I MARRIED WYATT EARP – Equity Principal Auditions
Prospect Theater Company Seasonal Showcase $1,400 project stipend.
Music: Michele Brourman
Lyrics: Sheilah Rae
Book: S. Rae and Thomas Edward West
Suggested in part by the book “I Married Wyatt Earp” by Glenn G. Boyer
Dir: Cara Reichel
Choreo: Joe Barros
1st reh: On/about 4/18/11. Runs 5/20–6/12 at 59E59 Theaters.
Equity Principal Auditions:
Tuesday, March 1, 2011 Studios 353
10 AM - 6 PM 353 West 48th Street, 2nd Floor
Lunch from 1:30 – 2:30. New York City
Please prepare a brief song which best represents your vocal ability. Have a second, contrasting song ready, if asked (not all performers will be asked for a second song). Bring sheet music; accompanist provided.
Please bring a picture & resume, stapled back-to-back.
New York premiere of a new musical that tells the story of Josephine Marcus Earp, the third wife of Wyatt Earp, and the pioneer women of Tombstone, AZ. This original, all-female show re-interprets the events leading to the infamous “Shootout at the OK Corral”. The piece weaves together two settings: Los Angeles, CA in 1944, and Tombstone, AZ from 1879-1881. Both time periods co-exist in the play, with the older versions of Josie Earp and Allie Earp remaining on stage throughout the production, both observing and interacting with their younger selves.
Seeking (all roles are available (i.e. not yet offered and accepted)):
Theatre’s casting note: Because of the eclectic nature of this score, the cast of eleven women all should be able to sing with “country”- or “pop”-influenced song stylings. However, all roles require ability to tap into strong legit singing technique as well.
Josephine Marcus Earp (“Josie”):
Character is 81 years old (role may be played by any actress who can play this age – and the other characters mentioned in this description – believably). Haunted by the past, she is by turns charming, sophisticated, imperious and irascible. As Wyatt Earp’s widow, she has campaigned to reform his image and create the popular myth of Wyatt that persists to this day, asserting her place as Wyatt’s one true wife. Throughout the play, Josie steps in and out of other roles as she digs through her past, including her own mother, Sophie Marcus, the conservative German-Jewish wife of a successful San Francisco businessman, who has a trace of an accent; also the voices of Wyatt Earp and John Behan. Fiery, solid, elegant mezzo/belt (low F - high C1).
Allie Earp (“Allie”):
Character is 90 years old (role may be played by any actress who can play this age believably). Widow of Virgil Earp. Tough, sly and fiercely intelligent. Long widowed, she has always felt that her husband Virgil should have held the exalted position in history accorded to Wyatt. Country mezzo/belt (low F – high C1).
Josephine Sarah Marcus (“Young Josie”):
18. Charismatic, well-educated, headstrong, gutsy German-Jewish girl from a good family. A rebel at heart, she is desperate to escape her upper-class San Francisco home for the freedom and adventure of the frontier. Her fine manners, good breeding and innate sexuality cause the Earp women to resent her almost on sight. Passionate and exciting mix/soprano belt (low g - high D1, to possible high C2).
“Young Allie” Earp:
27. Solid pioneer woman, earthy, clever, controlling, ambitious, stubborn. Leader of the Earp women, she cares deeply about keeping her family together, protecting their stake in the world, and building a better future. Strong, aggressive-edge mezzo belt (low f - high C1).
Mattie Earp:
30s. Wyatt Earp’s common-law wife. Addicted to the opium-based drug laudanum. Manic depressive and unpredictable, yet sympathetic. Mezzo with strong mid range; vulnerability and fragility in her sound (low g - high D1).
Bess Earp:
Late 30s–40s. Wife of James Earp. Expert tarot card reader. Overwhelmed by her headstrong daughter, she relies on her sister-in-law Allie for help. Motherly. Possibly a bit psychic. Performer may double as Penelope, a member of Pauline Rackham’s theatrical troupe. Higher belt, with an ethereal quality. Role requires strong musicianship. Low g - high F1.
Hattie Earp:
Must read age 16; seeking actress 18+. Daughter of Bess Earp. Stubborn and impressionable. Naïve. A little boy-crazy, she can’t wait to grow up. Performer may double as Penelope, a member of Pauline Rackham’s theatrical troupe. Lighter teen-age soprano sound, with strong belt and legit head voice range (low g - high E1, with a high Bb).
Kate Haroney:
Late 30s or early 40s. Doc Holliday’s mistress, and a professional gambler. A realist: blunt, pragmatic, jaded and a bit cynical. Has a strong sense of her own sexuality, and a faded elegance suggesting her purported descent from Hungarian royalty. Speaks with a Hungarian accent. Strong mezzo/belt (low g - high C1).
Pauline Rackham:
40s. Very legit (British accent). English-born theatrical impresario and director of the “Pinafore on Wheels” troupe, an all-female Gilbert & Sullivan touring company. Savvy producer who makes her own rules in the world. Dresses like a British gentleman. Heavy dramatic soprano (low a - high f).
Cora:
20s. Member of Pauline’s troupe. Jealous of Josie’s quick advancement in the troupe, she sleeps with Tombstone sheriff John Behan (Josie’s first love) to spite Josie. Strong dance ability required. Mezzo soprano.
Maude:
20s. Member of Pauline’s troupe. Cora’s partner in crime. Strong legit soprano. Strong dance ability required.
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