QUEEN OF THE STARDUST BALLROOM Equity Principal Audition - Staged Reading Auditions

QUEEN OF THE STARDUST BALLROOM

– Equity Principal Auditions

Prods: Michael Filerman and Barry Brown Special Agreement Staged Reading Contract $550/week minimum.

Music: Billy Goldenberg

Additional Music: Marvin Hamlisch

Lyrics: Alan Bergman and Marilyn Bergman

Book: Jerome Kass

Dir/Choreo: Jerry Mitchell

Mus Dirs: John McDaniel and Todd Ellison

Casting: Telsey + Company/Justin Huff

Reading dates: 11/8 – 11/19/10.

Equity Principal Auditions:

Wednesday, October 13, 2010 Telsey + Company

10 AM - 6 PM 315 West 43rd Street, 10th Floor

Lunch from 1:30 – 2:30. New York City

Please prepare a brief, traditional musical theater song. Bring sheet music; accompanist provided.

Please bring a resume and a picture (of yourself), stapled together.

Based on the 1978 musical BALLROOM, which was produced and directed by Michael Bennett.

Seeking (all positions are available (i.e. not yet offered and accepted) unless otherwise specified):

Al:

50s, any ethnicity. Bronx mailman, about Bea’s age. In a loveless, childless marriage, but loyal to his wife of many years. Comes to the Stardust in search of a dance partner with whom he can experience some closeness, some warmth, some joy – all of which are missing from his marriage. Finds Bea and falls in love with her, but he withholds the information that he’s married. When Bea finds out, Al almost loses her. But in the end, he doesn’t … because the new Bea is willing to accept only 50% of him. Actor must be able to dance. Nice voice required. LEAD.

Diane:

Caucasian, 30s. Bea’s daughter, about 35. In a conventionally happy, secure marriage to Louis. Mother of 12-year-old Amy. Diane is devastated over the loss of her father – can’t seem to get past it – and resentful of her mother’s transformation. Does not approve of her mother’s going dancing, and is outraged by her mother’s having an affair with a married man. Regards her mother’s behavior as an offense to the memory of her beloved father. But in the end, she goes to the ballroom and observes her mother’s happiness first-hand; in so doing, she comes to accept her mother’s transformation. Must move well.

Pauline:

Caucasian, 30s-40s. The band singer and current queen of the Stardust Ballroom. It is the queen’s responsibility to make everyone feel at home, newcomers especially. She encourages everyone to find a partner and dance, dance, dance. Think of Pauline as Billie Burke, the good witch of Oz, floating around the ballroom, making everyone happy. Think of Bea as the future queen. Must sing well and move.

George:

African American, 50s. The Stardust bandleader and the band-singing partner of Pauline, his wife of many years. If Pauline is Eydie Gorme, George is her Steve Lawrence. Must also dance. Strong voice required.

Louis:

Caucasian, 40s. Salesman of frames for eyeglasses. Good man, good husband, good father, good son-in-law. Loves his wife and daughter, and loves his mother-in-law. Unlike his wife Diane, Louis usually takes Bea’s side. He is probably a carbon copy of Diane’s late father, Maury. Must also dance. Singing ability is a bonus, but not necessary. Featured ensemble character.

The following four positions are cast (i.e. offer accepted). Auditioning performers will be considered as possible (emergency) replacements, should any become necessary.

Bea Asher:

CAST. Caucasian, 50s. Conventional Bronx housewife, mother and grandmother. Recently widowed; unprepared for the sudden death of her husband Maury. After a long period of grief, she determines to find a new life. Starts a business, selling the stuff she’s saved in her attic over the years. Then, with the encouragement of women in the neighborhood, and in defiance of her daughter Diane and sister Helen, she starts going dancing at the Stardust Ballroom. Meets married mailman Al, has an affair with him and falls deeply in love. Winds up being chosen queen of the ballroom. LEAD.

Angie:

CAST. Caucasian, 50s. Waitress in the coffee shop across the street from Bea’s “nostalgia shop”. A widow like Bea, with a child across the country; befriends Bea, and becomes a kind of fairy godmother to her. Introduces Bea to Dolores the hairdresser, Lucille the dressmaker and Evelyn the cosmetician, all of whom work in their Bronx neighborhood. Angie encourages Bea to come to the Stardust. With the help of Dolores, Lucille and Evelyn, Angie transforms Bea (Cinderella) dramatically. Angie is the unconventional role model for Bea insofar as she, too, has a married boyfriend, cares nothing at all about what other people think of her and insists on being alive.

Helen:

CAST. Caucasian, 60s. Bea’s older sister, a childless woman of unshakable conventional values. Considers herself her younger sister’s protector, and disapproves in no uncertain terms of almost everything Bea does. Constantly confronts Bea, determined to keep her the simple housewife she always was. Helen ultimately fails in her aggressive attempt, but it’s clear that she herself will never change. Must sing well and move.

Jack:

CAST. Caucasian, 50s-60s. Insurance salesman. Helen’s husband and victim of many years. Probably not happy in the marriage, but it’s been a union of so many years that by now it’s a fact. Jack defends Bea in opposition to his wife, and for the most part, Helen quashes his defense. But there comes a moment when Jack speaks up, surprising everyone, including himself. But nothing will change Helen or the status of their marriage. Must sing and move.

Note from Equity:

Equity Principal Dancer Auditions (for positions for which dancing is the primary skill needed) will be held at Pearl Studios NYC on October 14. See separate notice.