[Capdist-auditions] Open Auditions for Frankenstein, A New Musical

[Tim Orcutt]

Frankenstein, A New Musical
Mary Shelley's Classic Novel. Reborn.

Music by Mark Baron
Book and Lyrics by Jeffrey Jackson
Original Story Adaptation by Gary P. Cohen
>From the novel by Mary Shelley

Auditions for the REGIONAL PREMIERE of the critically acclaimed 2007 Off-Broadway Musical!

Academy Hall Auditorium, RPI campus, 15th & College streets, Troy

RPI map here -> http://www.rpi.edu/tour/zoomify/index.html

Monday May 23, 7 PM;
Tuesday May 24, 7 PM

Presented by the The Delta Xi cast of Alpha Psi Omega, the team that brought you last year's [title of show], at the RPI Playhouse.

Tim Orcutt directs.

For show details, check out the official website and wikipedia pages:

www.frankensteinthemusical.com (also has song clips!)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankenstein_%E2%80%93_A_New_Musical

With earnest ballads and soaring ensemble numbers, this compelling new musical brings the suspense and romance of the classic tale to life in a uniquely faithful, yet thoroughly innovative adaptation of Mary Shelley's original novel. In his quest to discover the secret of life, Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant young scientist, creates a human of his own design that turns out to instead be a horrifying beast. This is no "Hollywood monster," but a flesh-and-blood man who, while terrifying in appearance, grows to become articulate, cunning, and thirsting for revenge upon the creator who abandoned him. A tragic love story and exploration of humanity, Frankenstein, A New Musical breathes new life into the world-renowned story of man and creator pitted against one another in epic battle.

Most actors will play multiple roles, all will require singing.

Please be prepared to sing 16-32 bars of a Broadway tune (please give our accompanist a break and steer clear of Sondheim!). No a cappella singing. Generally singing the last verse, or the bridge and final verse will be sufficient. Since most of this piece is sung, it will be important for you to express the intent of the song during your audition. Dramatic pieces are preferred.

Since the script is mostly sung, there will be no readings from the script.

Available Roles:

Victor Frankenstein - (Male, age 20-40) - brilliant scientist whose goal is to "spare the world the anguish of loved ones taken in their prime" by re-animating the dead. Demanding role, must be a strong singer and be able to hold a "power note" for at least 10 seconds.

Captain Robert Walton (Male, age 40-60) - may be doubled with "Blind Man" - Sea Captain who discovers Victor near death, on a floe of ice, and rescues him. Serves also in part as narrator.

Blind Man (Male, age 40-60) - may be doubled with "Captain Robert Walton" - he and his daughter Agatha befriend the Creature, with disastrous results.

Father - (Male, age 45-60) - Victor's father - proud to a fault of his son, according to him Victor can do no wrong. Operatic baritone.

Henry - (Male, age 20-40) - Victor's closest friend, a priest who reminds Victor that "no man should act as God". Requires a strong singer.

William - (Male, age 8-12 OR Female age 25-40) - age 10, Victor's younger brother (open to non-traditional casting in this role)

Condemned Man/ The Creature - (male 25-45) - requires strong bass/baritone with imposing physical presence, Victor's creation, bent on revenge against Victor for disturbing his "eternal rest" as the Condemned Man.

Executioner (and other roles - male, age 25-50)

University Official (and other roles - male, age 25-50)

Mother (and other roles - female, age 45-60) - Victor's mother, loving and nurturing spirit

Justine (and Bride - female age 30-45) - trusted servant and nanny to William, falsely accused of William's murder, she is executed and Victor re-animates her body as the Creature's bride. Requires a good screamer.

Elizabeth (female age 20-35) - Victor's "one true love" and ward of Victor's father. She and Victor had been inseparable throughout their childhood. Requires a strong singer.

Agatha (and other roles, female age 20-35) - young mother and daughter of the Blind Man

There will also be two additional roles for females age 25-50, each of which will involve multiple roles.

Rehearsals are tentatively set to begin in mid-July, with rehearsals in the evenings. At present, the plan is to go with a Sunday, Monday Wednesday, Thursday schedule, but that is not set in stone.

Show dates are the first two weekends in September following Labor Day (9th through 17th).

Rehearsals will be scheduled to minimize "down time", at least for the first several weeks (although there is not a lot of down time here).

Please send questions to the director (tjo1865 at yahoo.com).

Come and be part of a regional premiere of a great musical!