MOTOWN THE MUSICAL to Hold Open Auditions in Chicago Tomorrow

Broadway In Chicago and Producers Kevin McCollum, Doug Morris and Berry Gordy have announced an additional open call casting search for African American singers for the upcoming national tour of Motown the Musical, with a rare opportunity to audition for this hit Broadway musical at Ballet Chicago (17 N State Street) on Thursday, February 20 at 12 p.m. The first national tour will launch in Chicago April 22 - July 13, 2014 at the Oriental Theatre.

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is seeking African-American men and women, ages 20s-40s, with exceptional voices. Also seeking an African-American boy, age 8 to 13, to play young Michael Jackson / Berry Gordy / Stevie Wonder. No prior theatre experience is necessary.

All candidates must have amazing soulful voices to play different performers from Motown history. All vocal parts are encouraged to attend.

What to bring:

1. Bring sheet music for a song of choice from the Motown songbook that best features vocal range.

2. Bring a picture and resume including contact information (cell phone, email) stapled together. A recent snapshot is sufficient in the absence of a formal headshot. An accompanist will be provided.

For more information on the open call auditions visit: http://www.motownthemusical.com/casting

For details about what to bring and what to prepare, email casting@motownthemusical.com

CHICAGO AUDITIONS
Date: Thursday, February 20, 2014
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Location: Ballet Chicago
17 N State Street
Chicago, IL 60602

Directed by Charles Randolph-Wright, MOTOWN is the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy's journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and so many more.

Featuring all the classics you love, MOTOWN tells the story behind the hits as Diana, Smokey, Berry and the whole Motown family fight against the odds to create the soundtrack of change in America. Motown shattered barriers, shaped our lives and made us all move to the same beat. Now, the next electrifying chapter in the Motown story comes to Chicago as the national tour of MOTOWN launches on April 22, 2014.

MOTOWN's creative team features choreography by Patricia Wilcox (Blues in the Night) and Warren Adams (Toy Story), scenic design by David Korins (Bring It On: The Musical, Annie), costume design by Tony Award nominee ESosa (The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess, "Project Runway"), lighting design by Tony Award winner Natasha Katz (Once, Sister Act), sound design by Tony Award nominee Peter Hylenski (Rock of Ages, The Scottsboro Boys), projection design by Daniel Brodie (Jekyll and Hyde), hair and wig design by Charles LaPointe (Memphis) and casting by Telsey + Company.

MOTOWN features arrangements and orchestrations by Grammy and Tony Award nominee Ethan Popp (Rock of Ages), who also serves as music supervisor in reproducing the classic "Sound of Young America," with co-orchestrations and additional arrangements by Tony Award nominee Bryan Crook ("Smash") and dance arrangements by Zane Mark (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels).

MOTOWN is produced by Tony Award winning producer Kevin McCollum (Rent, In the Heights, Avenue Q), Chairman and CEO of SONY Music Entertainment Doug Morris and Motown founder Berry Gordy.

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is part of the Broadway In Chicago 2014 Spring Season. Tickets are available now for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710. Tickets are available at all Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (24 W. Randolph St., 151 W. Randolph St., 18 W. Monroe St. and 175 E. Chestnut), the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at (800) 775-2000, all Ticketmaster retail locations and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Photo by Joan Marcus