Town and Country Players auditions are open to the community. However, if you are cast in a second show, you must become a member. Auditions are usually held at the Barn, the Buckingham Township Building (4613 Hughesian Drive, Buckingham, PA) or Central Bucks Community Senior Center (700 Shady Retreat Road, Doylestown, PA). Please contact the appropriate director for further details.
By Ken Ludwig
Directed by Keith Soester
Produced by Sharon Rill (e-mail: sharon.rill@dbr.com)
Performances: June 25, 26, 27 (matinee), July 2, 3, 9 and 10
Auditions: Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at 7:30 - 10:00 pm (please be there at 7:30), Thursday, April 8, 2010 at 7:30 - 10:00 pm (please be there at 7:30) and Saturday, April 10, 2010 at 1:00 - 5:00pm (please be there at 1:00) at the Central Bucks Senior Center (700 Shady Retreat Rd., Doylestown, PA 18901)
Auditions consist of cold readings from the script. Those auditioning for Max, Tito, and the Bellhop, please have a portion of an operatic-type song prepared that you can sing acapella. These characters do not require trained singing voices, but the actors should be able to carry a tune and sing loudly.
Please bear in mind that these are the ages of the characters, not the actors.
Women's Roles:
Maggie Saunders: Max's girlfriend and Saunders' daughter. Mid twenties - mid thirties. Pretty and quirky, somewhat of a romantic. Needs to be willing to wear lingerie.
Maria Merelli: Tito's wife. Mid thirties - late forties. Sophie Loren type, busty, proud, and excitable - must speak with an Italian accent.
Diana: A soprano in the local opera company. Late twenties - late forties. She is sexy and forceful and knows what she wants and how to get it. Needs to be willing to wear lingerie.
Julia: Chairman of the Opera Guild. Mid forties - late sixties.
Men's Roles:
Max: Assistant to Saunders. Late twenties - late thirties. Wants to be an opera star - MUST BE ABLE TO SING ITALIAN OPERA, must speak at times with an Italian accent.
Saunders: General Manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company. Late forties - mid sixties. Authoritarian, brusque with a short fuse.
Tito Merelli: World famous tenor. Early thirties - mid fifties. MUST BE ABLE TO SING ITALIAN OPERA, must speak with an Italian accent.
Bellhop: Early twenties - mid thirties. He is shrewd, opportunistic, and determined to audition for Tito. MUST BE ABLE TO SING ITALIAN OPERA.
Synopsis of Play:
This night in September of 1934 is the biggest in the history
of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company. World famous tenor Tito
Morelli is to perform Othello, his greatest role, at the gala
season opener. Saunders, the General Manager, hopes this will
put Cleveland on the operatic map. Morelli is late; when he finally
sweeps in it is too late to rehearse with the company. Through
a hilarious series of mishaps, Il Stupendo is given a double dose
of tranquilizers which mix with the booze he has consumed and
he passes out. His pulse is so low that Saunders and his assistant
Max believe he is dead. What to do? Max is an aspiring singer
and Saunders persuades him to get into Morelli's Othello costume
and try to fool the audience into thinking he's Il Stupendo. Max
succeeds admirably, but Morelli comes to and gets into his other
costume. Now two Othello's are running around in costume and two
women are running around in lingerie, each thinking she is with
Il Stupendo! Guaranteed to leave the audience teary eyed with
laughter.
Book by Thomas Meehan
Music by Charles Strouse
Lyrics by Martin Charnin
Directed by Brad Ogden (e-mail: AnnieAuditions@live.com)
Produced by Nancy Ridgeway
Musical Direction by Anne Odland
Choreographed by Page Ridgeway
Performances: July 30, 31 (matinee and evening), August 1 (matinee), 6, 7 (matinee and evening), 8 (matinee), 13 and 14 (matinee and evening)
Auditions: Saturday, April 24 from 12:00-5:00PM, Sunday, April 25 from 7:00PM-10:30PM, and Monday, April 26 from 7:00-10:30PM with callbacks on Thursday, April 29 at the Central Bucks Senior Center (700 Shady Retreat Rd., Doylestown, PA 18901)
Though not required, it is recommended that you schedule an audition. To do so, please email the director, Brad Ogden, at AnnieAuditions@live.com.
