THE SOUTH COAST CHORAL AND ARTS SOCIETY PRESENTS

A VAUDEVILLE MUSICAL

22 OCTOBER – 6 NOVEMBER 2021 VICTOR HARBOR TOWN HALL

Book by and Bob Fosse Music by Lyrics by Fred Ebb Based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins Script adaptation by David Thompson

INFORMATION PACK Thanks for grabbing a copy of our Information Pack for Chicago. In this pack we have all the information about characters, auditions, rehearsals, performances, the band and more. If there is anything we’ve missed, or if you have questions, please email us: [email protected]

Important things to note:

● All company roles (cast, band, crew, production team) are offered on an unpaid basis. ● Diversity is encouraged. People of any ethnic background, gender or sexual orientation are welcome to audition. ● Due to the themes and style of the show, there is a 16+ age limit on all roles, including chorus. ● Everyone involved in the show is expected to become a financial member of SCCAS for the 2021 calendar year ($25) and adhere to the SCCAS Code of Conduct. ● The season of Chicago will be performed at the Victor Harbor Town Hall, from 22 October to 6 November 2021. ● Rehearsals will be on Wednesday and Friday nights and Sunday afternoons, starting 18 July 2021. ● If you are successfully cast in Chicago, you will be required to be available for the entire rehearsal period and show season. Due to the nature of this show, rehearsals will be intensive, requiring discipline, professionalism and a high level of energy and commitment from the outset. Any foreseeable unavailability must be listed on your registration form.

PERFORMANCE DATES Friday 22 October 7:30pm Saturday 23 October 2:00pm & 7:30pm Friday 29 October 7:30pm Saturday 30 October 2:00pm & 7:30pm Wednesday 3 November 7:30pm Friday 5 November 7:30pm Saturday 6 November 2:00pm & 7:30pm

SCCAS was founded in 1950, and over the last 70 years has produced well over 100 productions including musicals, dramas, farces and self-written shows. Hundreds of community members have connected on-stage, off-stage, behind the scenes and as part of the Choral Group. Today, the Society remains an integral part of the arts community in Victor Harbor. Our feature productions attract audiences from around the region in their thousands. Favorite shows like Jesus Christ Superstar, My Fair Lady and Les Misérables have thrilled audiences and critics alike. 2020 was a quiet year for SCCAS, as the coronavirus pandemic shut down theatres worldwide. Chicago marks SCCAS’s return to theatre, and you have the chance be part of this highly- anticipated production.

2

SYNOPSIS Broadway’s longest-running American musical, Chicago is a dazzling and satirical look at fame, justice, and the media machine. Set in 1920s Chicago and based on real-life murders and trials, Chicago follows , a wannabe vaudeville star who murders her lover and is arrested, despite her attempts to convince her pushover husband, Amos, to lie for her. In the Cook County Jail, Roxie meets her hero, the famed double-murderess and nightclub performer . When both acquire Chicago’s slickest lawyer, , tensions come to a head as they vie for the spotlight. Neither woman will be outdone in their fight against each other and the public for fame and celebrity.

HISTORY The musical Chicago is based on a play of the same name by female reporter and playwright Maurine Dallas Watkins, who was assigned to cover the 1924 trials of accused murderers and Belva Gaertner for the Chicago Tribune. Watkins' sensational columns documenting these trials proved so popular that she wrote a play based on them. The show received both good box-office sales and newspaper notices and was mounted on Broadway in 1926. In the 1960s, Gwen Verdon read the play and suggested her husband, Bob Fosse, adapt it as a musical. Fosse (himself a native of Chicago) asked John Kander and Fred Ebb to work on the musical score, modelling each number on a traditional vaudeville number or performer. This format made explicit the show's comparison between "justice", "show-business", and contemporary society. The show opened on Broadway in 1975 and was revived in 1996. The 1996 revival won six Tony’s and holds the records for the longest-running musical revival, second longest-running musical and longest-running American musical in Broadway history. It was still running up until the 2020 Broadway shut down (set to reopen in September 2021).

OUR CONCEPT Our production of Chicago will accentuate Fosse’s concept that the show is a series of vaudeville acts. The show will clearly be set in 1924, but it will be an illustration of 2021, showing the corrupt relationship between the media and judicial machines. Fosse’s message – that things haven’t changed, that America (and all western society) hasn’t cleaned up its act – will be highlighted. This will be reflected in the physical and visual language of the show.

THE MUSIC Chicago features a rich jazz score, with brazen solos, and a lot of bold unison from the chorus.

