If you have ever been proud to be a “shipoopi,” worried you were in trouble because you invested in a pool table or are aware of a little town called Gary, Indiana, you have probably seen “The Music Man.”

The musical tells the story of Harold Hill, who comes to a small town in Iowa and turns it upside down. As he cons its citizens into thinking they are going to make a marching band, he falls in love, thus creating a conflict of values.

The original Harold Hill, a role rumored to have been offered to both Cary Grant and Frank Sinatra, was played by Robert Preston. Casting for the role can make or break the entire production, thus it is known to be very demanding and only given to the most talented of actors. When the decision was made to put on “The Music Man” for the Stars Over VEISHEA production, Micah Morgan, junior in music, was up to the task of filling the con man’s shoes.

Although Morgan is no rookie to musicals at Iowa State, he said he was ecstatic to receive such an acclaimed role.

“I was really excited because I’ve had other leads before, but this one I really wanted. When I watched it and saw how fast-talking and everything that made Harold Hill Harold Hill, I couldn’t wait to try out,” he said.

At 22 years old, Micah has snagged many important roles in Iowa State’s musicals such as Henry Higgins in “My Fair Lady,” Dr. Craven in “The Secret Garden,” and Figaro in “The Marriage of Figaro.” In these notable and diverse roles, Morgan has continued to engage audiences.

With all that experience, there must be something about Micah Morgan that makes the directors keep coming back for more. Tyler Brown, senior in music, who will be playing Marcellus in the production, offered a suggestion.

“Micah, as a person and an actor, is very dynamic – he is at once honest and sly; modest and full of himself,” he said.

Morgan and his onstage counterpart do have some differences, however, Brown said.

“The one thing that Micah has that Harold Hill could never have is such sincerity with everything. That’s what separates Micah’s ‘Hill’ from others,” Brown said.

So what is Micah’s take on Harold Hill – the most likable character that should be so unlikable?

“He is one of the smartest people you will ever meet. He knows people,” Morgan said. “After about 10 seconds of meeting someone, he knows how to play up on someone’s allusions – or dancing ability – or Irish pride!”

Although Hill has some negative characteristics, Morgan said the character also has traits he admires.

“I wouldn’t think of myself as someone who can lie to people or cheat them,” he said. “But I like how he cheers people on and gets excited. I aspire to be someone who is encouraging and inspiring.”

If you have ever seen “The Music Man” or any other Americana musical, you know romantic chemistry between the two lead actors is important. Cathy Compton, senior in music, plays the role of skeptical librarian Marian Paroo.

“The interaction between Marian and Harold is so interesting to watch because it is nearly impossible to determine who is changing whom,” Compton said. “Harold certainly brings excitement to Marian’s orderly world, but Marian forces Harold out of his comfort zone as well.”

The relationship between the librarian and con man may be exciting, but Morgan said he most looks forward to the “Trouble” scene, in which Hill enters the middle of the town square and sings that River City is in “Trouble with a capital T.”

“My favorite part is definitely “Trouble,” he said. “Everyone is doing an amazing job. I like how [Hill] confronts the huge obstacle, and how he changes [the] world to meet the way he wants it to be. It is just a lot of fun to see.”

Although Hill, who had no musical talent, could bluff about it, Morgan will not get such a luxury. Morgan, who has been a member of the Iowa State Singers for four years, said that beyond singing, he is not much of a “music man” himself.

“God just blessed me with an ability to sing. But not musical smarts,” he said. “The only way I learned is to hear it and copy it. I do not know a lot about music, and I wouldn’t consider myself to be very knowledgeable.”

Morgan probably could not lead a band himself, having only a little knowledge about the saxophone and a few years of guitar under his belt. But he could probably pull a “Hill” with his acting abilities and fake it.

The musical includes his character, but Morgan pointed out that “The Music Man” is by no means only about Harold Hill.

“It’s so much about everyone in the cast and takes a step away from other musicals where main characters do all singing and dancing,” he said. “It is so much about everyone else.”

After all of the long hours of rehearsal, Morgan said he is excited to perform.

“It’s gonna be a crazy, energetic, fun show.”

With Morgan there, it surely can’t be anything less.