MOTOWN THE MUSICAL to Launch Nationwide Casting Search, Beginning 9/13 in New York City

Producers Kevin McCollum, Doug Morris and Berry Gordy have announced "Makin' It Motown," a nationwide open call casting search for African American singers for both the flagship Broadway production of MOTOWN THE MUSICAL and the upcoming national tour, with a rare opportunity to audition on stage at the Lunt Fontanne Theatre, home of the smash hit musical, on Friday, September 13.

Open call auditions will also be held in Chicago at The Oriental Theatre, where the national tour will launch with an engagement from April 22 to July 13, 2014 before continuing across the country with additional cities to be announced.

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is seeking African-American men and women, ages 20s-40s, with exceptional voices. Also seeking an African-American boy, age 8 to 13, to play young Michael Jackson / Berry Gordy / Stevie Wonder. No prior theatre experience is necessary.

All candidates must have amazing soulful voices to play different performers from Motown history. All vocal parts are encouraged to attend.

What to bring

1. Bring sheet music for a song of choice from the Motown songbook that best features vocal range.
2. Bring a picture and resume including contact information (cell phone, email) stapled together. A recent snapshot is sufficient in the absence of a formal headshot. An accompanist will be provided.

For more information on the open call auditions visit: http://www.motownthemusical.com/casting

For details about what to bring and what to prepare, email casting@motownthemusical.com

NEW YORK CITY
Date: Friday, September 13, 2013
Time: 11:00am - 2:00pm
Sign-In Begins at 10:00am (unofficial sign-in will not be honored)
Location: Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. 205 West 46th Street, (Between 7th Avenue & 8th Avenue)

CHICAGO
Date: Saturday, September 14, 2013
Time: 11:00am - 2:00pm
Sign-In begins at 10:00am (unofficial sign-in will not be honored)
Location: Oriental Theatre
James M. Nederlander Way (North Alley of the Oriental Theatre) Stage Door.
24 Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60601

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL, based on the life of iconic Motown founder Berry Gordy, featuring music and lyrics from the legendary Motown catalogue and a book by Berry Gordy, began performances March 11 at The Lunt-Fontanne Theatre (205 West 46th Street), and officially opened April 14.

Directed by Charles Randolph-Wright, MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is the real story of the one-of-a-kind sound that hit the airwaves in 1959 and changed our culture forever. This exhilarating show charts Motown Founder Berry Gordy's incredible journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and many more.

Featuring all the classics you love, MOTOWN THE MUSICAL tells the story behind the hits as Diana, Smokey, Berry and the whole Motown family fight against the odds to create the soundtrack of change in America. Motown shattered barriers, shaped our lives and made us all move to the same beat. Now, experience the next electrifying chapter in the Motown story, Broadway's record-breaking smash hit MOTOWN THE MUSICAL!

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL's creative team features choreography by Patricia Wilcox (Blues in the Night) and Warren Adams (Toy Story), scenic design byDavid Korins (Bring It On: The Musical, Annie), costume design by Tony Award nominee ESosa (The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess, "Project Runway"), lighting design by Tony Award winner Natasha Katz (Once, Sister Act), sound design by Tony Award nominee Peter Hylenski (Rock of Ages, The Scottsboro Boys), projection design by Daniel Brodie (Jekyll and Hyde).

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL features arrangements and orchestrations by Tony Award nominee Ethan Popp (Rock of Ages), who also serves as musical supervisor for the 18 piece orchestra that reproduces the classic "Sound of Young America" for the Broadway stage, with co-orchestrations and additional arrangements by Tony Award nominee Bryan Crook ("Smash"), dance arrangements by Zane Mark (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) and music direction by Joseph Joubert (Nice Work If You Can Get It).

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is produced by Tony Award winning producer Kevin McCollum (Rent, In the Heights, Avenue Q), Chairman and CEO of SONY Music Entertainment Doug Morris and Motown founder Berry Gordy.

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL plays Tuesday at 7pm; Wednesday - Saturday at 8pm; Wednesday and Saturday at 2pm; Sunday at 3pm; Dark Monday.

Tickets prices range from $57.00 - $147.00 and are available by calling Ticketmaster at 877-250-2929 or visiting www.ticketmaster.com.

Photo Credit: Joan Marcus

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