Danbury's Musicals at Richter Season Auditions April 12-14

Danbury’s Musicals at Richter Announces Auditions for “The Addams Family” and “The Music Man” April 12-14, Plus Call for Volunteers

Danbury - Musicals at Richter (MAR), celebrating its 39th season as the longest-running outdoor theater in Connecticut, announces 2023 season auditions for its upcoming productions of “The Addams Family” and “The Music Man.” Auditions will be held Wednesday through Friday, April 12-14, at the Richter House Arts Center, 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury, adjacent to the Richter Park Public Golf Course, just off I-84, Exit 2.

The season kicks off with “The Addams Family” (July 7-22), featuring music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice. Based on the bizarre, darkly humorous and beloved characters created by cartoonist Charles Addams, this original story finds the famously macabre Addams Family put to the test when outsiders come to dinner, hurling Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, Pugsley, Fester, Grandmama and Lurch headlong into a night that will change the family forever. The show is directed for MAR by Skip Ploss, with music direction by Andrew Gadwah and choreography by Lindsay Miller.

The second show takes us to River City, Iowa and Meredith Willson’s iconic ode to small-town life, “The Music Man” (July 28 - August 12). This six-time Tony Award-winning show has been charming audiences for generations. Follow fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys' band that he vows to organize – this, despite the fact that he doesn't know a trombone from a treble clef. His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian, the town librarian. David Halliwell helms the production for MAR, joined by music director Peter Randazzo and choreographer Lindsay Miller.

Open auditions for high school (16 and up), college and adult performers will be held at Richter House Arts Center, 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury for both “The Addams Family” and “The Music Man” on Wednesday, April 12 and Thursday, April 13 from 7-10 PM and on Friday, April 14 from 8-10 PM. (Please park next door in the Richter Golf Course parking lot and walk up to the Richter House.)

All those auditioning should visit the MAR website (musicalsatrichter.org) to complete the online audition form and to review the guidelines and MAR policies. Please visit the Audition page on the website for our COVID policy and guidelines which are in the process of being updated.

Those auditioning for the two main stage shows should prepare two contrasting songs from the traditional and/or contemporary musical theater repertoire that show their range, bring sheet music in their key, and be ready to sing only their best 16 measures if necessary. An accompanist will be provided; please, no recorded accompaniment or a cappella singing.

Separate auditions for young performers ages 7-15 will be held Friday, April 14 from 6 PM to 8 PM. At that time, casting will be considered for Pugsley in “The Addams Family,” Amaryllis and Winthrop in “The Music Man,” and featured youth ensemble roles in “The Music Man.” Young performers may prepare one song from the Broadway repertoire (or from the show they are auditioning for) that shows their range and personality.

Auditionees should print and bring their completed audition form, along with a picture and resume (stapled) if they have them. They should also be prepared to learn a short dance combination and/or read from the script if asked.

All ethnicities are encouraged to attend and all roles are open. For “The Addams Family” (Gomez, Morticia, Ensemble), ballroom dancing (especially tango) skills are a plus but not required. For “The Music Man” (Ensemble and Dancers), gymnastics and acrobatic skills are also a plus but not required.

Please note that positions are unpaid and housing is not available. Show and character descriptions can be found on the theater website, musicalsatrichter.org. If you are unable to attend any of these auditions, please e-mail info@musicalsatrichter.org. Callbacks will be scheduled as needed.

In addition to performers, Musicals at Richter seeks volunteers from the area for backstage duties such as set construction, properties, tech (lights/sound) and running crew, along with front-of-house operations such as house management, ushering and concessions. Visit the theater website for job descriptions; interested individuals are invited to email the theater (info@musicalsatrichter.org). Several positions (such as stage managers) may offer a stipend or possible internships for credit.