The Cranford Dramatic Club announces auditions for Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Carousel”. Auditions for adults 16 or older will be held Thursday, January 12 beginning at 7 PM, Saturday, January 14 beginning at 1 PM and Sunday, January 15th beginning at 1 PM at the Cranford Dramatic Club, 78 Winans Ave., Cranford, NJ.
Children 8-15 years old interested in auditioning for “Snow Children” should attend the auditions on Saturday, January 14 or Sunday, January 15. Callbacks (including a dance audition for some adult ensemble roles) will be held Saturday, January 21 beginning at 1 PM.
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Liz Howard Produces, Juan Pineda Directs, Valerie Pineda Musically Directs and Fausto Pineda Choreographs. “Carousel” runs Fridays and Saturdays May 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19 and Sundays, May 6 and 13 at the CDC Theatre in Cranford, NJ.
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Please prepare two contrasting 16-bar cuts (you may not be asked to perform both) in the style of the show. Pop, rock and contemporary theatre music is not appropriate. Please bring sheet music in the correct key. An accompanist will be provided.
In addition to a vocal audition, there will be a brief movement call. Sneakers and comfortable street or dance clothes are fine. You will be given time to change.
“Carousel” premiered in 1945, adapted from Ferenc Molnar’s 1909 play, “Liliom”, with the writers re-setting the location from Budepest to a small coastal town in Maine. The story revolves around the relationship between an abusive carousel barker, Billy Bigelow, and small-town millworker, Julie Jordan. Billy attempts a robbery to provide for Julie and their unborn child. His plan has tragic consequences, but in the end, Billy gets the opportunity for redemption as well as forgiveness for his past regressions.
Please note the creative team is open to non-traditional and color-blind casting for all roles.
Roles:
Billy Bigelow (20s-30s) Baritone to high G – Carousel Barker; strong-willed, good-looking, tough and proud. Has a sensitive, thoughtful side that is often overshadowed by a dark, violent streak. Falls in love and marries Julie.
Julie Jordan (18-30s) Soprano to G – Mill worker; attractive, naïve and shy, yet headstrong in her beliefs. Falls for Billy despite his flaws and against the advice of her friends.
Carrie Pipperidge (18-30s) alto or soprano to F – Julie’s best friend; naïve and direct. A conventional girl who marries the stable but rather prudish Enoch Snow. Comedic role.
Nettie Fowler (30+) Mezzo to G – Julie’s older cousin; caring, good-natured owner of the sea-side spa and a respected member of the community; is the motherly “soul” of the village.
Enoch Snow (20s-30s) Tenor to high A - An uptight fisherman; straight-laced and ambitious in a small-town kind of way. Marries Carrie.
Jigger Craigin (20-40) Baritone - A whaler; sleazy villain who befriends Billy and then manipulates him into committing a crime, a confident smooth talker/con-artist.
Mrs. Mullin (30+) any voice type (ensemble singing only) Widowed carousel owner; brash and gruff, but not necessarily unattractive. Employs Billy, yet treats him like her property even though she secretly loves him.
Louise (should read 16-20) any voice type (ensemble singing only) Billy and Julie’s daughter; excellent dancer, tom-boy, strong-willed, morose and sad. Has led a difficult life because of the community’s judgment on her father. Featured in 6-minute dream ballet.
Featured Roles (will also double in the ensemble):
David Bascombe (40+) rich owner of the Bascombe Cotton Mills
Carnival Boy (20s) Strong dancer/partner with Louise in dream ballet, reminiscent of Billy when he was young.
Star Keeper/Dr. Seldon (40+) A heavenly figure; wise and good-natured. Dr. Seldon is the earthly incarnation of the Starkeeper. Large featured speaking role.
Heavenly Friend #1 and #2 (20+) Angels; take Billy to heaven. Can be male or female.
Enoch Snow, Jr (should read 16-20) Enoch’s oldest son; gawkish and straight-laced like his father. In love with Louise.
8 Snow Children (amount of girls versus boys will be determined by audition, but all should appear to be 5-16), Enoch and Carrie’s children. Please note that some Snow Children may be played by younger adult cast members.
Arminy (18-30) friend of Julie’s, has small vocal solo within one song.
Adult Ensemble:
The artistic staff is actively seeking a physically and ethnically diverse ensemble of strong legit singers who move well and also dancers who sing to portray various inhabitants of a small New England coastal town. There are several small featured roles and solos that will be cast from the ensemble to be assigned during the rehearsal period.
For further information, please email lizhoward20@yahoo.com or visit www.cdctheatre.org.
