Open Auditions for

By and

Sunday, February 23, 2020 Monday, February 24, 2020 7:00pm - Max Bialystock, Leo Bloom & Ulla 7:00 - Max Bialystock, Leo Bloom & Ulla 8:00pm- Franz Liebkind, Roger Debris 8:00pm - Franz Liebkind, Roger Debris & Carmen Ghia & Carmen Ghia 8:30pm - Ensemble and Character Woman 8:30pm - Ensemble and Character Woman Sign is 30 minutes prior to the audition times

Call Backs: Tuesday, February 25 – 6:30PM - offsite at Northbrook Presbyterian Church

Bialystock and Bloom! Those names should strike terror and hysteria in anyone familiar with Mel Brooks' classic cult comedy film. Now as a big Broadway musical, once again sets the standard for modern, outrageous, in-your-face humor. A down-on-his-luck Broadway producer and his mild-mannered accountant come up with a scheme to produce the most notorious flop in history, thereby bilking their backers out of millions of dollars. Only one thing goes awry: the show is a smash hit! The antics of Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom as they maneuver their way fecklessly through finding a show, hiring a director, raising the money and finally going to prison for their misdeeds is a lesson in broad comic construction. At the core of the insanely funny adventure is a poignant emotional journey of two very different men who become fast friends. The Producers skewers Broadway traditions and takes no prisoners as it proudly proclaims itself an "equal opportunity offender!" Production Dates: May 1, 2, 3*, 8, 9, 10*, 15, 16 & 17 * * = Matinee Performances

Rehearsal Schedule: Please be prepared to indicate all possible conflicts on your audition form. Rehearsals will be Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday evenings. You must be available 2 weeks prior to opening, Long Sunday April 26 and all of Tech Week April 27-30 Prepare: Music: Please see Character Descriptions for audition songs. We prefer the music cuts to be memorized, but not the reading cuts. Dance: You will be taught a short dance routine. Readings: Readings will be from the script. It is recommended you read the script prior to auditions. For Audition Cuts, please email [email protected] or visit the Village Players Box Office after February 4th – Tuesday through Saturday, 10am – 4pm.

PLEASE COME PREPARED! Character Descriptions: The age ranges listed are the characters’ ages (not necessarily the ages of the actors). Max Bialystock: (40-55) the consummate con man. Naturally animated, loud and bombastic, he is never at a loss for turning on the charm and manners. He is highly excitable. Typically conspires with Leo. A very demanding, comedic role both vocally and physically, and carries the show. Vocal range: F#4 to A2 Audition songs: The King of Broadway and We Can Do It. But, please familiar with ALL of Max’s songs. Leo Bloom: (30-45) a boring, mousy, meek and lovable accountant. Believes he should do everything by the book. He is a hesitant optimist who longs for something more. He is prone to hysterical fits of anxiety. He is dragged into a scheme by Max. Physical comedy is needed, good dancing skills, tap is a plus. Vocal range: F4 to A2 Audition songs: I Wanna Be a Producer and We Can Do It. But, please familiar with ALL of Leo’s songs. Franz Liebkind: (30-55) a German loyalist playwright. From his lederhosen to his pigeon, Adolph, his love for the fatherland and the Fuehrer is unmistakable. He is an imposing yet tender nut. Speaks with a German accent. Very funny role. Vocal range: G4 to F2 Audition song: Haben Sie gehört das deutsche Band? Ulla Inga Hansen Benson Yonsen Tallen-Hallen Svaden-Svanson (20s to late 30s) a knock-out, sexy, Swedish actress. Ulla is very passionate about life and art and is a clueless seductress in some ways. Speaks with a stereotypical Swedish accent. Dancing and flexibility and the splits are a plus. Her song characterizes her quite nicely! Vocal range: G5 to A3 with a belt. Audition song: When You've Got It, Flaunt It Rogers Debris (45 to 60) is New York's most famous and over-the-top flamboyant stage director. He surrounds himself with deliciously beautiful clothing, people and possessions. In a crowd, it would be impossible to miss him. Vocal range: G4 to G#2 Audition songs Keep It Gay and Springtime for Hitler Carmen Ghia (25 to 35) Roger’s common-law assistant and is Just as flamboyant as Roger is. Together, he and Roger make for a hysterical couple, arguing cattily yet exchanging winks too. He has over affected mannerisms and a well pronounced S. Vocal range: A4 to C3 Audition song Keep It Gay Female Character Actress: (30-50) ideally looking to cast one versatile woman to portray realistically a plethora of fun bit character roles: Drunken bag lady, The Dirty Old Lady; “Hold Me, Touch Me”, Shirley Markowitz; Roger Debris’ butch lighting designer, Ugly Producer Girl and a Chain smoking audition pianist. Audition song Along Came Bialy Male and Female Ensemble: (18 on up) If you’re going to be in the Ensemble, this is the musical for you. Not only are you in so many musical numbers, but you are portraying fun character roles with individual personalities, plus lots of tap dancing to go around. Ensemble roles include: Accountants; Bavarian Peasants; Convicts; First Nighters; Little Old Ladies; Storm Troopers; Chorus Girls; Girl and Guy Prisoners; Usherettes, NYC inhabitants, Roger Debris’ Gay entourage, Hitler Auditionees, etc. Included in the ensemble is a strong male tenor. Looking to cast 6 to 8 women and 6 to 8 men in the ensemble. Audition Songs: Men – Springtime for Hitler Women - I Wanna Be a Producer

Production Staff: Michael A. Gravame – Director 248-506-0885 / [email protected] Stan Harr – Music Director Eileen White– Producer Valerie Mould – Choreographer Sue Chekaway and Diane D’Agostino – Asst. Directors

The movie musical version of The Producers is pretty close to the stage play, and there are many video clips from this musical on YouTube.

There will be an audition workshop for The Producers scheduled for Saturday, February 8th @11am at the theatre. It is not required to attend the workshop to audition, but strongly encouraged.

At the workshop you will receive information on this amazing musical; the characters, production vision and be given all the information needed regarding the audition process as well as be taught the audition music cuts, learn the audition choreography and be given the audition reading cuts. We hope to see you there!