Phoenix Productions is looking for performers 18+ for its production of Ain’t MIsbehavin’, playing on Friday March 27 and Saturday March 28 at The Vogel.
This Tony Award winning musical revue celebrates the music of the legendary Fats Waller and brings the vibrant world of the Harlem Renaissance to life. Filled with unforgettable swing, stride and jazz tunes, the show is a joyful, soulful and high energy tribute to one of America’s greatest musical eras and a celebration of Black excellence in American music and culture. Audiences will be taken on a lively journey through classic songs that defined a generation, including “Honeysuckle Rose,” “The Joint Is Jumpin’,” “Ain’t Nobody’s Biz Ness If I Do” and of course “Ain’t Misbehavin’.”
This production also honors the Count Basie Center’s Centennial Celebration, recognizing the historic relationship between Fats Waller and William “Count” Basie and the legacy they created in shaping American jazz. For this production, The Vogel will be transformed into an immersive 1930s Harlem juke joint, complete with a short pre-show that welcomes the audience into the space. Performers will help create the atmosphere of a working club, allowing the entire night to feel intimate, immersive, and true to the world of the show.
Persons of all ethnicities, gender expressions, cultural heritage / background, and body types are encouraged to audition. Please note that Phoenix Productions intends to honor the author’s original intention of celebrating the music of Fats Waller and his contributions to Black excellence in America.
Audition Dates:
Sunday January 18th 2:00PM – 5:00PM at Phoenix Productions (59 Chestnut St, Red Bank NJ)
Monday, January 19th 7:00PM – 9:00PM at New Brunswick PAC (9 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick)
Wednesday January 21st 7:00PM – 9:00PM at Phoenix Productions (59 Chestnut St, Red Bank NJ)
Some performers may be asked to a call-back on Sunday, January 25 between 5:00PM and 7:30PM at Phoenix Productions.
See character descriptions below. All auditionees are asked to prepare the following:
32 bars from a song in a similar American Standard or musical theatre style to the show score. Please bring your sheet music in the correct key in a notebook or published book for the accompanist.
If you have one available, please bring a copy of your headshot and resume.
If you are unable to attend auditions in person for any reason, please visit
www.phoenixredbank.com/video for information about submitting a video audition (self-tape).
Rehearsal dates:
Rehearsals begin on or about February 2, typically two (2) weekday evenings and one (1) weekend day. We are hoping to lock in a Sunday afternoon, Monday and Tuesday evening rehearsal schedule. More rehearsal days will be required as the production opening approaches.
Performances at The Vogel in Red Bank:
Friday March 27 @ 10:00AM (Mandatory School Show)
Friday, March 27 @ 7:30PM
Saturday, March 28 @ 7:30PM
Please note that additional late-night performances may be added on either or both days.
Director: Anthony Viera
Choreographer: Jasón Wells
Music Director: Roderick Demmings, Jr.
Production Stage Manager: Pat Maliwat
Production Manager: Tom Hessman
Character BREAKDOWN
NOTE: There are no ages listed for character roles. Actors cast should be able to perform the material regardless of age. In reference to the character descriptions below, the characters in this show are on the binary and written with he/him or she/her pronouns as you will see in the following descriptions. However, we seek to be as inclusive as possible and ask gender non-conforming, gender queer, transgender and non-binary actors to list on the audition form the roles they most identify with. Please note that Phoenix Productions intends to honor the author’s original intention of celebrating the music of Fats Waller and his contributions to Black excellence in America.
ANDRE
Description: An unrepentant party hound with effortless charm. Andre loves being the center of attention and knows exactly how to use a wink and a smile to get what he wants. A natural flirt and a bit of a womanizer, he carries himself with cool confidence and a playful swagger. Strong musicality and the ability to shift from smooth to comedic in an instant.
Vocal range top E6
Vocal range bottom G2
Actors of all ages, ethnicities, gender expressions, cultural heritage / background and body types are encouraged to audition for this role.
ARMELIA
Description: A strong-willed woman who speaks her mind with honesty and style. Armelia is confident and comfortable in her own skin, with a warm presence that can turn sharp when needed. She brings emotional depth to tender numbers and lands comedic moments with intelligence. She should feel grounded, poised, and fully in command of the space.
Vocal range top C6
Vocal range bottom G3
Actors of all ages, ethnicities, gender expressions, cultural heritage / background and body types are encouraged to audition for this role.
CHARLAINE
Description: A sweet young lady with a bright innocence and a playful spark. Charlaine has a youthful energy that lifts the ensemble. She is genuine, curious and fresh, with a lighthearted sense of humor. Strong movement skills are helpful, along with a voice that can float easily above harmonies.
Vocal range top G5
Vocal range bottom G3
Actors of all ages, ethnicities, gender expressions, cultural heritage / background and body types are encouraged to audition for this role.
KEN
Description: Jovial, cheerful, and loud in all the best ways. Ken is larger than life, full of soul, humor, and warmth. He often feels like the heartbeat of the group, bringing joyful energy into every scene. Comedy comes naturally to him, and he knows how to fill a room with presence. Strong rhythmic feel and vocal confidence required.
Vocal range top C6
Vocal range bottom D3
Actors of all ages, ethnicities, gender expressions, cultural heritage / background and body types are encouraged to audition for this role.
NELL
Description: A confident, charming, worldly woman who owns every room she enters. Nell understands people, reads them instantly, and plays with that knowledge. She is charismatic, sharp, and effortlessly funny, with a powerful voice and commanding stage presence. She should radiate maturity, sensuality, and sophistication with ease.
Vocal range top F5
Vocal range bottom F3
Actors of all ages, ethnicities, gender expressions, cultural heritage / background and body types are encouraged to audition for this role.
PAPA OTIS: Juke Joint Owner
A friendly and charismatic juke joint owner who delivers the pre-show opener and welcomes everyone into the space. Keeps the room running smoothly with humor, charm, and quick improvisation. Must have strong comedic timing.
Actors of all ages, ethnicities, gender expressions, cultural heritage / background and body types are encouraged to audition for this role.
Juke Joint Performers (Male and Female)
Performers who bring the club to life as dancers, singers and working characters in the joint. They appear throughout group numbers, move the energy of the room, interact with patrons and help deliver the pre-show experience. Must move well, hold tight harmonies and improvise confidently while staying in character.
Age: 18 +
Actors of all ages, ethnicities, gender expressions, cultural heritage / background and body types are encouraged to audition for this role.
Videos
