Auditions

In the fall of 1950, the residents of Miss Blacklock’s boarding house are surprised to read in the local newspaper that a murder will take place that evening in their very home. Assumed to be a joke, a night of fun and games turns grisly when a murder does indeed take place, and the police begin their investigation. The determined Inspector follows grimly the twists and turns, with Miss Marple on hand to provide the final solution – at some risk to herself!  Funny and chilling, this classic Christie story proves to be one of the most exciting stage adaptations of Christie’s novels.  “Had the first night audience on the edge of their seats.” – Evening Post.

Patrick Simmons (26 or 27) Julia Simmons older brother.  Handsome, witty.  He attends university but skips class more than he should.  Bores easily.  Likes jokes and pranks. Tends to take the “easy way”.  Featured role.

Edmund Swettenham (late 20’s) Mrs. Swettenham’s son.  “Very English” but can have a dark and foreign look.  A would-be writer with nothing published yet.  A “lay-about” who lives with his mother.

Rudi Scherz (late 20’s or early 30’s) The victim.  A young Swiss National.  Bit of a con artist and cheat.  A small time crook who is there to rob Miss Blacklock.  Slight Swiss/German accent required.  Small role MAY be played by a performing intern.

*Inspector Craddock (40’s – 50’s) An “Inspector Lewis” type.  Stereotypical Christie inspector.   A gentleman who can be strong when necessary.  Analytical and a true “bloodhound” in his investigations.  Excellent actor, could be a “name”.  Leading role.  *Seeking AEA Submissions for this role.

Sergeant Mellors (late 20’s to 30’s) Craddock’s assistant.  Very good at his job and a good foil for the Inspector.  Small role MAY be cast locally or played by a performing intern.

Julia Simmons (mid 20’s), younger sister of Patrick Simmons and niece of Letitia Blacklock.  Attractive and fun-loving young lady who is still looking for direction in her life. Good sense of humor.  A possible prankster like her brother.  Featured role.

*Letitia Blacklock (late 50’s) the well bred lady of the house.  A youthful appearance.  Obviously taken good care of herself.  Big hearted and generous, warm and graceful.  Excellent actress with great stage presence.  Leading role.  *Seeking AEA Submissions for this role.

Dora Bunner (Bunny) (late 50’s) Letitia’s childhood friend.  A bit older than Letitia, she has not aged as gracefully.  Scattered, nervous and absent-minded she has been living with Letitia who has taken her under her wing.  Excellent actress with good timing.  Featured role.

Mitzi (mid 20’s to 30’s) Dark and waif-like but attractive in an off-beat way.  She is Letitia’s cook.  Hungarian escapee/refugee always paranoid about secret police tracking her.  She lies easily but not with malice and her feelings are easily hurt.  Excellent comic actress able to do convincing Hungarian accent and learn to speak some Hungarian dialogue.  Featured role.

*Miss Marple (plays 60’s – 70) Agatha Christie’s inquisitive, sharp-minded and observant amateur sleuth. She is sometimes too inquisitive and single-minded but never pushy – just “helpful”.  A likable, warm character with a twinkle in her eye and a good sense of humor.  Excellent character actress with innate but understated comic ability, real stage presence and unique looks.   Could be a “name” performer.  Starring role.  *Seeking AEA Submissions for this role.

Phillipa Haymes (mid-20’s) tall elegant and preferably blonde.  A lodger in Letitia’s house.  She is a horticulturist and single widowed mother with small children.  Although close in age to Julia Simmons, she is more mature and worldly.  Featured role.

Mrs. Swettenham (50’s) a neighbor of Letitia and mother of Edward Swettenham.   A “busybody” who puts on airs.  She thinks she is higher in class than she really is.  Likes to know everything about everybody and is oblivious to what others think of her.  Excellent actress.  Featured role.

GREASE

A 40^th Anniversary production of the original Grease, our production will not be using the added film songs nor will there be an ensemble as in the recent revival.  Here is Rydell High’s senior class of 1959: duck-tailed, hot-rodding “Burger Palace Boys” and their gum-snapping, hip-shaking “Pink Ladies” in bobby sox and pedal pushers, evoking the look and sound of the 1950s in this rollicking musical. Head “greaser” Danny Zuko and new (good) girl Sandy Dumbrowski try to relive the high romance of their “Summer Nights” as the rest of the gang sings and dances its way through such songs as “Greased Lightnin’”, “It’s Raining on Prom Night”, “Alone at the Drive-In Movie.” An 8-year run on Broadway and two subsequent revivals along with the most successful movie musical of all time place Grease among the world’s most popular musicals. “A lively and funny musical-as well as the dancingest one in town.” – New York Daily News

*Danny Zuko (Tenor plays 17-18) The leader of the “Burger Palace Boys”.  Well-built, nice-looking, with an air of cool easy-going charm and sex appeal.  Strong and confident.  A “bad-boy” who really isn’t bad.  Excellent actor/singer/dancer with a good falsetto. Originally played by young Barry Bostwick and in the film version by young John Travolta.  Starring role.  *Seeking AEA Submissions for this role.