For the auditions, please prepare 16-32 bars of music from an upbeat, Broadway show. You may sing from the show, but you are encouraged to have something else prepared. Those auditioning for orphans are strongly advised to sing something from the show (Maybe, Tomorrow, etc.). Sheet music is required for songs not from "Annie." No a cappella singing or taped accompaniments will be permitted. Everyone auditioning will be asked to dance, so come prepared with the appropriate attire and/or footwear. Those with strong dance and vocal backgrounds are encouraged. You may also be asked to read sides from the script.
SYNOPSIS: On the backdrop of 1930s New York City, one of the most beloved and infectious musicals begins to unfold. Ever since she was left on its doorstep eleven years ago, Annie has been living the hard-knock life in an orphanage under the harsh jurisdiction of Miss Hannigan. Such monotony sets the precocious and spirited young orphan out on a quest to find her parents once and for all. Along the way, she befriends President Franklin D. Roosevelt, billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary Grace Farrell, and countless other street vendors, butlers, and maids. Through her adventures, Annie is enlightened about the crumbling economy and captivated by one of the greatest cities on earth, N.Y.C. "Annie" is a timeless and incredibly relevant musical about oppression, optimism, and discovering that hope lies in the most unforeseen places.
CHARACTERS: (these are the ages of the characters, not
the actors)
ANNIE (10-14): a spirited and precocious young orphan with undying
optimism
MISS HANNIGAN (40s-60s): an innately cruel orphanage matron, but
not completely hardened
OLIVER WARBUCKS (40s-60s): a focused and business-savvy billionaire;
lonely beneath his rough surface
GRACE FARRELL (20s-40s): Oliver's loyal secretary; beautiful,
maternalistic, and sincere
ROOSTER (20s-40s): Hannigan's younger brother; cunning, crafty,
impish, and greedy by nature
LILY ST. REGIS (20s): Rooster's ditzy girlfriend; attractive,
tries very hard to understand; a floozy
PRESIDENT FDR (40s-60s): the U.S. President; optimistic, inspiring,
eloquent, and frank
ORPHANS (7-15): the six singing and dancing friends of Annie;
generally cheerful despite their situation
LIMITED DANCING ENSEMBLE (4 Males, 1 Female; aged 40s-60s): strong
vocalists; versatile character actors who are comfortable taking
on more than one role; will play roles such as Bert Healy, members
of FDR's cabinet, inhabitants of Hooverville, etc.
DANCING ENSEMBLE (4 Males, 4 Females; aged 16-30s): strong vocalists
and dancers; versatile character actors who are comfortable taking
on more than one role; will play roles such as butlers, maids,
the Boylan sisters, Broadway chorus members, inhabitants of Hooverville,
etc.
*NOTE: A strong and multi-talented ensemble is absolutely imperative for a show such as "Annie." Everyone within the ensemble will have multiple roles with lines, featured solos, and, in some cases, full songs. Versatility, charisma, and commitment are key here.
If you or someone you know has a tan-colored dog that listens well and thrives around lots of people, please contact the director at the email listed above. We will be using a real dog to portray the lovable mutt Sandy in our production.
By Renée Taylor and Joseph Bologna
Directed by Marilyn Maxwell
Produced by Kristin Harris
Performances: September 3, 4, 10, 11, 12 (matinee), 17 and 18
Auditions: TBD
By Peter Clapham, adapted from the novel by Louisa May Alcott
Directed by Gina V. Stevens (e-mail: ginasplace@msn.com)
Performances: October 8, 9 (matinee and evening), 10 (matinee), 15, 16 (matinee and evening) and 17 (matinee)
Auditions: Sunday, July 18 at 7 p.m. and Monday, July 19 at 7 p.m. Callbacks on Tuesday, July 20 at 7 p.m. All at Town and Country Players Barn (Lower Level Club Room), 4153 York Road, Buckingham, PA.
