Foothill Music Theatre and Foothill Theatre Arts Department Announces Open Auditions

From the creators of “Cabaret” and “Chicago”... The 2007 Tony-Award Broadway hit – a Backstage Musical Murder Mystery

Music and Lyrics by John Kander and Fred Ebb; Book by Rupert Jones and Peter Stone.

The Staff – Direction Jay Manley; Musical Direction – Mark Hanson; Choreography – Dottie Lester-White; Associate Director – Mary Welty-Dapkus; Scenic Design – Joe Ragey; Costume Design – Janis Bergmann; Lighting Design – Kurt Landisman.

The Story of “Curtains” – Curtains is a backstage musical with a “play-within-the play”. Set in the 1950’s it tells the story of a troupe of actors, the cast of "Robbin' Hood," an ill-conceived musical in its Boston pre-Broadway tryout. On opening night, its supremely untalented leading lady is murdered on stage, the first of several murders. The cast is quarantined in the theatre, and the police investigation is led by Lt. Frank Cioffi, a community theatre aficionado in his off-time, who proves himself as interested in fixing the troubled musical as solving the murders. Of course, he accomplishes both tasks! The score for Curtains runs the gamut from witty patter songs, to rich ballads and lots of exciting, full ensemble numbers. Because Curtains may not be well-known to some of you, a complete story synopsis can be found at: http://www.theatricalrights.com/curtains

Audition Dates and Times – Sunday evening, March 20, 6-9:30pm, or Monday evening, March 21, 6:30-9:30pm, Lohman Theatre, Foothill College. Callbacks will be scheduled March 26-29. Should you be absolutely unable to attend a preliminary audition, email us and we’ll try to arrange an alternate time.

Production Dates – Performances of Curtains are scheduled from July 22-August 14. Rehearsals begin about June 1.

What to Prepare – Up-tempo or ballad Broadway show song. Songs from the show are acceptable. Bring sheet music in correct key. An accompanist will be provided. A brief cold reading will be assigned at tryouts; material from Curtains will be used at callbacks. No appointments necessary; we will attempt to keep you for no more than 1 1/2 hours. Dress to move. Possibility of one Equity Guest Artist Contract; Equity members should contact us for an appointment.

Roles in “Curtains” – LT. FRANK CIOFFI (30s-40s): Boston detective, also musical theatre aficionado. Good at his job, he has also aspired to be a musical theatre performer his entire life. Falls in love with Niki. Strong comic skills, major singing, some dance; vocal range: A-flat-E. NIKI HARRIS (20s-early 30s) Pretty, naive ingenue, chorus girl/understudy meets and falls in love with Cioffi; legit Soprano, C-E, good comic timing, dance. GEORGIA HENDRICKS (30s-40) Female half of songwriting team., ends up taking on the leading role. Must sing and dance well, G-E. CARMEN BERNSTEIN (40s-mid 60s) Brassy Broadway producer. Terrific comedic actress, sings well, Low E-flat-E. AARON FOX (30s-40s) The composer, separated from his wife. Charming ladies man, strong baritone, B-flat-G-flat. SIDNEY BERNSTEIN (Late 40s-Mid 60s): Co-producer, tough and self-serving. Good comic timing; non-singing. CHRISTOPHER BELLING (40-60) English director. Very camp. Good comic skills, character singer, B-E. BAMBI BERNET (Early 20s- 30s) daughter of Carmen. Hungry to work her way up to leading performer, good dancer/comedienne who sings well, C-C. DARYL GRADY (30s-40s): Theatre critic for the Boston Globe, enjoys using his power to make or break shows, non- singing. JOHNNY HARMON (40s-50s) Stage Manager, gruff but lovable, minor singing. OSCAR SHAPIRO (45-65): The general manager, agreeable if slightly gruff man. Always looking for any angle to find money; Good singer, B-flat-E. BOBBY PEPPER (20s to early 30s) The choreographer and lead dancer; Strong singer who dances well, A-E. JESSICA CRANSHAW (30s-40s) Fading Hollywood star, a diva, who has no right to be one, “terrible” singer and actress; strong comic skills, G-D. PLUS MANY NAMED ENSEMBLE ROLES, members of the “Robbin’ Hood” company, with a LOT to do! This is a big show for dance, and great ensemble work!

Location and Parking at Auditions – Closest parking to auditions is Student Lot 8, immediately to your left, around the fountain, as you enter the Foothill Campus. While there is a $2 parking fee in the lots at all times (permits available from machines in the lots; bring $2 in coins or $1 bills) Lot 8 has free “visitor” spaces, but do not exceed the one hour limit. If you are cast in the production, you will be given a free permit for the duration of the project. Foothill College is located at I- 280 and El Monte Road, in Los Altos Hills.

Questions – If you have further questions, please email [email protected] Thank you for your interest in Foothill Music Theatre!