<p class="MsoNormal">This family is out to face the music: Next to Normal
Auditions at SLOC</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal">SLOC Musical Theater is delighted to present the new
dramatic rock musical “Next to Normal” as the season opener for the SLOC
2012-13 season, helmed by Director Michael Mensching. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Auditions will be held May 21 and May 22 at
the SLOC Performing Arts Center, 427 Franklin Street in Schenectady.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Sign in will be at 6:30, with a start for
auditions at 7 pm. Rehearsals will begin
in Mid-August, M-W-F and Sunday at 7 pm. SLOC Musical Theater will present
“Next to Normal” October 12-14 and 18-21, 2012. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal">Next to Normal, a rock musical with book and lyrics by Brian
Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt is the latest Broadway hit to be released for
general production. It is a powerful musical with a story that concerns a
mother who struggles with worsening bipolar disorder and the effect that her
illness has on her family. The musical
opened on Broadway in April 2009. It was
nominated for eleven 2009 Tony Awards and won three. Lead actress Alice Ripley
won the Tony for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a musical and her
performance had the audience leaping to its feet as the final notes were sung.
The Broadway production also won Tony awards for Best Original Score and Best
Orchestration. Additionally, the play
was only the eighth musical to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama (2010). In awarding the prize to Yorkey and Kitt, the
Pulitzer Board called the show "a powerful rock musical that grapples with
mental illness in a suburban family and expands the scope of subject matter for
musicals." The play has resonated
greatly with audiences of all ages, but has rapidly become a favorite cult
favorite of the younger members of the theater community.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal">The production will be guided by Michael Mensching, who
helmed this season’s presentation of Elton John’s “Aida”. Mensching has brought many critical and
commercial successes to the SLOC stage including “The Full Monty”, “Kiss of the
Spider Woman”, “Songs for a New World” and “ Jane Eyre: The Musical.” He is joined by a proven and experienced
production team that includes Musical Director Jason Dashew, Choreographer Greg
Marsh, Set Designer Doug Peek, Lighting Designer Michael Gatzendorfer, Costume
Designer Debbie Lummis and Producers Joanne Peal and Michael McDermott.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal">All roles are available for casting and there will be no
double casting. Additionally, there is no tuition fee for younger actors who
audition and are cast in this production.
We are seeking four Men and two Women (aged 16 and older).</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> ·Diana - Thirties or
forties. Sexy. Sharp.
Delusional bipolar depressive.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> ·Dan, her husband -
Thirties or forties. Handsome. Genuine.
Constant. Tired.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> ·Natalie, her
daughter- Sixteen and trying to be perfect. It's not going well.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> ·Henry -
Seventeen. Musician, romantic, stoner,
slacker, philosopher king.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> ·Doctor Madden - On
the young side of ageless. Assured. A rock star.
Also plays the role of Doctor Fine.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> ·Gabe- Nineteen. Energetic and enthusiastic, must move well,
not afraid of heights.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal">Please come prepared with 32 bars from 2 contrasting songs
(up tempo and ballad) from a Broadway Rock Musical. Singing songs from the show is
preferable. No a cappella singing please. An accompanist will be provided. Please bring sheet music; no pre-recorded
music. Musical auditions will be held first, not all actors will read. Actors auditioning for the roles of Diana and
Gabe should come prepared for a dance audition.
The actor playing Gabe must be able to move actively through all levels
of the set.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal">“This show presents a great opportunity for local actors to
perform something new and different. It also is a great opener for the SLOC
season, as it will allow the season subscribers to see one of the hottest shows
currently on tour before it has a professional appearance in this area,” says
Mensching. “I have to admit, it was one
of the most emotional and moving shows I have seen on Broadway in the past
several years. And the dramatic surprises…well, the audience is in for quite a
roller coaster that has a pay-off at the end that will leave them talking about
the play for some time.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal">Call the director, Michael Mensching, at 477-2256 for more
information.</p><div><br></div>-- <br>Jonathan Pate<br><a href="mailto:jonathanrpate@gmail.com">jonathanrpate@gmail.com</a><br>(518) 953-7055 Cell<br><br><br>