Act I Act II Overture – Orchestra Entr’acte - Orchestra All That Jazz – Velma Kelly and Company I Know a Girl – Velma Funny Honey – Roxie Hart Me and My Baby – Roxie and Company Cell Block Tango – Velma and the Girls Mr. Cellophane – Amos Hart When You’re Good to Mama – Mama Morton When Velma Takes the Stand – Velma All I Care About – Billy Flynn and the Girls Razzle Dazzle – Billy and Company A Little Bit of Good – Mary Sunshine Class – Velma and Mama Morton We Both Reached for the Gun – Billy and Roxie Nowadays/Hot Honey Rag – Velma and Roxie Roxie – Roxie and the Boys Finale (All That Jazz Reprise) - Company I Can’t Do It Alone – Velma I Can’t Do It Alone (Reprise) - Velma Chicago After Midnight – Orchestra My Own Best Friend – Roxie and Velma

3

JONATHAN OGILVIE (DIRECTOR) has been involved in local theatre since 2012, performing with SCCAS, Hills Musical Company and Marie Clark Musical Theatre, as well as taking on various backstage and administrative roles. Jonathan directed two pantomimes with SCCAS before directing his first musical, The Addams Family, in 2019. He feels extremely privileged to return to the director’s chair and is excited to work with several of his Addams’ team members on this highly revered show.

NATALIE STEVENSON (CHOREOGRAPHER) grew up in a theatrical house, her family spending much of their time being involved with amateur theatre groups. As a teenager she dedicated every spare minute to dance and was happiest with her pointe shoes on. After a 20 year hiatus from the barre (‘co-producing’ the next generation of creatives), she returned to her roots choreographing Mary Poppins (VHHS) and Zest’s musical productions of Heathers and Shrek. Influenced heavily by Fosse, she is looking forward to helping our cast bring this iconic musical to the stage.

ALI DUNBAR (MUSICAL DIRECTOR) forms one third of the musical direction team, along with Emma Muhlack and Tim Wormald. Ali has been involved in amateur theatre, both on and off the stage, for fifteen years, most recently acting as vocal coach for SCCAS’s production of The Addams Family. She began teaching vocals in London in 2017 and has since been working with vocalists of all ages on the South Coast, with a speciality in jazz and musical theatre. Chicago is an all-time favourite of hers - she can’t wait to begin working with our principal cast to create a fabulous show!

EMMA MUHLACK (MUSICAL DIRECTOR) has been doing musical theatre for over twenty years. She has extensive experience in choral leadership, and has trained in classical, jazz, and Broadway vocal techniques. She was MD for SCCAS's The Addams Family and Zest's Wicked and has been a regular in the pit for SCCAS shows. Her performance history includes Annie, Oliver, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, and The Yeoman of the Guard. She has a soft spot for Golden Age musicals.

TIM WORMALD (MUSICAL DIRECTOR) is a seasoned musician in amateur theatre circles, and a history teacher who loves jazz, the Roaring ‘20s, and fine whiskey. Naturally, this show excites him. The production’s vision for a band who breaks the fourth wall sits squarely in vaudevillian tradition, and if these 20s have brought back economic collapse and pandemic, we may as well bring back jazz and liquor, too.

KIMBERLY HOLLITT (ASSISTANT DIRECTOR) As "Matron" of the Production Team, Kimberly will use her experience both on and off stage to support this bunch of Whipper- Snappers as they put together an incredible show. Having worked with Jono on several shows, a respectful and cohesive relationship has developed which brings out their great creativity. It's been a little while between drinks for Kimberly but if any show was to get her back it was Chicago. She cannot wait to see all of your Razzle Dazzle.

4

Listed with each character is the song you are required to prepare for your audition. Sheet music will be made available to you after you have booked your audition, and you will be accompanied by a live pianist. When you arrive for your audition, you will be given a short (1-2 page) piece of dialogue to familiarize yourself with. Be prepared to audition with your best American accent.

NOTE: Part or all of your audition may be filmed. If you would like to request it not be filmed, please email [email protected]

Note: All ages listed are stage ages. VELMA KELLY Female | 25-45 | Vocal Range: Alto

A vaudeville star accused of murdering her husband and her sister in a fit of jealous rage. Velma is always looking out for Number One—herself. She’s smart, confident, and assertive, and she is used to being the centre of attention—that is, until Roxie Hart shows up. Velma fiercely competes with Roxie for the attention of the press and to preserve her celebrity status. Ultimately, she is forced to compromise, becoming half of a “duet” with Roxie to save her vaudeville career.

Audition Song: All That Jazz b5-49 & b124-154 ROXIE HART Female | 25-45 | Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano

Roxie becomes a celebrity overnight when the news of Fred Casely’s death gets picked up by the papers. Formerly dissatisfied with her life, Roxie revels in her newfound fame. Roxie is resourceful, cunning, and willing to do anything to stay out of jail, and in the spotlight. Not very bright and never thinking about the consequences of her actions, Roxie makes bad decisions throughout the show – all in the name of public recognition. Above all, Roxie Hart is a character that embodies the corruption that fame can reveal in a person.