Kenickie (Baritone plays 17-18) Second-in-command of the Burger Palace Boys, the toughest looking of the group, tattooed and surly.  Avoids any show of softness.  Off-beat sense of humor.  Excellent actor/singer who moves well.  Second male lead.

Doody (Tenor plays 16-17).  Small, boyish, open with a disarming smile and hero-worshipping attitude toward the other guys.  Prefer actor who plays guitar.  Excellent singer/actor who moves well and has a strong falsetto.  This is a larger role than in the film version and he has solo songs also not in the film.  Featured role.

Roger (Tenor plays 16-17) The “anything-for-a-laugh” stocky type.  Full of mischief, half-baked schemes and ideas. The class clown who enjoys putting other people on.  Excellent actor/singer who moves well.  Featured role.

Sonny (Baritone plays 16-18) Italian-looking, with shiny black hair and dark oily skin.  A braggart and wheeler-dealer who THINKS he’s a real lady-killer.  Excellent actor/singer who moves well.  Supporting role.

Eugene (Baritenor plays 16-18) The class valedictorian.  Physically awkward, with weak eyes and high-pitched voiced.  An apple-polisher, smug and pompous but gullible.  The quintessential “nerd” with glasses, bow tie and all.  Excellent comic actor. Supporting role.

Vince Fontaine (any vocal type 30-40) A typical “teen audience” radio disc jockey. Slick, egotistical, fast-talking with a good “announcer” sound.  A veteran greaser who “comes on to” the high school girls.  Excellent actor with stage presence.  Supporting role.

Johnny Casino (Baritone 17-18) A “greaser” student at Rydell High who leads a rock’n’roll band and likes to think of himself as a real rock’n’roll “idol”. Attractive and excellent singer/actor who moves well.  MAY understudy one or more roles. Supporting role.

Teen Angel (Tenor 25+) A good-looking, falsetto-voiced, Fabian or Frankie Avalon look-alike.  A singer who would have caused girls to scream and faint back in 1958.  Excellent singer/actor with sex appeal.  MAY understudy one or more roles.  Supporting role.

Females (8)

Sandy Dumbrowski (Soprano mix plays 17-18) Danny’s love interest.  Sweet, wholesome, naïve and cute like Sandra Dee in the “Gidget” movies. Excellent actress/singer/dancer. Starring role.

*Betty Rizzo (Mezzo/belt mix plays 17-18) Leader of the Pink Ladies.  She is tough, sarcastic and outspoken but vulnerable.  Italian, with unconventional good looks. Excellent actress / singer with comic timing, who moves well.  Second Lead.  *Seeking AEA Submissions for this role.

Frenchy (Soprano mix plays17-18) A dreamer. Good natured and dumb. Heavily made-up, fussy about her appearance – particularly her hair.  She can’t wait to finish high school so she can be a beautician. Excellent singer/actress with good comic timing who dances or moves well.  Featured role.

Marty (Alto plays16-18) The “beauty” of the Pink Ladies.  Pretty, looks older than the other girls, but betrays her real age whenever she opens her mouth.  Tries to act sophisticated.  Excellent singer/actress who moves well.  Featured role.

Jan (Mezzo plays 16-18) Chubby, compulsive eater.  Loud and pushy with the girls but shy with boys.  Excellent actress singer with comic timing.  Featured role.

Patty (Any vocal type 16-18) A typical cheerleader at a middle-class American public high school.  Attractive, athletic and perky.  Aggressive, sure of herself and given to bursts of enthusiasm.  Catty, but in an All-American Girl sort of way.  Prefer actress who can also twirl a baton.  Excellent actress/singer who MAY be able to do some gymnastics, etc. Supporting role.

Cha-Cha DiGregorio (Soprano mix plays 17-19) a blind date at the dance.  Overweight, slovenly, loud-mouthed and unattractive  (NOT the sexpot portrayed in the film version).   Takes pride in being the “best dancer at St. Bernadette’s.”  Excellent dancer/singer with comic timing.  Supporting role.

