City Center Encores! 2018 Season - NYC EPA
New York City Center Inc.
AUDITION DATE
Tue, Sep 05, 2017
9:30 am - 5:30 pm (EDT)
Lunch 1 to 2
Thu, Sep 07, 2017
9:30 am - 5:30 pm (EDT)
Lunch 1 to 2
CONTRACT
Special Agreement ($1,499/ Week) (favored nations)
SEEKING
NOTE: The Encores! Series presents fully staged concert versions of rarely produced American musicals. All performances will be at City Center. They include a full orchestra and chorus.
Seeking Equity actors for various roles
PREPARATION
Prepare a brief song appropriate to the season. Bring sheet music; accompanist provided. Bring picture and resume.
LOCATION
Actors' Equity New York Audition Center
165 W 46th St
16th Fl
New York, NY 10036
PERSONNEL
Artistic Director: Jack Viertel
Encores! Musical Director: Rob Berman
Casting: Binder Casting
OTHER DATES
see breakdown for schedule
OTHER
EPA Procedures are in effect for this audition.
An Equity monitor will be provided.
Equity’s contracts prohibit discrimination. Equity is committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to attend every audition.
Always bring your Equity Membership card to auditions.
BREAKDOWN
Show # 1 - HEY LOOK ME OVER
Artistic Director: Jack Viertel
Conceived by: Jack Viertel
Director: Marc Bruni
Choreographer: Denis Jones
Musical Director: Rob Berman
Casting: Binder Casting
Rehearsal: 1/23/18 Open: 2/7/18 Close: 2/11/18
NOTE: HEY LOOK ME OVER is a compendium of musical numbers and scenes from musicals that were succès d'estimes rather than major hits. All shows are listed below. They all have one thing in common: wonderful songs. While we are not looking for recreations of the original performances or performers, the original actors are listed for reference. We are looking for a completely diverse cast. Some roles may ultimately double.
WILDCAT
Opened at the Alvin Theatre on December 16, 1960
Music by Cy Coleman
Lyrics by Carolyn Leigh
Book by N. Richard Nash
Wildcat Wildy Jackson arrives in 1912 in Centavo City with dreams of striking oil but with neither capital nor know-how to help her accomplish her goal.
WILDCAT JACKSON – Mid-to-late 30s – Originally played by Lucille Ball. Determined, dynamic, touched with a lunatic magic. She veils her femininity behind her tomboy image, and the woman in her hides behind the clown. This role requires a dynamic star comedienne. Belter.
JANIE JACKSON – Mid 20s –Wildy’s beautiful sister whose vivacity and charm help you forget her limp. She is self-conscious, but in no way self-pitying. Belter.
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ALL AMERICAN
Opened at the Winter Garden Theatre on March 19, 1962
Music by Charles Strouse
Lyrics by Lee Adams
Book by Mel Brooks
Professor Fodorski, an Eastern-European immigrant, arrives at a small, football-oriented college eager to please his students. He finally reaches his students by teaching engineering concepts in football term and even manages to turn one student into a start kicker.
PROFESSOR FODORSKI – Mid 40s – Originally played by Ray Bolger. An incandescent, charming, intelligent, ingratiating Hungarian immigrant who happens to be an engineering genius. This role requires a dynamic star comic character actor. Baritone.
DEAN ELIZABETH HAWKES-BULLOCK – Mid 40s – Originally played by Eileen Herlie. She is the dean of Southern Baptist Institute of Technology. Though she maintains complete authority, she manages to do so with warmth, level-headedness, and charm. While of a certain age, she is still an attractive and appealing woman. Soprano.
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GREENWILLOW
Opened at the Alvin Theatre March 8, 1960
Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser
Book by Lesser Samuels and Frank Loesser
Set in the magical town of Greenwillow, the story concerns Gideon Briggs, who, like his father before him, is cursed with a powerful wanderlust. But, when Gideon meets the lovely Dorrie, he vows to overcome the call once and for all.
GIDEON BRIGGS Mid 20s-early 30s - Originally played by Anthony Perkins. Smart, handsome in an offbeat way, and willful, he loves Dorrie but is plagued by the fear that he will be called to wander and end up abandoning his family like his father. Baritenor.
JABEZ BRIGGS - 9-12 years old - The youngest member of the Briggs clan. He is rambunctious and gets into as much trouble as he can. Unchanged voice.