Audition Song: Funny Honey b31-78; Roxie b120-147 (all parts, including dialogue) BILLY FLYNN Male | 35-60 | Vocal Range: Baritone

Suave, educated, and very manipulative, Billy is the best criminal lawyer in Chicago. He revels in the fast-paced world of criminal defence, thrives by thinking on his feet, and trusts his ability to spin every situation to his client’s (and his) advantage. He is a master manipulator with a ton of charisma and charm— the debonair puppeteer behind the puppet show, pulling all the strings. Audition Song: All I Care About (Is Love) b27-57 & b83-106

5

AMOS HART Male | 30-50 | Vocal Range: Baritone

An auto-mechanic and the hapless husband of Roxie, Amos, though not very good looking and not very smart, is a lovable and good-natured man. He is the only character in the show whose motives are pure of heart and never selfish. Despite this, he’s also the only character who really loses out in the end. A victim of his own innocence, Amos represents the average man who pushes hard to do the right thing, but never gets any recognition for it.

Audition Song: Mr. Cellophane b82-129 MATRON “MAMA” MORTON Female | 35-65 | Vocal Range: Alto

The tough, sassy warden of the Cook County jail. Although she’s technically on the right side of the law, she’s not above making deals that would not exactly hold up legally upon closer inspection. She is shrewd and business savvy. Mama treats the inmates under her watch like family and would do anything for them – so long as she gets something in return. “Reciprocity” is her motto.

Audition Song: When You’re Good to Mama b1-55 & b84-135 MARY SUNSHINE See note on gender | 25-65 | Vocal Range: Soprano

A sappy, soppy tabloid columnist who relies more on emotion than thought when it comes to writing her stories, Mary Sunshine is a person who believes that no matter what horrible atrocities a person has committed, somehow there must be a little bit of good in them. Billy takes advantage of Mary Sunshine’s excessive emotionality and status as a prominent media analyst to present Roxie in a favourable light.

NOTE: This female character is traditionally played by a male in drag. We will be auditioning all genders for the role.

Audition Song: A Little Bit of Good b1-75 CAMEOS Liz (Pop), Annie (Six), June (Squish), Hunyak (Uh-uh), Mona (Lipshitz), Kitty, Fred, Sergeant Fograty, Harry, Aaron, Harrison, Clerk & Judge will all be played by members of the Chorus.

All cameos will be chosen from the chorus. If you are interested in a specific cameo role (e.g., the Cell Block Tango girls) please note which role when you book your audition. CHORUS All genders | Ages 16+ | All voices

We are looking for a chorus of 25-40 singers, dancers and movers of all ages (16+). Some will have cameo roles.

Audition Song: Cell Block Tango b24-32 (all parts)

6

AUDITION DATES Auditions will be held on Friday 18 June (5:30pm-8:30pm) and Saturday 19 June (9:30am-6:30pm). There are 90-minute time slots available across both days. All auditions are at the Victor Harbor Lutheran Church, 21 Adelaide Rd.

AUDITION FORMAT All auditionees will be required to participate in a vocal audition and a group dance workshop, both of which will take place in your chosen 90- minute timeslot.

VOCAL AUDITION All principal auditionees are required to prepare a solo vocal audition. Each vocal audition will be a private 5-10 minute session. Please prepare the song listed against your character. When you arrive for your audition, you will be given a short piece of dialogue to familiarize yourself with and perform.

All chorus auditionees will perform a vocal audition in a small group of 3-6 people. Please prepare the song listed above. If you are interested in one of the cameo roles, we will also ask you to read a small section of dialogue we will give you on the day.

DANCE WORKSHOP Everyone is required to participate in a group dance workshop, led by choreographer Natalie Stevenson. This is to assess your level of movement and dance ability. We do not expect everyone to perform complex dance movements, but we do expect you to be willing to learn basic steps. Your dance workshop will be run within your allocated time slot.

WHAT TO BRING For your audition please bring: − The audition material we email you − The Actor Registration Form we email you − Water − Clothes and shoes you can move/dance in

HOW TO BOOK To book your audition, go to sccas.org.au/chicago

NOTE: Registrations open Saturday 5 June, after Information Night.

1pm-3pm, Sunday 20 June Victor Harbor Lutheran Church

Callbacks may be held for selected characters. If you are required for callbacks, we will contact you by text or email after your audition. Callbacks may include an additional song and a more advanced dance workshop. If you do not get asked to attend callbacks it does not necessarily mean you will not win the role.

7

All dates are subject to change.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 1:00pm Meet & July Greet 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

7:30pm Rehearsal 7:30pm Rehearsal Aug 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

7:30pm Rehearsal 7:30pm Rehearsal 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

7:30pm Rehearsal 7:30pm Rehearsal

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

7:30pm Rehearsal 7:30pm Rehearsal August 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 1:00pm Rehearsal 7:30pm Rehearsal 7:30pm Rehearsal 29 30 31 Sept 1 2 3 4 1:00pm Rehearsal 7:30pm Rehearsal 7:30pm Rehearsal 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1:00pm Rehearsal 7:30pm Rehearsal 7:30pm Rehearsal

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 1:00pm Rehearsal 7:30pm Rehearsal 7:30pm Rehearsal 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 1:00pm Rehearsal September 7:30pm Rehearsal 7:30pm Rehearsal 26 27 28 29 30 Oct 1 2 1:00pm Rehearsal 7:30pm Rehearsal 7:30pm Rehearsal 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Bump-in TBC Marketing TBC Rehearsal 7:00pm Rehearsal 7:00pm Rehearsal

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 TBC Photoshoot TBC Rehearsal 6:30pm Rehearsal 6:30pm Rehearsal 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

12:30 Call 1:00pm Rehearsal 2:00 Performance 6:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm Rehearsal 6:00 Call

Rehearsal Rehearsal 7:30 Performance 7:30 Performance October 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 12:30 Call 2:00 Performance TBC Rehearsal 6:00 Call 7:30 Performance 7:30 Performance 31 Nov 1 2 3 4 5 6 12:30 Call 2:00 Performance 6:00 Call 6:00 Call 7:30 Performance 7:30 Performance 7:30 Performance

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Bump-out Nov

8

MEET AND GREET There will be a company meet and greet on Sunday 18 July in the afternoon. As well as the traditional read-through this will also include a ‘talk-through’, giving the Production Team a chance to explain their vision for each scene. The entire company (cast, band, crew, etc) are encouraged to take part.

DAYS AND TIMES Regular rehearsals will commence on Wednesday 28 July and will run through to the production dates.

A full draft schedule is provided in this pack, however rehearsal times are summarized as follows:

Wednesdays: 7:30pm to 10:00pm Fridays: 7:30pm to 10:30pm Sundays: 1:00pm to 5:00pm

Please note that additional or extended rehearsals may be required in the three weeks leading up to opening night. You will be given as much notice as possible of any changes or additions to the rehearsal schedule.

REHEARSAL Most rehearsals will be held at the Victor Harbor Lutheran Church, VENUE 21 Adelaide Rd, Victor Harbor. Some rehearsals will be held at an alternate location in Victor Harbor.

TECH BUMP-IN All cast are asked to help where possible with bump-in and bump-out. AND BUMP-OUT Bump-in is Sunday 3 October and bump-out is Sunday 7 November.

Chicago requires a 14-piece band. The band will be seated on stage throughout the show and will be costumed as a roaring ‘20s jazz band. The band will be integrated as part of the vaudeville show, and some members may even have cameo lines or simple movement.

The band will be required at selected rehearsals in August & September, and all rehearsals in October.

Instruments: Violin, Reed I, II & III, Trumpet I & II, Trombone I & II, Bass, Tuba, Banjo, Percussion, Keyboard I & II

You can register for the orchestra via our website sccas.org.au/chicago from 5 June.

9

SCCAS All cast, crew and band members are required to be financial members MEMBERSHIP of SCCAS for the 2021 calendar year. Annual Membership is $25

PRODUCTION Other than your SCCAS membership, there are no other production FEES fees or costs associated with this production, with the exception of the following:

There are some basic costume pieces you may already have, or may need to purchase for the show (e.g. shoes), and some items that we will ask you to provide and replace as required (e.g. stockings).

There will be a non-compulsory opportunity to purchase a Chicago hoodie/shirt. Prices of these will be made available at rehearsals.

If you want to be involved in SCCAS’s October 2021 production, Chicago, here is what you need to do:

1. Book your audition time slot. You can book your audition on our website from Saturday 5 June:

Book your audition: sccas.org.au/chicago

2. Wait. After we receive your registration, we will email you an Audition Pack for your chosen character within 48-hours. 3. Practice. Your Audition Pack will include the song you will need to present at your audition. 4. Fill in the Actor Registration Form which we will send in your Audition Pack. 5. On audition day: Arrive early. Bring your signed Actor Registration Form and a copy of your audition material. Be prepared to wait for your audition.

We look forward to seeing you on the day and wish you all the best in your audition!

If you have any questions that were not covered in this information pack, please contact us: [email protected]

10