BERGEN COUNTY PLAYERS TO HOLD OPEN AUDITIONS
ON MAY 22-24 FOR 80th SEASON OPENER
MEREDITH WILLSON’S “THE MUSIC MAN”
Book, Music and Lyrics by Meredith Willson
Based on a story by Meredith Willson and Franklin Lacey
Oradell, NJ, May 15, 2012 – Bergen County Players of Oradell, NJ will hold open auditions for its 80th season opening, THE MUSIC MAN, one of the most beloved musicals of all time. With book, music and lyrics by Meredith Willson, and based on a story by Meredith Willson and Franklin Lacey, auditions will take place at the Little Firehouse Theatre, 298 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell, NJ on Tuesday May 22 thru Thursday, May 24. Performances run September 6 through Oct. 6, 2012.
Directed by Larry Landsman of Wyckoff, musical directed by Steven Bell of Teaneck, choreographed by Vanessa Garrabrant of Harriman, NY, and produced by Kathie Robitz of Westwood, THE MUSIC MAN is an affectionate paean to Smalltown, U.S.A. of a bygone era. It follows fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill as he cons the people of River City, Iowa into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band he vows to organize – this despite the fact he doesn’t know a trombone from a treble clef. His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian the librarian, who transforms him into a respectable citizen by curtain’s fall. Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, the Bergen County Players’ 80th season opener will feature a live orchestra and a cast of over 30.
This award-winning, critically acclaimed Broadway classic is an all-American institution, thanks to its quirky characters, charmingly predictable dramatic situations, and one-of-a-kind, nostalgic score of rousing marches, barbershop quartets and sentimental ballads that have become popular standards such as Till There Was You; Seventy-Six Trombones; Ya Got Trouble; Gary, Indiana; Pick a Little; Shipoopi and Goodnight My Someone. By turns wicked, funny, warm, romantic and touching, THE MUSIC MAN is family entertainment at its best.
AUDITION SCHEDULE:
Tuesday, May 22, 6:30 PM – Children 6-11 only (vocal only)
Tuesday, May 22, 8:00 PM – Barbershop Quartet Auditions only (see specific requirements below)
Wednesday, May 23, 7:00 PM – General Auditions (vocal and dance)
Thursday, May 24, 7:00 PM – General Auditions (vocal and dance)
Tuesday, May 29, 7:00 PM - Callbacks by invitation only
Rehearsals: Rehearsals are scheduled to begin mid June and will run on weeknights and at least one weekend day (Saturday or Sunday) to start.
General Requirements: A headshot/picture is appreciated but not required. Auditioners should prepare an excerpt of a song (16-32 bars) not from THE MUSIC MAN that best represents their voice and must bring sheet music for the accompanist in the proper key. A contemporary Broadway or pop genre song is preferred but not required. No a cappella or recorded music auditions please. Auditioners also should dress comfortably and be prepared to learn a brief dance routine.
Callbacks will include readings from the script and singing a song from the show.
Barbershop Quartet Requirements: BCP is seeking individuals or pre-established groups for the barbershop quartet. Individuals should be prepared to perform 30 seconds to one minute of a song, as well as harmonize in a group. Pre-established quartets should be prepared to sing one slow and one quick song together. All auditioners will be asked to sing “Sincere” from THE MUSIC MAN in a group and stay for a short reading.
Character Breakdown:
Men (various ages)
Marcellus Washburn - Harold's chummy friend, G - High A, Tenor
Harold Hill - A dynamic con man, A flat –High F, Baritone
Mayor George Shinn – A blustery, pompous politician
Quartet: Ewart Dunlop, Oliver Hix, Jacey Squires, Olin Britt – Four judgmental school board members
Charlie Cowell – A rival salesman
Constable Locke – The town sheriff
Conductor
Woman (various ages)
Marian Paroo – Stuffy, "stuck-up", town librarian and music teacher, Low G - High A, Soprano
Mrs. Paroo – Marian's Irish mom, A flat - E flat, Mezzo-Soprano
Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn – Mayor Shinn's wife, D –D, Alto
Ethel Toffelmier (pick-a-little ladies core group) – The "pianola" girl
Alma Hix (pick-a-little ladies core group) – Gossipy wife of a Quartet member
Maud Dunlop (pick-a-little ladies core group) –Gossipy wife of a Quartet member
Mrs. Squires (pick-a-little ladies core group) –Gossipy wife of a Quartet member
Male Teens to Early Twenties
Tommy Djilas – The town "bad" boy
Female Teens to Early Twenties
Zaneeta Shinn – The mayor's oldest daughter
Gracie Shinn – The mayor’s youngest daughter
Child 6-10 (or must be able to play young)
Withrop Paroo – Marian's lisping baby brother, C - E flat, Alto
Amaryllis – Marian's young piano student, C –E, Alto
Ensemble (various ages)
Adults, teens and children to play townspeople, traveling salesmen, newspaper readers, Wa Tan Ye girls, boys' band
NOTE: Children under 12 will not be cast without an adult or guardian staying with them during every rehearsal.
