[Capdist-auditions] Seussical Auditions at SLOC Musical Theater September 2 and 4

[Michael McDermott]

 SEUSSICAL:  THE MUSICAL at SLOC Musical Theater
Auditions for the company premiere of Seussical: The Musical at SLOC Musical Theater, will be held on September 2 and 4, 2008 at the Opera House, 826 State Street, with sign-in beginning at 7:00 PM. Auditions will begin promptly at 7:30pm.  
Director Eric Shovah, Producer Marlene Countermine, Musical Director Daniel Galliher, and Choreographer Melissa Lacijan are looking for actors and actress to bring to life the magic of Dr. Seuss on the SLOC stage.  This musical is written by the same team (Ahrens and Flaherty) that brought such classics as Ragtime, Lucky Stiff, A Man of No Importance, and Once on This Island.  Monty Python great, Eric Idle, also helped to co-conceive this musical gem!  
Seussical: The Musical brings to life many of the works of Dr. Seuss including such characters as The Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Mayzie La Bird, The Whos of Whoville, the Grinch, and much more!  All the stories are woven together by JoJo, a young boy and “thinker of strange thinks.”  As all these stories and allegories unfold, Seuss’s themes and messages are brought to life and are appealing to “thinkers” of all ages.  With most of the show sung, the score boasts a variety of flavors, including Latin, pop, swing, gospel, funk, R&B, and classic musical style!
Each person auditioning should prepare two contrasting songs (ie. a ballad and an up-tempo number) that show off range and character.  Singing from the show is highly encouraged, but not mandatory.  Prepare approximately 16-32 bars of music for each song.  There will also be a brief movement/dance audition for everyone.  Following the dance/music audition, some actors may be kept to read from the show or to sing from the show.  * Note – it is beneficial to be familiar with the music of the show for this reason.  Please feel free to bring a headshot and resume, if available.
 * * * Please also note, though there are parts for young actors, the majority of the cast will be portrayed by adults.
Character descriptions along with vocal ranges are listed.  The production dates are December 5-7, and 12-14, 2008.  Due to strong requests, Saturdays will have both matinee and evening performance.  If ticket sales warrant, we may add a performance on the evening of Thursday, December 11 at 8pm.  Please be available for all possible performances.  If you have questions regarding the audition process or other concerns, please contact Director Eric Shovah at bialystockandbloom at nycap.rr.com or by phone at (518) 526-1300 or Producer Marlene Countermine at (518) 421-9603.  We look forward to seeing you there!
 
Character Descriptions:
 
The Cat in the Hat - is the essence of mischief, fun and imagination. The Cat stirs things up, causes trouble, but always sets things right again, helping JoJo to discover the power of his imagination as they create the story for the show together. Looking for a physically adept actor (male or female) to play the Cat, one who will be able to play many comic cameos and is comfortable improvising with an audience.
 
JoJo - is a "Thinker"--a smart child with a wild imagination. He can be played as being a little bit awkward, a little bit of a loner, or simply a rambunctious kid whose 'Thinks' get him into constant trouble. By the end of the show, he learns what it means to be a responsible member of his world, using the power and possibilities of his own 'Thinks.'
 
Horton the Elephant - A gentle giant, rotund and appealing. Think of him as a big-hearted blue collar guy who is steadfast and responsible and always tries to do the right thing for his friends. He is imaginative and receptive to the world around him. He is very un-self-conscious. Horton's view of the world never changes--he believes in its goodness. But by the end of the show, without even realizing it, he is ready to become a parent.
 
Gertrude McFuzz - Very self-conscious and aware that her one-feather tail isn't perfect. Gertrude changes during the show from a neurotic, nervous and shy bird into one with the power to protect and care for a baby elephant bird and commit herself to Horton. In other words, she stops worrying about her looks and grows up.
 
Mayzie LaBird - Self-centered, selfish and vain, Mayzie will never admit to her own flaws. She manipulates anyone she can (especially Horton) into doing what she wants. But Mayzie isn't all bad. In giving up her egg to Horton once and for all, she has a moment of generosity--she realizes she isn't the kind of person who'd be a good parent, and she does the best thing she can do for the egg.
 
Sour Kangaroo - She isn't really sour at all. She's just got a lot of attitude. She's loud, brassy and a lot of fun.
 
General Gengus Khan Schmitz - General Schmitz is bursting with pride at the military academy he runs, and the boys he turns out. He is not sadistic, mean or abusive. He is proud! He is doing the right thing for his boys! He is making the world a better place! This makes him a comic character, because it's clear he's so misguided. Please don't play him as a villain or bully. By the end of the show, he's discovered that making war may not be the right thing to do, and that adults can learn from children as well.
 
The Wickersham Brothers - These are not bad guys! They're simply a lot like kids who tease, play pranks and get a kick out of making mischief, although often at others' expense. They enjoy hanging around with one another, making music together on the street corner, and playing off one another.  They are a group, but each should be distinct and have their own persona.  
 
The Mayor of Whoville and the Mayor’s Wife - parents trying hard to raise a difficult child in a difficult world. They may get aggravated with Jojo, but they love him dearly and try to do the right thing, even if it turns out to be a mistake. 
 
Ensemble – they play the Whos, Jungle Creatures, and Various Cameos.  These characters are a wide range – in age, look, and vocal parts.  Some of the roles will be featured dancers and singers as well.  Some roles included in this are the Bird Girls, Yertle the Turtle, Cadets in Schmitz Academy, The Grinch, Cindy Lou Who and Vlad Vladikoff.  Many of the ensemble may play between 2-5 roles in the show.
 
*** JoJo is the only leading role for a child/young teenager.  There will be approximately eight to ten kids in the cast playing other roles.  The other roles in the show that are available will be played mostly by adults and young adults.  
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