Miss Lynch (any vocal type 35-60) Stereotypical old maid  English teacher.  Excellent comic actress who either dances or moves well (is “flipped” by dancers in musical number).  Supporting role.

BURT & ME

A new musical comedy featuring the music of Burt Bacharach and Hal David! Joe Madson and Lacey Turner had two strong common interests; they both loved basketball and the music of Burt Bacharach. When the two met in high school, it was as if the stars had aligned to form the perfect union. However, when they each went to different colleges, their history could not overcome their geography. The two separated – only to meet years later as Joe plots an elaborate scheme to win her back…and the music would play a big part.  This romantic “jukebox musical” features the music of Burt Bacharach and Hal David. It includes such classic songs as “What the World Needs Now,” “Walk On By,” “Do You Know the Way to San Jose,” “This Guy’s In Love with You,” “The Look of Love,” “Always Something There to Remind Me,” “One Less Bell to Answer,” “Blue on Blue,” “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head,” “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again,” “I Say A Little Prayer for You,” and more.  “The sweet musical Burt & Me, a picture of innocence set to the many songs of Burt Bacharach and Hal David.”  – Philadelphia  Inquirer     “A fun  romantic musical comedy” (NBC Philadelphia)

*Joe Madsen (Tenor, A-A plays 17-30) the “romantic” lead and narrator of his own story.  An all-around nice guy who was shy in high school. Likes to play basketball but not a jock and also loves music, especially the music of famed composer Burt Bacharach which affects every facet of his daily life. Attractive and clean cut in an All-American way with good build but not necessarily classically handsome.  Must have warmth, charisma and genuine likability along with stage presence.  Essential that he “connect” with the audience.  Prefer actor who plays piano well enough to accompany himself on some songs at onstage piano.  Starring role.  *Seeking AEA Submissions for this role.

Jerry Landis (Tenor, A-G plays 17-30) usually cast as African-American.  Joe’s best friend in high school.  Likable and funny sidekick.  Also likes to play basketball but not a jock.  Likes to have fun.   Excellent singer/actor who either dances or moves well and has good comic timing. Must have strong falsetto to B. Second lead.

*George Madson / Father DeJoseph (Baritone, G-E plays late 40’s -50’s) This actor doubles as Joe’s father who is extremely likable and caring with a real soft side and as a Catholic priest who is head of the high school choral group and is stern but likable.  Excellent singer/actor with a good sense of comic timing, personal warmth and presence.  Featured role.  *Seeking AEA Submissions for this role.

Lacey Turner (Mezzo Sop. w/belt mix, A-G plays 17-30) Joe’s romantic interest.  An attractive and sweet young girl. Typical All-American good looks and sparkling personality.   Excellent singer/actress who dances or moves well and has star quality.  Starring role.

Sally (Alto/Mezz mix, G-Eb plays 17-30) Lacey’s friend.  Off beat but attractive looks.  Energetic and funny young character type with both a sarcastic and wry sense of humor. Excellent singer/actress who dances or moves well and has great comic timing.  Leading role.

MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS

Meet Me in St. Louis is based on the heartwarming movie directed by Vincente Minelli which starred Judy Garland. Join the Smith family at the 1904 World’s Fair, and see how their love and respect for each other is tempered with the genuine humor that can only be generated by such a special family. Memorable numbers include The Boy Next Door, A Raving Beauty, The Trolley Song, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Whenever I’m with You and A Day in New York – and of course the title song. Suddenly there’s a blackout. Imagine yourself standing with the family as the lights from the World’s Fair fill the stage – and the Mt. Gretna Playhouse – what a panorama!  “Meet Me in St. Louis is a family show if ever there was one. Sweeter than molasses, it will surely bring a smile to even the most jaded theatergoer’s face.”  NYTheatre.com

Note: All roles listed as “teens” will be cast with young adults who can portray those ages.  Due to the demands of the roles of the two youngest girls, we would also prefer (if possible) to cast children who are older but able to portray the ages listed in the descriptions. Please note too that ALL children will be cast from local calls only.  No children will be seen at NYC auditions and none will be hired who do not live locally in PA and have transportation to rehearsals and performances.

*Mr. Alonso Smith (Baritone, Ab-E mid-40’s) Father of the Smith family.  A lawyer.  Likes order and routine in the household but doesn’t always get it and is sometimes exasperated with his family but never truly angry.  He thinks he is in charge, but it is his wife and family and housemaid who really control daily home life.  Originally played by younger George Hearn, seeking an excellent singer/actor with great stage presence and substantial credits.  Could be a “name”.  Leading role.  *Seeking AEA Submissions for this role.

