Dear Ruth

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN 

Note: ages listed are approximate and represent how the characters read onstage, not necessarily the ages of the performers. Please note, where applicable, any requirements for on-stage intimacy or physicality. 

MALE ROLES: HAROLD HILL: Smooth-talking con man and traveling salesman who beguiles the town before falling in love with Marian; overflowing with charm and charisma; kisses Marian; physically struggles with Charlie Cowell. RANGE: Ab2-F4, AGE: 30-45 

MARCELLUS WASHBURN: Former con man and friend to Harold, now trying to settle down in River City; immensely likeable with comic timing; kisses Ethel; physically struggles with Charlie Cowell; leads an energetic dance. RANGE: A4-G2, AGE: 25-40 

MAYOR GEORGE SHINN: The Mayor of River City, protective of his town and family; self-important, blustery, pompous, but not too bright. RANGE: Any, AGE: 40-60 

WINTHROP PAROO: Marian’s adorable little brother who speaks with a lisp; precocious but moody. RANGE: C4-Eb5, AGE: 9-12 

CHARLIE COWELL: Rival traveling salesman out to expose Harold Hill; determined and moralistic; kisses Marian; physically struggles with Marcellus and Harold; may also play a townsperson in some scenes. RANGE: Any, AGE: 25-45

TOMMY DJILAS: Trouble-making teenager who becomes an assistant leader of the boys’ band; rebellious but smart and handsome. RANGE: Any, AGE: 16-20 

JACEY SQUIRES: Owner of livery stable and school board member who bickers with his peers before joining them in the barbershop quartet as the high tenor; married to Mrs. Squires. RANGE: C3-C5, AGE: 25-55 

EWART DUNLOP: Owner of the general store and school board member who bickers with his peers before joining them in the barbershop quartet as the second tenor; married to Maud. RANGE: F3-F5, AGE: 25-55 

OLIVER HIX: Banker and school board member who bickers with his peers before joining them in the barbershop quartet as the baritone; married to Alma. RANGE: B2-F4, AGE: 25-55 

OLIN BRITT: Newspaper editor and school board member who bickers with his peers before joining them in the barbershop quartet as the bass. RANGE: F2-C4, AGE: 25-55 

OTHER ROLES FOR MEN: Constable Locke, the town sheriff; Train conductor; Traveling salesmen; River City townspersons of all ages, shapes, and sizes some of them in “families”; River City boys/teens who sing, dance and join the boys’ band

FEMALE ROLES: MARIAN PAROO: Town librarian and piano teacher, sister of Winthrop and daughter of Mrs. Paroo; well-read, independent, head-strong, beautiful but elusive, hopelessly romantic but intensely guarded; kisses Harold and Charlie Cowell; RANGE: G3-A5, AGE: 25-35 

MRS. PAROO: Widowed mother to Marian and Winthrop; sweet, cheerful, always busy, and slightly intrusive in her daughter’s love life; speaks with an Irish accent. RANGE: Ab3-Eb5, AGE: 45-55 

EULALIE MACKECKNIE SHINN: Mayor Shinn’s peacock wife, a know-it-all busybody who knows everyone and everything in town; self-important, grandiose, gossipy, snobbish, and easily flattered; must have great comedic range without being over-the-top. RANGE: D4-D5, AGE: 40-50

AMARYLLIS: Marian’s piano student who likes Winthrop but teases him; sweet but a little bratty; must pretend to play the piano. RANGE: C4-E5, AGE: 9-12 

ZANEETA SHINN: Mayor Shinn’s teenage daughter with a crush on Tommy Djilas; cute, feminine, a little daffy; dances energetically. RANGE: Any, AGE: 16-20 

GRACIE SHINN: Mayor’s younger daughter. RANGE: Any, AGE: 9-12 ETHEL TOFFELMIER: Player piano player and town gossip who is dating Marcellus; jolly and friendly, but gossipy; kisses Marcellus. RANGE: Any, AGE: 25-35 

ALMA HIX: Wife of Oliver Hix and a town gossip. RANGE: G4-G5, AGE: 25-45 MAUD DUNLOP: Wife of Ewart Dunlop and a town gossip. RANGE: G4-G5, AGE: 25-55 MRS. SQUIRES: Wife of Jacey Squires and a town gossip. RANGE: G4-G5, AGE: 25-55 

OTHER ROLES FOR WOMEN/GIRLS: River City townspersons of all ages, shapes, and sizes, some of them in “families”; River City girls/teens who sing and dance.