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Breakdown
Artistic Director/Director: Dámaso Rodriguez
Book and additional lyrics: Carlos Lacámara
Music: Tiempo Libre
Music Direction: Jorge Gómez
Choreography: Maija Garcia
SYNOPSIS:
The irresistible rhythms of Cuban music drive this riveting, universal story of a man caught between countries, losses and loves, and his search for freedom. Set in America and Cuba, this timely tale reverberates across politics, ambition and romance with quick-witted dialogue, joy-filled dance and Latin-fusion beats. This Broadway-scale, contemporary musical features the internationally acclaimed, three-time Grammy-nominated band Tiempo Libre with a company of 21 actors, dancers and musicians.
About Artists Repertory Theatre:
Portland’s premiere mid-size regional theatre company is led by Artistic Director Dámaso Rodriguez and Managing Director Sarah Horton. Founded in 1982, Artists Repertory Theatre is the longest-running professional theatre company in Portland. Artists Rep’s mission is to engage diverse audiences in fresh, thought-provoking and intimate theatre.
SEEKING:
ALONSO FUENTES: (late 20s-30s), Male, Cuban-American. Extremely charming, charismatic band leader and singer at the center of the story. Now married and living in Miami, he remains haunted by the choices he made when leaving Cuba 15 years ago. Actor will play Alonso as 30-something father facing responsibilities in America, as well as his 20-something youthful, rebellious self struggling to get by in Cuba. Role requires expert comic timing and emotional range, along with the ability to sing lead for Tiempo Libre in Spanish and English, and dance traditional and contemporary Cuban styles. A triple threat.
LISANDRA (mid-late 20s) Female, Caribbean. Highly intelligent, attractive and strong-willed doctor working for the Cuban government and devoted to raising her younger sisters and caring for her ill mother. Initially resistant to Alonso’s advances, she becomes seduced by his music and passion for life and ultimately makes huge sacrifices to help him leave Cuba. Role requires an extraordinary dancer skilled in classic and contemporary Cuban styles, with excellent comic timing and emotional range as an actor, who will sing one song in both Spanish and English. A triple threat.
RUDY (20s) Male, Caribbean. Alonso's friend and conga player, Rudy is extremely funny, boldly outspoken and completely devoted to his boyfriend and fellow band mate, Hector. He becomes heartbroken and makes the ultimate sacrifice to leave Cuba. Role requires an actor with expert comic timing and emotional range who can dance classic and contemporary Cuban styles. Actor will sing chorus with Tiempo Libre, while appearing to play congas.
HECTOR (20-35) Male, Caribbean. Rudy's boyfriend and saxophone player, Hector is warm, sensitive and strong in the face of adversity. Role requires a great dancer who can act and sing. Actor will only appear to play saxophone and may play additional ensemble roles as cast.
OLGA (50s-60) Female, Caribbean. Alonso's mother and an influential member of Castro’s Committee for the Defense of the Revolution. Extremely protective of her son and devoted to the Revolution, perhaps because she is a survivor who will do anything to protect her own. Role requires a strong character actor with comic timing and emotional range who can sing. Some dance background preferred.
FEMALE DANCER/ENSEMBLE (20s) Any type, any ethnicity. Must have professional experience in Contemporary dance and proficient in Cuban dance (Rumba, Son, Casino, Rueda). Actor will play ensemble roles as cast.
FEMALE DANCER/ENSEMBLE (20s-30s) Any type, any ethnicity. Must be trained and experienced in Contemporary dance and proficient in Cuban dance (Rumba, Son, Casino, Rueda). Actor will play ensemble roles as cast.
FEMALE DANCER/ENSEMBLE (30s) Any type, any ethnicity. Must be trained and experienced in Contemporary dance and proficient in Cuban dance (Rumba, Son, Casino, Rueda). Actor will play ensemble roles as cast.
FEMALE DANCER/ENSEMBLE (30s-40s) Any type, any ethnicity. Must be trained and experienced in Contemporary dance and proficient in Cuban dance (Rumba, Son, Casino, Rueda). Actor will play ensemble roles as cast.
MALE DANCER/ENSEMBLE (20s-30s) Any type, any ethnicity. Must be trained and experienced in Contemporary dance and proficient in Cuban dance (Rumba, Son, Casino, Rueda). Actor will play ensemble roles as cast.
MALE DANCER/ENSEMBLE (30s) Any type, any ethnicity. Must be trained and experienced in Contemporary dance and proficient in Cuban dance (Rumba, Son, Casino, Rueda). Actor will play ensemble roles as cast.
MALE DANCER/ENSEMBLE (30s-40s) Any ethnicity. Must be trained and experienced in Contemporary dance and proficient in Cuban dance (Rumba, Son, Casino, Rueda). Actor will play ensemble roles as cast including RODRIGO MONCADA, the head of the Ministry of Culture; a charming manipulator who affects Alonso’s fate.
CASTING IN PORTLAND ONLY
ANNIE (35-40) Female, American, any ethnicity, though not Cuban. A smart, funny, attractive and resourceful music executive who happens to be Alonso’s girlfriend and manager. She is a mother of a young daughter. She’s a great friend and partner to Alonso, but is feeling shut-out from his past. Role requires actor with comic timing and emotional range.
IGNACIO (late 30s- early 40s) Male, Cuban-American. Alonso's older brother who made it to America via a make-shift raft; now a family man living a version of the American dream in New York. He appears late in the play and will play additional ensemble roles as cast, which might require some singing. Role requires strong character actor. Some dance background preferred.
None of the roles will be understudied.
Actors unable to attend this call may submit headshot and resume to:
AMY LIEBERMAN
amyliebermancasting@gmail.com
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