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HIGH SPIRITS
Opened at The Alvin Theatre on April 7, 1964
Music, lyrics, and book by Hugh Martin and Timothy Gray.
Based on Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward.
After the writer, Charles Condomine hires a medium, Madame Arcati, who can communicate with spirits, all hell breaks loose – literally! Charles’ late wife, Elvira, appears and harasses Charles and his new wife, Ruth, with the goal of killing Charles so that he can join her in the afterlife.
ELVIRA – Mid 30s to Early 40s – Originally played by Tammy Grimes. The ghost of Charles’s first wife, she is ethereal, mercurial, seductive, manipulative, and petulant when she does not get her way. Actress must have a magical, ephemeral, and sexual quality. Alto.
CHARLES – Late 30s to Early 40’s– Originally played by Edward Woodward. English mystery novelist. He is pompous, self-satisfied, and seems very secure, until he becomes dismayed by his late wife’s sudden and unexpected presence. Requires a dashing leading man. Baritenor.
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MACK AND MABEL
Opened at the Majestic Theatre on October 6, 1974
Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman
Book by Michael Stewart
The plot involves the tumultuous romantic relationship between Hollywood director Mack Sennett and Mabel Normand (transformed from a waitress from Flatbush, Brooklyn to one of his biggest stars.)
MACK SENNETT - Mid 50s to Late 50’s – Originally played by Robert Preston. A workaholic silent film director. On the surface, he feels gruff but underneath he has warmth and tenderness. This actor must have charisma and star quality. Baritone.
MABEL NORMAND – Mid to Late 20s – Originally played by Bernadette Peters. A naïve deli delivery girl from Flatbush, Brooklyn who becomes a major movie star of the silent film era. The actress playing this role must be quirky, endearing, sexy and funny. Mezzo-soprano/belter.
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MILK AND HONEY
Opened at the Martin Beck theatre on October 10. 1961
Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman
Book by Don Appell
Set in Israel, Milk and Honey tells the story of an American visiting his married daughter who finds love with the widow, Ruth Stein. Trouble ensues when it turns out that while separated for many years, Phil is still married. In the end, Phil promises Ruth that he will fly to Paris, where his wife lives, and plead for a divorce.
PHIL – Early to Mid 50s – Originally played by Robert Weede. An American, who comes to Israel to visit his married daughter. He meets an American widow and falls in love. Strong, warm, compassionate, but ultimately a realist. Legit Baritone.
RUTH –Late 40’s – Early 50’s – Originally played by Mimi Benzell. An attractive American widow, at first reluctant to commit to Phil’s romantic interest, but ultimately, she can’t resist his warmth, charm, and companionship. Legit soprano.
DAVID – Early to Mid 30s – Originally played by Tommy Rall. Phil’s Israeli son-in-law. He is headstrong and stubborn. Actor must have sexual magnetism. Legit baritenor.
ADI – Early to Mid 30s – David’s best friend. Adi is a typical native Israeli. Stubborn, cynical, headstrong, realistic, but is charming and you can’t help liking him. Baritenor.
SHEPHERD BOY – 9 to 12 years old – A young Shepherd whose run-in with a police officer leads to Phil and Ruth’s meeting. Unchanged voice.
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GEORGE M!
Opened at the Palace Theatre on April 10, 1968
Music by George M Cohan
Lyrics by George M. Cohan and Mary Cohan
Book by Michael Stewart, John Pascal, and Francine Pascal
Based on the life of George M. Cohan, the biggest Broadway star of his day. The story covers the period from the late 1880s until 1937 and focuses on Cohan's life and show business career from his early days in vaudeville with his parents and sister to his later success as a Broadway singer, dancer, composer, lyricist, director, and producer.
GEORGE M. COHAN – Late 20s to Early 30s – Originally played by Joel Grey. Irish, headstrong, cocky, enterprising. While his ego is tremendous, he has a strong sense of loyalty and love for his family. Charismatic triple threat, must be a first-rate tap dancer. Tenor.
JERRY COHAN – Mid to Late 40s – Originally played by Jerry Dodge. George’s father, he is encouraging, supportive, and has a true understanding of his son’s weaknesses and strengths. Triple threat, must be a first-rate tap dancer. Baritenor.
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SAIL AWAY
Opened at the Broadhurst Theatre on October 3, 1961
Music, Lyrics, and Book by Noël Coward
The story centers on brash, bold American divorcee Mimi Paragon, working as a hostess on a British cruise ship.
