Needham Community Theatre Auditioning for Jekyll & Hyde

The Needham Community Theater this week will be auditioning for its fall production of the Broadway musical Jekyll & Hyde, based on the story by Robert Louis Stevenson. Auditions will take place July 25 and 26 from 7 -10 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Needham, 1458 Great Plain Ave. Callbacks start at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

Cast members must be 18 years of age or older and have the ability to sing and move on stage, according Needham Community Theater board member Jeremy White. Some of the female chorus members must also be able to dance. Although actors come from all over, about two-thirds are from Needham, and Needham residents are given priority in casting.

Competition is stiff, as 110 people have signed up to audition for only 35-40 roles.
However, some roles are more difficult than others. While the men's chorus is not
particularly competitive, those auditioning for the roles of Jekyll, Lucy and Emma will face a lot of competition.

"Jekyll has to be amazing," said White. "People are coming from Boston Conservatory to try out, very talented people."

What's interesting about the titular role is that the lead actor must play both Jekyll and Hyde. Among other things, he needs to be good at changing his body movements from those of the upright Hyde to the deformed Jekyll, said White.

The Needham Community Theater has been in existence for 54 years. Every year they put on a big musical in the fall and a smaller play in the spring. All shows are held in the Carleton Auditorium at Newman School. This coming spring's play will be Ramona Quimby, based on the novels by Beverly Cleary.

For more information on auditions, show times, and ticketing, visit the Needham
Community Theater's website at www.needhamtheatre.org.