Kentwood Players Announces Auditions for Candide July 16-17

Kentwood Players announces auditions for the musical "Candide" on Saturday, July 16 from 1pm to 4pm and Sunday, July 17 from 6pm to 9pm at the Westchester Playhouse, located at 8301 Hindry Avenue in Westchester (LA 90045). Callbacks will be held on Monday, July 18 at 7pm.. The production will be directed by Catherine Rahm, produced by Lori A. Marple-Pereslete and Tony Pereslete by special arrangement with Music Theatre International. Performances will be from September 16 to October 22, 2011 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm at the Westchester Playhouse.

Featuring a legendary score by Leonard Bernstein, "Candide" is a beloved classic with book adapted from Voltaire by Hugh Wheeler, music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Richard Wilbur, with additional lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and John Latouche. Part sophisticated musical, part wacky screwball comedy with shades of Monty Python, this funny, irreverent satire is the perfect musical expression of Voltaire's tongue-in-cheek send-up of optimistic philosophies.

In a lightning-paced romp Candide is expelled from home, drafted into the Bulgarian army, brought before the Spanish Inquisition, swindled out of a fortune, shipwrecked on a desert isle, and separated time and again from his true love Cunegonde, who bears with remarkable dignity a variety of carnal besmirchments by almost everybody. Through it all, Candide remembers the lesson of his dear master Dr. Pangloss: that "everything is for the best in this best of all possible worlds."

Cast Breakdown:
*Candide: Tenor to A, 20's, must be the very face of innocence and sincerity
Songs include "Oh Happy We", "This World", and "It Must Be So"

*Cunegonde: Lyric Soprano to C, 20's, must be sweet and worldly at the same time
Songs include "Oh Happy We", "Glitter and be Gay", "You Were Dead"

*Voltaire: High Baritone to G, 40+, wise but somewhat pretentious teacher
Also plays Dr. Pangloss and the Governor
Songs include "Best of All Possible Worlds", "Quartet", "My Love"

*Old Lady: Female, Alto/Mezzo to F, 35+, strong comic timing and Polish accent
Songs include "I Am Easily Assimilated", "Quiet", "Quartet"

Maximilian: Baritone to F, 25+, extremely vain and proud
Songs include "My Love", "Life Is Happiness Indeed"

Paquette: Mezzo, 25+, earthy and fun-loving servant girl
Songs include "Quiet", "Life is Happiness Indeed", "Sheep Song"

Captain: High Baritone to G, 40+, Sings "Bon Voyage"

Madame: Mezzo to F, 40+, Sings "What's the Use"

Sheep 1: Alto, any age, Sings "Sheep Song"

Lion: Baritone, any age, Sings "Sheep Song"

Gambler 1: Mezzo to F, any age, Sings "What's the Use"

Gambler 2: Baritone to F, any age, Sings "What's the Use"

Other speaking roles and featured solos will be drawn from the ensemble - all ages and ranges - for a total of 8 men and 8 women. All must sing both lead and harmony, and move well.

*Due to the vocal demands of this production, the roles of Candide, Cunegonde, Voltaire and Old Lady will be DOUBLE CAST. Each will play these roles for 9 performances, and join the ensemble in the other 9 performances.

The director requests that you prepare 32-48 bars of a LEGIT musical theatre song - no pop or rock styles. Accompanist will be provided; please bring music in the correct key. The "Candide" score will be available if you wish to sing a song from the show. Please dress to move, as auditioners will be asked to learn a short routine. Please bring your headshot, resume, and appointment calendar with you as the rehearsal schedule will be posted. Advance appointments are not necessary. If you have any questions, please contact the director Catherine Rahm at catrahm@hotmail.com.

For more information about Kentwood Players including our current production, upcoming auditions, and our Kentwood Kids Children's Theatre Classes, please visit the Kentwood Players website at www.kentwoodplayers.org. And you can also sign up and be a Kentwood Players friend on Facebook.

To meet the "Candide" production team and learn more about Kentwood Players and what goes on at the Westchester Playhouse, the public is invited to attend our general membership meetings, which are free and held on the third Wednesday of each month at 8pm at the Westchester Playhouse located two blocks west of the San Diego Freeway and two blocks north of Manchester at 8301 Hindry Avenue in Westchester, CA 90045.

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