There are two different audtions for Secret Garden coming up in less than a month. This show has always been one of my favorites, and I played the Fakir back in 1995. It has been a dream of mine to play either Archibald or Neville, and I'm hoping to finally make this a reality.

As far as I'm concerned, there is only one thing holding me back from getting either of these parts... my weight. Vocally, I can more than handle either part, as I have 9 years of professional singing experience. Acting, I should fair very well. I've played a number of roles in amateur shows (including leads), performed chorister roles in 6 different professional operas, and know Secret Garden and it's characters inside and out. Lastly, I'm 38 years old, so the age is perfect for either character.

I guess I would just like some feedback from everyone. Other than the fact that Archibald is a hunchback, does anyone think weight should matter for either of these roles? I'm able to get around just fine, and choreography/dancing wouldn't be an issue.

There's nothing that indicates that weight is an issue for either role. I'm used to seeing Neville as tall and somewhat thin, so that's how I always imagine him, but there's no textual reason that either actor couldn't be overweight. It really just comes down to the director's vision.

I don't think weight is an issue really. However, vocally they are somewhat different roles. If you've played the Fakir before I'm guessing you're a tenor - his stuff is really quite high (he sings with the altos in the chorus a few times!) - so Archie will probably be a better fit for you vocally (higher tessitura). Neville's lowest notes are still within reach for a tenor/baritenor, but they will likely be in your basement and you might have some volume issues if you'll be singing with a full orchestra.

Personally I don't think I could sing Neville terribly well. I'm a tenor with a pretty wide upper range, but my lowest notes don't have the strength to carry. I just played Josh Baskin in Big: the Musical and I really struggled with his lowest notes. But maybe you have a stronger low register than I do. Just make sure you have those high As for "Quartet" and "Race You to the Top of the Morning."

Yes, I'm a tenor, and yes, the Fakir has some crazy high notes. Vocally, he has a great part. Singing that role was an experience I'll never forget.

It's kinda funny how Dr. Craven is considered a baritone part. His highest note in the score is F#4, and his lowest is a C3 (which is also Archie's lowest note). I have the high A's to play Archie, and an extremely strong falsetto. The C3 is probably the lowest note I can sing strongly, so I'm lucking out there, too.

I appreciate y'all's feedback. I'm certainly excited for auditions, and am hoping for the best. I suppose time will tell. There is auditions the end of February, so I suppose if I don't get either role there, the auditions at the other location are only a week later.

Our Archibald was older, while still tall and dark. He was pretty thin and ragged-looking, with a hoary sense about him.
Our Neville was a little heftier (although still pretty fit) and had a mustache. He was also pretty tall, but younger and a little less "worn".

Well, the local auditions start tomorrow, with callbacks on Sunday. Wish me luck!