Little Women follows the touching, timeless journey of the March family in Civil War-torn New England. Based on the beloved Louisa May Alcott novel, this stunning production vividly brings to life the struggles and triumphs of four sisters - Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy - and their determined mother, Marmee, while Father serves arduous months away as chaplain to soldiers on Union battlefields. Set against the backdrop of Concord, Massachusetts in the mid-19th century, this family production is as richly appealing to adults and youth as when it debuted to London audiences of all ages in the late 60's. Witness the full spectrum of personal discovery, romance, love, loss, and the greatest revelation of letting go. Beautifully adapted by British playwright Peter Clapham, and brought to you by Gina V. Stevens, the director of Town and Country Players' smash hits "OLIVER!" and "Once Upon A Mattress", Little Women has been cherished by six generations of readers of all ages. Now this beloved tale sets the bar for a new following of Alcott lovers who want to see Broadway-style theater affordably in their own backyard. Produced by Darthea Powden. Rated: "E" for Everyone.
All auditions start promptly. Open Call. No appointment necessary. Cold readings from sides will be made available on site at auditions. Note: Please bring theater resume and head shot (if available.) Be prepared to note any schedule conflicts. We reserve the right not to cast actors who do not provide this information at the time of an audition.
Seeking (7) women/girls and (5) men:
Josephine "Jo" March (matures from 15 to 20-years-old) - Jo, the second oldest of the March sisters, is the heroine of our production tale; she is loosely based on the author, Louisa May Alcott. One of the first "modern" women portrayed in literature, Jo challenges societal constraints and strives to define herself not just as a wife and mother, but also as a professional writer. She is rebellious tomboy who blossoms into a successful writer, outspoken, and impatient with the limitations put upon women of the time. Remember this is 1868, but her character seems like she could exist in this century.
Meg March (matures from 16 to 21-years-old) - The oldest March sister, Meg is named after her mother, and takes after her in many ways. She is nurturing and compassionate, and though she has a real desire for material luxuries, her virtuous nature is proven when she chooses true love over riches by marrying a man with little money or material goods, but reliant moral conviction.
Beth March (matures from 14 to approximately 17-years-old) - The third sister, Beth, is the typical old-fashioned heroine. She is musically talented, eager to please, and is ladylike and demure. She and Jo are both determined to hold their family together and are very close. Beth becomes ill and weak, but virtuously remains selfless and supportive of her sisters' dreams. Beth becomes a testament of unconditional love, as her future slips uncontrollably from her fingers.
Amy March (matures from 12 to 17-years-old) - Amy is the baby of the family. She is comfortable and very much "in her own skin" playing the role of a lady. She is popular, artistic, and loves material possessions. Her attitudes are in direct contrast to Jo, each with wildly opposing views on how a woman should live her life. Amy is traditional, fixated early on her nose and hair and enjoys the use of big words she can not pronounce. She is a perfectionist and worries what others think of her. Her dream is to grow up and marry rich.
Older Amy March (at director's discretion) - The director and casting team reserve the right of the option to cast two females for the roles of young and older Amy March. However, one actress may be selected to play the role.
Marmee (to play late 30s to early 40s) - The family matriarch, Marmee, is a loving, devoted mother to the March girls. She provides stability and a strong moral center for the girls. She is an early feminist who believes on cultivating independent thinking women, not a common perspective in the mid-nineteenth century. Marmee is the pillar of the family as her husband serves in New York as chaplain with the Union Army.
Aunt March (late 60s to late 70s) - Aunt March is the grouchy great-aunt of the March girls. She is rigid and formal; she believes that a woman's place in life is to serve her husband and have his children. She does not think a woman should display an independent spirit, which, obviously, leads to tension between her and Jo. Although she is cold, there is an underlying current of care for those in her family. She is frugal, but not cheap, and has helped to keep the family from destitution during the Civil War era.
