MEMPHIS - National Tour Auditions

Junkyard Dog Productions     New York City      SETA     Currently $741/week minimum.

Music/Lyrics: David Bryan

Book/Lyrics: Joe DiPietro

Dir: Christopher Ashley

Choreo: Sergio Trujillo

Mus Sprvsr: Chris Jahnke

Mus Dir: Kenny Seymour

GM: Alchemy Production Group

Casting: Telsey + Company

Tour is currently running.

Equity Principal Auditions:

Wednesday, October 17, 2012                                                                      Telsey + Company

10 AM - 6 PM                                                                                                  315 West 43rd Street, 10th Floor

Lunch from 1:30 - 2:30.                                                                                    New York City

Please prepare a short pop/rock/r&b song. Bring sheet music in the correct key; an accompanist will be provided, but may not transpose. Please bring a photo and resume, stapled back-to-back. 

Fictional story of Huey Calhoun, one of the first white disc jockeys who dared to play rhythm & blues music for his white teenage listeners in the early 1950s.

Seeking, for possible future replacements in the touring production:

Huey:

Caucasian man, 20s-30s. Our frenzied, bombastic, motor-mouthed hero, who talks his way into becoming a DJ at a local “white” radio station. Ignores race barriers and eventually falls in love with Felicia, a talented black singer … which causes a whole new set of problems for Huey in segregated Memphis. Tenor with a great feel for pop/rock/r&b styles.

Felicia:

African American woman, 20s-30s. Beautiful, wide-eyed. Fiercely gifted singer. Felicia follows her heart and falls in love with Huey, despite knowing deep down that a relationship between a white man and a black woman in prejudiced Memphis is doomed. High r&b belt voice.

Delray:

African American man, 30s-40s. Felicia’s older brother. Owns the club on Beale Street where she sings. He is realistic, cautious, protective and aware of the realities of the segregation that exists in Memphis and the world beyond. Baritenor with a great pop/rock/r&b voice.

Gladys:

Caucasian woman, 40s-60s. Huey’s stern, traditional, blue-collar Southern mother. Has worked her entire life to be able to support herself and her son, whom she loves, but about whom she constantly worries. Strong singer with alto-belt mix; excellent actor with comic skills.

Gator:

African American man, 20s-30s. Bartender at Delray’s. Hasn’t spoken since age five, when he saw his father killed. As the story progresses, Gator finds his voice again. Must be an excellent actor and singer; comic timing a plus. Great r&b bari-tenor. 

Bobby:

African American man, 30s-40s. Janitor at Mr. Simmons’s radio station. Full of personality and heart.  Needs an actor who is comfortable with physicality, as he has a dance break in his show-stopping number “Big Love”. Comic skills a plus. Great gospel voice. 

Mr. Simmons:

Caucasian man, 40s-60s. Conservative owner of the radio station where Huey gets his start. The strong, Southern commanding businessman becomes willing to take a chance on Huey when he realizes the audience Huey reaches and the money he can command. Role for a great actor who is comfortable singing.