Lon Smith (Tenor, Bb – G plays 19) the only son in the Smith family.  He is a boyishly handsome Princeton freshman.   Seeking “triple threat” singer/dancer/actor with a great smile and personality.  Ability to play a banjo is a plus but not essential.  Featured role.

Grandpa Prophater (Baritenor, Bb-F plays 60-70) Mrs. Smith’s father who lives with the family.  Warm and wise with a twinkle in his eye and a bounce in his step. The  grandfather everyone would like to have.  Originally played by character actor Milo O’Shea, seeking excellent singer/actor with comic timing who moves well as he will be required to do some dancing.  May cast slightly younger  actor to play older.  Featured role.

John Truitt (Baritenor, Bb-F plays 19) Tall, handsome and athletic “boy next door”.  Becomes Esther’s boyfriend.  When he is on stage, all the women in the audience should fall in love with him.  The quintessential musical theatre young leading man.  Strong singer/actor who moves well.  Leading role.

Warren Sheffield (Baritone, Ab-E plays 20-21) Rose’s suitor, an eligible young man from a rich family. Handsome and charming.  Excellent singer/actor who moves well.  MAY understudy John.   Supporting role.

MALE ENSEMBLE Roles:

Male Dancer/Singer (Baritone plays 20-21) Attractive and excellent dancer/singer/actor who will play Douglas Moore, one of Rose’s suitors and for ensemble in Trolley Song, Party Guest, etc.  MAY understudy Warren.

Male Dancer/Singer (Tenor plays 19-21) Attractive and excellent dancer/singer for Trolley Song, Party Guest, etc.  MAY understudy Lon.

Male Dancer/Singer (Baritenor, plays 18-30) Excellent dancer/singer and actor to play Trolley Motorman, Sidney Purvis (featured character dance with Esther) etc. Featured ensemble role

Male Dancer/Singer (Baritenor 18-25) Shorter, excellent dancer/singer for all ensemble numbers and to play PeeWee Drummond (the shortest of the dancers for featured character dance with Esther) etc.  Featured ensemble role.

Male Dancer/Singer (Baritone or Bass 18-25) “beefy” Excellent dancer/singer and actor to play Clinton Badger (featured character dance with Esther) etc. Featured ensemble role.

Male Dancer/Singer (Baritenor 18-35) Taller, excellent dancer/singer and actor to play Postman (Irish dialect) and other ensemble roles.

Females (13 including children’s roles)

*Mrs. Anna Smith (Soprano, Ab-E 40’s) Mother of the Smith family.  Warm, loving and sentimental.  She loves her husband, family and home.  Allows Mr. Smith to think he is in charge of the household but she really rules it with a velvet glove.  The role is larger with more songs/vocals than on Original cast recording. Excellent singer/actress with stage presence and substantial credits.  Ability to play onstage piano is a plus but not essential.  Could be a “name”.  Leading role.  *Seeking AEA Submissions for this role.

Rose Smith (Soprano mix, B-G plays 18) Eldest daughter.  Beautiful and chic.  Thinks she is sophisticated, but isn’t really yet.  A typical ingénue.  Waiting to be engaged to Warren Sheffield.  Excellent singer/actress.  Ability to play onstage piano is a plus but not essential.  Featured role.

*Esther Smith (Mezzo/belt mix, G-E plays 17) Lively, attractive second eldest daughter.  In love with the “boy next door”, John Truitt. Has fire, spirit and still great humor and vulnerability.   Among others, sings the classic “Trolley Song” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”. Originally played by Judy Garland in the film version.  Excellent singer/actress who moves well with “star quality” and an exceptional voice.  Although not seeking a Garland imitator, we do want that “exciting sound”.  Starring role.  *Seeking AEA Submissions for this role.

Agnes Smith (Sopr/Alto mix,G-E plays 12) tomboyish next to youngest daughter.  She is not overweight but has a big appetite.  Must be excellent singer/actress who moves well and has strong stage presence.  Prefer actress no taller than 5’ and may cast a bit older to play the younger age. This a sizable and featured role.

Tootie Smith (Alto mix, A-E plays 6) Youngest daughter, she is bright, precocious and mischievous but in a harmless way. Originally played by young Margaret O’Brien in the film version, must be excellent singer/actress who dances or moves well – an up and coming young “Annie” type.  Prefer actress under 4’ tall and may cast a bit older to play the younger age. MAY double cast OR understudy depending on tur