Theodore "Laurie" Laurence (matures from approximately 17 to 21 -years-old) - Laurie is the March's charming, wealthy, handsome, dynamic next-door neighbor. Of Italian-American descent, Laurie shares Jo's philosophy of life, resisting societal norms and mores. His grandfather wants him to work in the business world and play the part of the "traditional" man, but Laurie is not interested. His privilege affords him leisurely cultural hobbies such as music, theater and jaunts to Europe. He is the only male welcomed by the March girls into their private theatrical Pickwick Society. Laurie is first drawn to second sister, Jo, but ultimately marries youngest Amy.
John Brooke (early-to-mid 20s) - A learned, educated, and reserved young man who resides at the home of Mr. Laurence, as private tutor to Laurie. Brooke is modest but proud. Sets his sights on the eldest March sister, Meg.
Mr. March (40s to 50s) - A good hearted, soft-spoken man who serves as chaplain with the Civil War Union Army. Mr. and Mrs. March raised their daughters as Transcendentalists. Mr. March is a philosopher, who believes that life is learned through spiritual beauty and nature, rather than physical reality.
Mr. Laurence (60s to 70s) - a gentleman of wealth, Mr. Laurence is the March family's neighbor and Laurie Laurence's grandfather. He is a New England gentleman and widow, who suffered his fair share of tragedy. He brings Laurie home from Italy as a young boy to raise, when both parents prematurely die. Mr. Laurence seems austere and distant, but in truth is dry, yet generous.
Hannah (50s to 60s) - Mature housekeeper and integral part of March household since oldest daughter Meg was a little girl. Hannah is reliable, and is regarded as part of the family. She is loyal and thorough. Matter-of-fact and quick witted. Subtle, funny at times, but not over-the-top. Not looking for a caricature. Natural. Prefer use of an Irish accent.
Professor Freideric Bhaer (30s to 40s) - A shy, attractive German professor of philosophy who meets Jo March at their New York boarding house. There is a strong, immediate attraction between the two. Professor Bhaer is the only man in Jo's life who makes her feel like a woman, and no longer a girl. The relationship between Bhaer and Jo is laced with sensual tension, but Bhaer is the respectful gentleman. The two discover that they are soul mates. "Like minds think alike." Must be able to master a broken German-English accent.
Mamie - Seeking black female, any age, to portray housekeeper
at the New York home of the March family friends, the Kirkes.
Mamie assists Mrs. Kirke in maintaining the boarding house that
includes Professor Bhaer, Jo March for a time, other boarders
(mostly men,) and the three Kirke children.
Tina Kirke - The only Kirke family member who actually
appears briefly on stage, Tina is a young, playful child, age
six to nine. This is a minor role and great opportunity for a
young actress seeking a debut role in this production.
Small Lap Dog - For a few scenes with Aunt March,
once the show is cast. The dog should not exceed 10 pounds. Please
submit a full profile photo of your pooch and if he/she has
any stage experience. Please do not submit for consideration if canine
has social issues such as biting, normal noise phobias or
fear of humans, particularly children, or is prone to bladder/bowel
issues. Any animal cast will need to have up-to-date shot and
medical records. Please forward the photo, background and owner/trainer
contact information to our producer Darthea Powden at dpowden@yahoo.com.
We will contact candidates after the show is cast in July
to schedule a one date audition with the casting team and the
actress who will be working with your pup. This canine
talent will only need to sit in the arms or lap of the actress.
No tricks will be required. Note: The owner/trainer will need
to remain backstage with the dog during all performances.
An outdoor area is available between scenes to walk and play with
your pet.
Small Litter of Kittens (October 2010) - We also may be
looking to incorporate a small litter of weaned, healthy kittens
for one particular scene each performance. The owners will need
to remain backstage, but may leave after the kittens' appearance
each matinee/evening. The same info for the dog auditioners is
needed for the kittens, but not until September 2010. Sent at
that time to dpowden@yahoo.com.
By Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin Lee
Directed by John Zimmerman
Produced by Nancy Ridgeway
Performances: November 5, 6, 12, 13, 14 (matinee), 19 and 20
Auditions: TBD
Performances: December 11 and 12 (matinee)
Auditions: TBD