Robert Preston film is near perfection and nothing could be better.

A new stage version? That would be lovely. I DO think that Jackman would be wonderful in the role, he was who first came to mind. Iloved the suggestion of Norbert as well: as long as he wasn't scruffy.



Edited as my darn autocorrect totally messed up my original intent!

[Auggie27]

Actually, this will cause a firestorm, but you know who has the charm and presence? Brian Stokes Mitchell. That's about as likely to happen as Leslie Uggams playing Rose in GYPSY, but Mitchell is a musical theater leading man with grace, genuine charisma (critical -- what Robert Sean Leonard woefully lacked) and emotional depth, and he would nail the role's demands.

[singtopher]

The only thing (in my mind) that stands in Mitchell's way is his age. But I agree, he would be fabulous.

My initial thought was Butz, but Jackman is good casting as well.

[PalJoey]

White all these suggestions are hugely talented, none seems to have the lightness of touch that is necessary to bring out the sweet sparkle in the material, except Hugh Jackman, and I don't feel like I need to see his Harold Hill.

But maybe Danny Burstein...

[born2bebroadway]

I've seen Hugh Panaro do it and he was amazing! I vote for him!

[best12bars]

I would like to see someone who would likely never do the show on Broadway ...

Robert Downey Jr.

[inlovewithjerryherman]

Jack Black would be interesting, too.

[henrikegerman]

Kevin Spacey

[hmpeterson]

Mark Kudisch.

[CurtainPullDowner]

John Tartaglia for a new generation.

How old should Harold be?
I've seen it played from 7 to 70.

[henrikegerman]

I think the only age consideration for Harold is whether Marian, having a very young brother, and therefore likely not particularly old, would go for a guy many years her senior or would instead prefer or at least be better matched with someone around her own age..

[Jon]

How was Steve Kazee as Starbuck? It's pretty much the same role.

[aussieskates]

Will and Grace's Bobbie Addler / Debbie Reynolds already played it at her local community playhouse as The Music Person.

[FANtomFollies]

Raul Esparza comes to my mind. I saw him in 'Anyone Can Whistle' and his role reminded me of Harold HIll very much.

[Jordan Catalano]

Mandy Patinkin IS Harold Hill.

[frogs_fan85]

Stephen Colbert!

[JohnyBroadway]

Patinkin Lupone Music Man!

[nasty_khakis]

Steve Kazee was entirely miscast in 110 in the Shade. He and Christopher Innvar should have switched roles.

[darquegk]

If he weren't old and grotesque, Steve Buscemi.

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

I agree that Kazee was miscast in 110 IN THE SHADE, completely unbelievable as Starbucks.
The person who immediately came to mind when I saw the thread title was Norbert Leo Butz and I can see others felt the same way; at the same time, it almost feels like something he has done before, but he'd probably be brilliant.
Jackman has the charms and the voice, and it'd be against type for him but I'm with PalJoey, I don't need to see him playing the role.
The show is so overplayed and the story and character type are so familiar that it'd really take someone very different and at the same time very right for the role to make the show work. Danny Burstein would be inspired but Best12Bar's idea of Robert Downey Jr. is great, he'd be wonderful in a film version!

[humbugfoto]

The idea of Stephen Colbert as Harold Hill is absolutely breathtaking! I want to see this NOW!