LCT Holds Auditions for "Beautiful, The Carole King Musical"

Landmark Community Theatre will be holding auditions for the Carole King musical, BEAUTIFUL, on Sunday, January 22nd and Monday, January 23rd at the Thomaston Opera House. In the event of inclement weather, auditions will be moved to Wednesday January 25th. Auditions will be on a first come, first served basis. No appointments are required. Auditions will run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Noel Roberge will direct the show with music direction by Beckie Wallace. The show dates are April 22, 23, 28, 29, 30, May 5, 6, 7 for a total of 8 performances. Rehearsals will begin on Sunday, January 29th and continue to be held 2-3 times a week. Rehearsal days will be Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings.

Auditioners must bring sheet music with them and be prepared to sing 32 bars (about a minute) of a fully memorized musical theater song showcasing the style and vocal range of the character for which they are auditioning. Songs from BEAUTIFUL will be allowed. Additional vocalizing may also be a part of the audition to determine vocal range and harmonizing skills. An accompanist will be provided; no recorded accompaniment is permitted. All people auditioning should be expected to dance at their audition. Please wear appropriate clothing and shoes you can move in.
LCT is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. As such, we encourage performers of all races and ethnicities, gender identities, sexualities, abilities, and ages to attend every audition. To performers with disabilities, you are encouraged to audition. Please indicate if you need special services, assistance, or appropriate modifications to fully participate in this event by contacting Andrea Bingham, Production Manager, andrea@landmarkcommunitytheatre.org

Plot Summary: The inspiring true story of Carole King's remarkable rise to stardom. Carole King was a spunky young songwriter from Brooklyn with a unique voice. From being part of a hit songwriting team with husband Gerry Goffin to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history, Beautiful takes you back to where it all began - and takes you on the ride of a lifetime. Featuring such unforgettable classics as "You've Got A Friend," "One Fine Day," "So Far Away," and "Natural Woman," this Tony and Grammy award winning musical phenomenon is filled with the songs you remember and a story you'll never forget.

Character Breakdown:
Carole King – (Lead) (Female/Female Presenting; Age: 25-35; Voice Part: Mezzo Soprano F3-F5)
An ordinary girl from Brooklyn. An American songwriter/performer Carole has been active from the 1960’s and regarded as the most successful female songwriter of the latter half of the 20th century. Throughout the show we see her transform from a shy teenager into the confident woman who takes the plunge into becoming one of the most successful female singers of all time. Some piano skills preferred but not essential. Non-dancing role.

Gerry Goffin – (Lead) (Male/Male Presenting; Age: 25-40; Voice Part: Tenor C3-G4)
Carole King’s first husband and song writing partner, writing lyrics to many of her early hits, such as Some Kind of Wonderful, Take Good Care of My Baby and many others. Gerry proposes after Carole reveals she is pregnant with his baby, however, soon after begins having extramarital affairs with many other women due to an unhappiness in his early marriage, however he does care deeply for Carole. Strong singing/acting role. Non-dancing role.

Cynthia Weil – (Supporting) (Female/Female Presenting; Age: 25-40; Voice Part: Mezzo Soprano F3-E5) A lyricist working at the Brill Building, she and her song writing partner Barry Mann form a friendly rivalry with Carole and Gerry. She becomes one of Carole’s best friends and closest confidants and forms a flirtatious relationship with Barry though she is hesitant to start it knowing how he is with other women in the past. Strong singing/acting role. Some movement skills required.

Barry Mann – (Supporting) (Male/Male Presenting; Age: 25-40; Voice Part: Tenor C3-A4)
A song writer working at the Brill building. Barry is full of energy, cheeky and a bit of a flirt. He falls quite in love with his lyricist Cynthia Weil and spends some time convincing her to marry him. Strong singer and good comedic timing. Some piano/guitar skills preferred but not essential. Some movement skills required.

Donnie Kirshner – (Supporting) (Male/Male Presenting; Age: 40-60; Voice Part: Bass/Baritone A2-C4)
A successful record producer and music Publisher working at the Brill Building. He originally hires Carole, Gerry and Cynthia and helps foster the friendly rivalry between the teams of Goffin/King and Mann/Weil. This role is mostly non-singing but will be required to sing in ensemble numbers. Non dancing role.

Genie Klein – (Supporting) (Female/Female Presenting; Age: 40-60; Voice Part: N/A)
Carole’s mother. A stereotypical mid-century mother who is brash and un-hip at points, but always steps up to the plate for her daughter. This is a spoken role, but will require singing in ensemble numbers. Non dancing role.

Janelle Woods – (Featured) (Female/Female Presenting; Age: 20-40; Voice Part: Alto)
A pop singer, notably performing “One Fine Day”. An artist whom Carole and Gerry write music for. Janelle becomes a focus of Gerry’s extramarital affairs. This role is to be played by a Black/African American performer. Strong movement preferred.

Little Eva – (Featured) (Female/Female Presenting; Age: 18-30; Voice Part: Alto w/ High Extension)
A pop singer who begins working as a babysitter/nanny for Carole and Gerry’s daughter. When Carole and Gerry struggle to find the right person to perform Carole’s latest tune “Locomotion”, they realize Little Eva is the perfect fit. Role requires strong movement and strong vocal ability. This role is to be played by a BIPOC performer.

Marilyn Wald – (Featured) (Female/Female Presenting; Age: 20-40; Voice Part: Alto) A pop singer, notably performing “Pleasant Valley Sunday”. Also will double in ensemble roles throughout show. Dancing role.

Lou Adler – (Featured) (Male/Male Presenting; Age: 35-60; Voice Part: Bari-Tenor)
Influential record producer and executive in the sixties. Spoken role but will require singing in ensemble numbers. Non dancing role.

Lucille/”Shirelle” – (Featured) (Female/Female Presenting; Age: 20-40; Voice Part: Alto w/ High Extension) Donnie’s secretary. Mostly spoken role but will require singing in ensemble numbers.

Betty – (Featured) (Female/Female Presenting; Age: 20-40; Voice Part: Alto) Carole’s childhood best friend and confidant. Mostly spoken role. Singing will be required in ensemble numbers. Role may be subject to ensemble role doubling.

Nick – (Featured) (Male/Male Presenting; Age: 20-40; Voice Part: Bari-Tenor) New York based session musician. Responsible for getting Carole to come out of her “woman behind the curtain” shell and perform her music as herself. Spoken role but will require singing in ensemble numbers. Non dancing role.

Other Featured/Ensemble Roles

The Shirelle’s – (Group) (Female/Female Presenting; Age: 20-40; Voice Part: Alto w/ High Extension)
The Shirelle’s are a 4-Piece all female pop/r&b group of the time (i.e The Supremes). Performers in these roles may be subject to filling ensemble roles and will require singing in ensemble numbers. These roles are to be played by BIPOC. Strong ability to blend/harmonize tightly and strong movement required.

The Drifters – (Group) (Male/Male Presenting; Age: 20-40; Voice Part: Tenor) The Drifters are a 4-Piece all male pop/r&b group of the time (i.e The Temptations/Commodores). Performers in these roles may be subject to filling ensemble roles and will require singing in ensemble numbers. These roles are to be played by BIPOC. Strong ability to blend/harmonize tightly and strong movement required.

“Uptown” Soloist/Ensemble (Female/Female Presenting; Age: 20-40; Voice Part: Alto w/ High Extension) Active member of the ensemble but has a featured moment singing the song “Uptown”. Non speaking role. Light movement may be required.

Ensemble (All Genders; Age: 18+; All Vocal Parts)