DM Playhouse Holds Auditions for DROWSY CHAPERONE, 7/18

Auditions for the "The Drowsy Chaperone" will be held at The Des Moines Community Playhouse at 6:00 P.M. on Sunday, July 18. All auditions are open to the public; no one is pre-cast. Those auditioning must bring a prepared solo; an accompanist will be provided.

"The Drowsy Chaperone" has feature roles for 6 men, ages 16 and up; 5 women, ages 16 and up; and 1 African-American woman, age 20-50; plus an ensemble of men and women. "The Drowsy Chaperone" is directed by John Viars, with choreography by Alison Shafer and music direction by Ben Bentler. Performances are Sept. 10 - Oct. 3.

"The Drowsy Chaperone" is a Jazz-Age, farcical romp through musical theatre. It all begins when a die-hard musical-theater fan, known as Man in Chair, plays his favorite cast album on his turntable, and the musical literally bursts to life in his living room, telling the rambunctious tale of a brazen Broadway starlet, Janet Van de Graaf, trying to find, and keep, her true love.

The show, billed as a musical within a comedy, features an eclectic cast of characters, including the dashing bridegroom, oil tycoon Robert Martin; Mrs. Tottendale, a wealthy dowager, and her butler, Underling; Latin lothario Aldolpho; Feldzieg, a Big Broadway Producer; Trix, the brash aviatrix; and a pair of gangsters posing as pastry chefs. "The Drowsy Chaperone" won several 2006 Tony Awards and won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical.

"The Drowsy Chaperone" is sponsored by Principal Financial Group.

The Playhouse is Iowa's oldest and largest producing theatre. Located at the 42nd Street exit of I-235, the theatre has presented a full season of shows since 1919 and also offers a wide variety of educational experiences including classes for ages 4 to adult, theatre trips to New York, and volunteer opportunities onstage and backstage.

For up-to-date audition information and general guidelines, visit The Playhouse website at www.dmplayhouse.com/audition or contact The Playhouse at 515.255.3741.