Grosse Pointe Theatre Announces Auditions for GODSPELL 6/26, 6/27

Grosse Pointe Theatre will hold auditions for the first show in its 2010-2011 season, Godspell, on Saturday, June 26 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. and Sunday, June 27 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the Grosse Pointe Theatre rehearsal studio, 315 Fisher Road, Grosse Pointe, MI 48236.

Please call 313-881-4004 if you wish to borrow a script and music CD. A $20 (refundable) deposit is required. For further information about Grosse Pointe Theatre and Godspell, please go to www.gpt.org.

Godspell is being directed by Donna Di Sante with music direction by John Dickinsen.

Godspell was conceived and originally directed by John Michael Tebelak, with music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. It is based primarily on the Gospel according to St. Matthew. As the cast makes its way through the various musical numbers, the audience sees the parables of Jesus Christ come to life in a unique theatrical style. The show also presents the story of Jesus' last moments, beginning with the Last Supper.

The main story of Godspell is portrayed in the show's subtext--in the way The Players interact with their leader, coming together to create a loving community. The subject matter is unabashedly religious but interpreted in whimsical skits and comic improvisational interpretations of the parables.

Although the show has generally been performed with very youthful actors, adult actors who can move well up will be considered. There is some choreography, but actors do not necessarily have to be dancers. Everyone in the cast should be able to move well to rhythm. Those with gymnastic ability should be ready to demonstrate their skills, as should those with the ability to play concertina, recorder, harmonica or other small instruments. A multi-cultural, multi-racial cast is the goal. Although the genders for named parts are indicated, opposite genders may be considered for some parts with the exception of Jesus and John the Baptist/Judas.

Rehearsals will be on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from June 28 to August 26, after which time additional weeknight and weekend rehearsals will be added. The show will rehearse at 315 Fisher Road, Grosse Pointe. Performances will be in Fries Auditorium at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial. Show dates are September 19 (2 pm), 23, 24, 25, 26 (2 pm), 29 & 30 and October 1 & 2. Evening shows are at 8 p.m. Actors should bring their personal calendars to auditions. Resumés and headshots are appreciated but not required.

This is a community theatre production. Actors must join Grosse Pointe Theatre to perform in Godspell. Actors are unpaid, but most costume items are provided. Refreshments are also provided. Scripts and CD's are available at Grosse Pointe Theatre. Call 313-881-4004. A $20 (refundable) deposit is required to borrow the script and CD.

Godspell Roles

Character descriptions are based on how original cast members interpreted their roles. Actors in the Grosse Pointe Theatre production will bring their individual styles and all roles except for Jesus and John the Baptist/Judas will be renamed using the actors' actual first names.

JESUS -- Must be the most charismatic individual in the cast. High energy, charming, funny, gentle but with strength. He is the sort of person others instinctively follow. Tenor High G#, Audition Song: God Save the People

JOHN THE BAPTIST / JUDAS -- He has attributes of both Biblical figures: he is both Jesus? lieutenant and most ardent disciple and the doubter who begins to question and rebel. Like Jesus, he is also charismatic, but in more of an overt revolutionary way. Usually played by someone handsome and masculine, with an undertone of sexuality. He is the most "serious" and intellectual of the group, though as with all the actors, he must still possess a good sense of physical comedy. Baritone E, Audition Song: Prepare Ye

JEFFREY -- Very high energy. Impish and playful. In the original, he played several musical instruments, including concertina and recorder. -- Tenor High D (falsetto), Audition Song: We Beseech Thee

LAMAR -- Not the brightest in the bunch, he is a little slow on the uptake. But there is a great sweetness and innocence about him. He must be a very good singer. -- Tenor High A, Audition Song: All Good Gifts

HERB -- The comedian, the class clown. The guy who can do a hundred voices and imitations. Can be a little older or more heavy-set. This is also the role that sings the least, so it is wise to cast it for a comedian rather than a vocalist. -- Baritone E (does not sing any real solo, but should be able to carry baritone harmonies), Audition Song: Light of the World

ROBIN -- A bit of a tomboy, but basically open and sweet. She is the first of the group to commit to following Jesus. -- Alto, Audition Song: Day By Day

SONIA -- Featured - Sassy and slightly cynical, the most urban of the group. Also the "sexy" one, but her sexiness contains a large element of put-on, in the manner of Mae West or Madonna (who in fact once played this role.) -- Low Alto (D below middle C), Audition Song: Turn Back, O Man

JOANNE -- The confident one, the show-off. The first one to volunteer, sometimes she jumps in before she really understands what's going on. -- Soprano (High A in "Bless the Lord", High C in "We Beseech Thee"), Audition Song: O bless the Lord

PEGGY -- The shy one. Sometimes a little slow to get things, but when she does, she commits all the way. Has an "earth mother" kind of warmth to her. -- SONIA -- Sassy and slightly cynical, the most urban of the group. Also the "sexy" one, but her sexiness contains a large element of put-on, in the manner of Mae West or Madonna (who in fact once played this role.) -- Low Alto (D below middle C), Audition Song: Turn Back, O Man

GILMER -- The female equivalent of the class clown. Goofy and a cut-up. This is the female role that sings least, and therefore should be cast with a strong comedienne. -- Mezzo, Audition Song: Learn Your Lessons Well

 

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