MIMI – Mid 30s to Early 40s – Originally played by Elaine Stritch. She is the American cruise director on the British luxury ship Cornoia, bound for the Mediterranean. During the cruise, she falls in love with a much younger man. Mimi is witty, sophisticated, droll, and she covers her insecurity with a self-deprecating sense of humor. Actress must have star comic charisma. Alto with belt.
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JAMAICA
Opened at the Imperial Theatre on October 31, 1957
Music by Harold Arllen
Lyrics by E.Y. Harburg
Book by E.Y. Harburg and Fred Saidy
Set on a small island off the coast of Jamaica, the show tells about a simple island community fighting to avoid being overrun by American commercialism.
SAVANNAH – Mid 20s to Early 40s – Originally played by Lena Horne. a beautiful Jamaican girl, she longs to escape to New York City to live a life of modern conveniences. This role requires a magnetic, sensual, chanteuse with a combination of wit, sass, and naiveté. Alto.
Show #2 - GRAND HOTEL
Artistic Director: Jack Viertel
Music and Lyrics: Robert Wright, George Forrest
Additional Music and Lyrics: Maury Yeston
Book by: Luther Davis
Director: TBD
Choreographer: TBD
Musical Director: Rob Berman
Casting: Binder Casting
Rehearsal: 3/6/18 Open: 3/21/18 Close: 3/25/18
NOTE: Grand Hotel opened November 12, 1989 at the Martin Beck Theatre.
It is 1928. The world is between wars, the stock market is booming, Berlin is the center of high life and optimism rules the day. However, underneath it all, much is happening with the Grand Hotel's illustrious clients. Inspired by Vicki Baum's period novel, issues of life and death, financial ruin, the beginnings of National Socialism, love and murder converge as people and come and go through the lobby of the Grand Hotel.
SEEKING THE FOLLOWING ROLES:
MEN:
OTTO KRINGELEIN (late 40s, no older) A mortally ill bookkeeper from the small town life looking for new excitement. He is a smart man wanting to live life to the fullest while he can. Humble, joyous, lovable, and grateful. Tenor.
BARON FELIX VON GAIGERN (late 20s) Dashing, charming, and optimistic but broke. Wishes to be immoral. A good guy who loves life in the fast lane and falls in love with Grushinskaya. Tenor.
HERMANN PREYSING (mid 50s) General Director of a large textile mill. A solid burgher blinded by riches and terrified of losing his life style. He uses lies and money to get what he wants. Baritone.
COLONEL-DOCTOR OTTERNSCHLAG (60s) Grievously wounded by gas and shrapnel in WW1, he is a cynical ruined man. Omnipotent and functions as the narrator of the piece. Character baritone.
ERIK (mid 20s) The assistant concierge who is deeply in love with his wife. Eager to start a family. Intelligent, ambitious, devoted. Baritone.
JIMMY 1 (mid 30s to mid 40s) One of a pair of African American entertainers at the Grand Hotel. They are charming waiters who really are a show business song-and-dance team. Must tap and sing well.
JIMMY 2 (mid 30s to mid 40s) One of a pair of African American entertainers at the Grand Hotel. They are charming waiters who really are a show business song-and-dance team. Must tap and sing well.
ZINNOWITZ (mid to late 40s) An attorney in Berlin. The secretary for the company under Preysing's direction. Encourages Preysing to lie. Ambitious, greedy, and willing to do whatever it takes. Baritone.
SANDOR (late 40s to early 50s) Impatient Hungarian Theatre impresario. Intent on convincing Grushinskaya not to cancel her performance. Character man. Baritone.
WITT (late 40s to early 50s) Company Manager of Grushinskaya's ballet troupe. Character man. Baritone.
WOMEN:
FLAEMMCHEN (early to mid 20s) A pretty girl who has theatrical ambitions, she wants to go to America and appear in movies. Constantly conflicted between her ambition and her morals. She is gamine, flirtatious, and has great charm and sex appeal. Must dance or move well. Alto with Belt.
ELIZAVETA GRUSHINSKAYA (mid to late 40s) The still-beautiful, world famous, Russian Prima Ballerina on the verge of retirement. Finds herself feeling old until she is revived by the young Baron's love. Demands only the best from herself and for her fans. Ballet en pointe experience is a major plus but not absolutely necessary. Character mezzo.
RAFFAELA (late 30s to early 40s) