Disney’s Music Man Jr. THE MUSICAL OPEN AUDITIONS Ages 6 – 15 Monday August 3rd & Tuesday August 4th from 5:30- 8:30pm
Callbacks: Wednesday August 5th from 5:30-10:00pm
At the Forever After Rehearsal Studio in Cherry Hill Village
50429 Independence Street, Canton, MI 48188
You MUST BE between the age of 6 – 15 on August 4th to be cast in this production. The Audition Process 1. Read through this packet COMPLETELY. 2. Practice one of the songs we have included in the packet (your choice). Everyone who auditions will need to sing with the piano accompanist. Also be ready to do a short dance sequence at the audition. 3. Pick ONE audition day. It does not benefit auditionees to attend both nights of auditions. 4. Enter the Forever After Rehearsal Studio through the front door and register at the counter. 5. Arrive between 6:00-8:30pm and expect to stay for at least an hour. 6. There is a $5 audition fee and can be paid in cash or a check payable to Forever After Productions. 7. Hand in your completed Audition Form and head shot. 8. Auditionees only are allowed in the audition room. 9. Auditionees needed to sing for specific character roles, to be seen again will be asked to return August 5th from 5:30pm-10:00pm for Call Backs at the Forever After Rehearsal Studio. DO NOT CONTACT Forever After Productions regarding Call Backs. DO check your email and iheartforeverafter.com on August 4th after 11pm to find who has been called back. Receiving a Call Back does not guarantee a part in the show, nor does not being Called Back mean a casting rejection. 10. The Cast List will be sent out via email on Thursday, August 6th by 10am and will also posted at www.iheatforeverafter.com 11. The time for Orientation for the Cast will be Thursday, August 6th from 7-8pm at the Forever After Rehearsal Studio. This orientation is for parents only.
Participation Requirements
PARENTS & PARTICIPANTS: BY AUDITIONING, YOU AGREE TO THESE CONDITIONS
• Those given a role in this production agree to take the part (or notify us immediately if they decline). As well as attend EVERY DRESS REHEARSAL and PERFORMANCE. Exceptions are granted in rare circumstances.
• Performers may not be permitted to perform in sections of the show if they miss rehearsal for those sections. If you may miss multiple rehearsals you are strongly encouraged not to audition.
• Forever After will provide costumes for this show. There will be a $60 costume fee for this show.
• Performers: This production is done to enhance a regular education. Therefore, performers under the age of 18 are expected to keep up their grades. If you don’t think your child can handle school work and production work please do not have them audition.
• Performers: You understand that supervision will not be provided for your child any earlier than the beginning of the rehearsal and no later than fifteen minutes after rehearsal. You must sign in and sign out your child at every rehearsal and performance they attend (if they are under 13).
• Everyone will receive a script or chorus book for this production that will be paid for as part of tuition. If you lose your script or chorus book new ones are $25.
• All cast members will be expected to pay Forever After Productions your actor participation fee of $210 at cast orientation via check or cash. You must notify Forever After Productions on or before Sunday, March 1st 2015 if you choose to withdraw without obligation.
• The success of every show relies heavily on contributions made by parents, relatives and participants. Whether it's building sets, painting scenery, working backstage during show or helping at concessions, we will count on every person to play a part. Every family will be responsible for contributing 22 hours total of volunteer time (8 hours pre- production or Pre-tech week with 2 hours during load in and 8 hours during tech week working backstage and 4 hours of strike). This means that each family must provide one adults to assist in deconstructing the set, organizing props, and/or general clean up during strike. There will be Buy-Put options discusses during Parent Orientation. IF YOU CANNOT MAKE THIS COMMIMENT-DO NOT AUDITION.
Schedule Overview
Rehearsals may be held on Tuesdays, Thursdays nights, Sunday Afternoons Rehearsals will begin in mid-August. If you have a regular conflict on any of these days, please indicate it on the Audition Form.
NOTE: If you are performing in Cabaret at the PARC with Forever After Productions- The rehearsal schedule for Cabaret will not conflict with this production. Students are encouraged to take part in all productions.
NOTE: all performers will not be called to every rehearsal.
Dress Rehearsals and Performances
PERFORMERS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND EVERY DRESS REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE. DO NOT AUDITION if you are unable to attend every dress rehearsal and performance.
Dress Rehearsals are October 11th- 15th in the evening. We anticipate rehearsals running until about 10:30pm during that week.
Cast members will be required to arrive at least an hour and a half pre-show for every performance.
Performances for Music Man Jr. The Musical will be: Friday, October 16th at 7pm Saturday, October 17th at 2pm & 7pm Sunday, October 18th at 2pm & 7pm Friday, October 23rd at 7pm Saturday, October 24th at 2pm & 7pm Sunday, October 25th at 1pm & 5pm
There will be two School Performances for this production starting at 10am and 12pm on the following dates- Monday, October 19th and Tuesday October 20th
About The Production Music Man Jr. - The Musical – Rated G
Master showman Harold Hill is in town, and he's got "seventy-six trombones" in tow. Can upright, uptight Marian, the town librarian, resist his powerful allure? Based on the timeless Broadway classic, The Music Man JR. adapts this masterful musical for young performers. The result is family entertainment at its best - a bold, brassy show that will have the whole town atwitter!
The story follows fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill as he cons the people of River City, Iowa into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys' band he vows to organize. The catch? He doesn't know a trombone from a treble clef. His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian, whose belief in Harold's powers just might help him succeed in the end in spite of himself.
Character Breakdown
Ensemble- The Ensemble is comprised of Adult-types, teens and kids to play townspeople, traveling salesmen, teen dancers, Wa Tan Ye girls and the boys' band. Can accommodate additional Pick-a-little ladies Male or Female
Harold Hill- Harold Hill is a great role for a young person to play. We need a boy with charisma and charm, who is comfortable on stage. He should be a great actor, an good singer, and good dancer. Male Range: B3 - G5
Marion Paroo- The role of Marian is a different twist on the traditional leading lady. The character progresses greatly during the show, starting as an uptight librarian and transforming into a beautiful and trusting young woman. She must have an amazing voice, be an excellent actor, and be able to move well. She must also have an air of confidence that draws Harold and your audience to her. Female Range: G3 - G5
Charlie Cowell- is one of the premium acting-only roles. We need a strong actor with a good loud voice who is a bit of a ham and likes being on the stage and should have a good sense of comic timing. Male Non-singing
Mayor Shinn- The actor playing Mayor Shinn certainly needs a good sense of comic timing, but should be able to perform the role very seriously. Mayor Shinn does not have to sing or dance, but he is responsible for a great deal of the pacing and line pick up in the show. Male Non-singing
Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn- Everybody wants to play Eulalie. It's a great role for a great comic actress. Eulalie does have some singing and some dancing. Eulalie must work well with Mayor Shinn. Female Range: D4 - D5
Marcellus Washburn- This classic sidekick to Harold has been immortalized by comedic greats like Buddy Hacket. Marcellus' big number is "Shipoopi" so the character has to act well, sing reasonably well (although a character voice is best) and be able to dance. Male Range: E4 - D#5
Ethel Toffelmier- Ethel is Marcellus's girlfriend. She's described by Marcellus as "a nice comfortable girl and the bosses' niece." Ethel has some acting, some singing, and some dancing. Ethel is also one of the solo Pick-a-Little ladies.Female Range: D4 - D5
Mrs. Paroo- Mrs. Paroo is the conscience of River City. She is a great mother, stands up for what she believes in, and gently pushes Marian to think of her future. The role requires an actress who can do a good Irish Brogue, and who can sing and act. She should also look right with Marian and Winthrop. Female Ab Range: 3 - Eb5
Winthrop Paroo- Winthrop should appear to be young, his voice must be unchanged and he should be a good actor. Winthrop also needs to be able to affect a believable lisp. Winthrop has to transform from a shy child to an outspoken child who not only sings but dances! Male Range: C4 - Eb5
Amaryllis- Amaryllis is the slightly bratty girl who studies piano with Marian. Amaryllis should be a good actor, and roughly the same size as Winthrop and Gracie. Just who are Amaryllis' parents is one of the great mysteries of The Music Man JR.. Female Non- singing
Ewart Dunlop- Ewart is one of the four quartet members with the second highest voice or tenor. He is married to Maud Dunlop. Male Range: E4 - F#5 Baritone
