Con man Harold Hill might not have any real musical skills, but the same can't be said for the 15 youth actors and actresses bringing Meredith Willson's “The Music Man” to life.

The Merry-Go-Round Playhouse's third production of the 2006 season - a play about youth in River City, Iowa, being conned by the music man who promises he can create a boys' marching band in town, yet only collects their money - cast these young actors based on talent. It wasn't only that they can sing, dance and act, but also because each is also an instrumentalist of some kind, said director of marketing and communication Tim Fox.

But not all are as naturally inclined for a role in “The Music Man” as Jeff Kringer.

“My dad's a music teacher, so it's 24/7,” he said.

Emma Christiantelli, however, practiced a bit harder to land a role.

“I had to work really hard on my song for auditions,” she said. She even enrolled in voice lessons.

There are more child performers in “The Music Man” than any other Merry-Go-Round show this year, but finding enough to meet the pre-requisites and willingness to give up summer vacation time didn't seem to be a terribly difficult task. Some, like Gabriella Perez, even commute from Rochester each day to rehearse.

“The kids are part of the whole mix,” Fox said. “It centers around getting boys out of the pool hall and that will keep them moral. It's a very clever script.”

Overwhelmingly, these young performers appear excited to be part of the production.

The hours can be grueling, especially the week before opening, but the group is mature about it. They even speak in such a fashion that it's easy to forget the person talking is between 9 and 16 years old.

“Besides school, this is a second school,” said Nikkia Browski who is cast as Amaryllis. “I'd rather be doing this than watching TV.”

The rest back her up acknowledging the that working with the older, professional actors is an exciting learning experience that has taught them a tremendous amount.

Browkski especially values any pointers they can give her. The best piece of advice she said she received was “to watch how the body looks even when you're not dancing.”

Eddie Powers said they have taught him how to learn something from every experience.

“It's really the Broadway stars of tomorrow working with the Broadway stars of today,” Fox said. “It's a great opportunity for them.”

And most see a future somewhere in show business, whether it be in acting, music or both.

“It's been my dream since I was 9,” Lindsey Guzewicz said.

With rehearsal hours like 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day and until midnight the week before the opening, these young actors are getting a taste of what a full-time job on stage is like.

“You sleep a lot,” Maddie Fessenden said.

When it all comes together and they take the stage night after night, Powers said the first applause always makes it worth while, and he is relieved.

Despite the extensive resumes of school plays, other Merry-Go-Round productions, dance recitals and other performances, the nervousness before a show is always present.

But they don't need veteran actors to teach them how to get over their anxiety.

Just don't be alarmed if you catch Kringer starring at the exit sign.

Staff writer Laura Boyce can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 236 or at laura.boyce@lee.net