Oliver Hix- Oliver is one of the four quartet members with the second lowest voice or baritone. He is married to Alma Hix. Male Range: E4 - F#5 Baritone
Jacey Squires- Jacey is one of the four quartet members with the highest voice or tenor. He is married to Mrs. Squires.. Male Range: B3 - A5 Tenor
Olin Britt- Olin is one of the four quartet members with the lowest voice or bass.. Male Range: A3 - D5 Bass
Tommy Djilas- Tommy is the teen heartthrob in the show .Tommy's love interest is Zaneeta. Male Non-singing
Zaneeta Shinn- Zaneeta should be a strong female dancer. The role is often given dance features in both "76 trombones" and "Shipoopi". Zaneeta also should look like she belongs in the Shinn Family, although this is not necessary. Zaneeta gets to deliver the classic "Ye gads" line! Female Non-singing
Gracie Shinn- Gracie is Zaneeta's little sister. This role has one or two lines of dialogue and traditionally is the first soloist in "Wells Fargo Wagon." Female Range: B3 - Eb5
Alma Hix- One of the core members of the Pick-a-little ladies, requiring girls with strong voices and a good sense of comedy. Alma is married to Oliver. Female Range: D4 - D5
Maud Dunlop- One of the core members of the Pick-a-little ladies, requiring girls with strong voices and a good sense of comedy. Maud is married to Ewart.. Female Range: D4 - D5
Mrs. Squires- One of the core members of the Pick-a-little ladies, requiring girls with strong voices and a good sense of comedy. Mrs. Squires is married to Jacey. Female Range: D4 - D5
Conductor- The conductor has the first line in the show, so we will need an actor that is loud and energetic! Male Non-singing
Constable Locke- The Constable is a quietly wise man who sees through Harold, but doesn't seem to mind. It's a nice feature for any young character actor. Male Non- singing
Adults- The adults have a few lines (which will be distributed while blocking the scenes.) They also have some solo vocal lines. There are many adult characters in this show.
Traveling Salesmen- We need several good actors to play traveling salesmen, especially salesmen number five, number three, and number one. Male
Teen Dancers- The Teen Dancers will be responsible for "Shipoopi," and have features in "76 Trombones." Each Teen Dancer will be assigned to a family to create the illusion of a real town and will perfrom in several numbers. Male or Female
Wa Tan Ye Girls- Many little girls can play Wa Tan Ye Girls. They are featured during Eulalie's "Spectacle" just prior to "76 Trombones." Female
Boys' Band- Many little boys can be in the Boys' Band. The Boys' Band has two main features: "76 Trombones" and the finale of the show but will be perform in many other townspeople numbers. Male or Female
AUDITON MUSIC
Below are the lyrics to the three musical selections auditionees can choose from to sing for their audition. Please select one of the following choices to sing for auditions. This music can be found online or auditionees can come and pick up sheet music from the Forever After Rehearsal Studio or at Dance Beat during the times listed below. All students who audition will be asked to sing with the piano.
Audition Sheet Music Pick Up Times- at the Forever After Rehearsal Studio- Cherry Hill Village
Monday, July 27th from 6:30-8:00pm
Tuesday, July 28th from 5:30-8:30pm
Thursday, July 30th from 5:30-8:30pm
Forever After Rehearsal Studio- 50429 Independence Street, Canton, MI 48188
Audition Song #1- “Wells Fargo Wagon”
Lyrics: “Oho the Wells Fargo Wago is a comin’ down the street, oh please let it be for me. Oho the Wells Fargo wagon is a comin’ down the street I wish I wish I knew what it could be. I got a box of maple sugar on my birthday. In March, I got a grey mackinaw. And once I got some grapefruit from Tampa. Montgomry Ward sent me a bathtub and a crosscut saw.”
Audition Song #2- “ Seventy Six Trombones”
Lyrics: “Seventy Six Trombones caught the morning sun, with a hundred and ten cornets right behind. There were more than a thousand reeds springing up like weeds. There were horns of every shape and kind!”
Audition Song #3- “Till There Was You”
Lyrics: “There were birds, in the sky, but I never saw the winging, No, I never saw them at all, till there was you. An there was music, and there were wonderful roses, they tell me, in sweet fragrant meadows of dawn and dew.
If you have questions or concerns about the audition process or the production, please contact us at (734) 547-5156 or [email protected]. Please do not contact the director or casting panel concerning casting decisions, call backs, or audition scores.
PLEASE FILL OUT THE AUDITION FORM
AND BE READY TO HAND IT IN AT YOUR AUDITION.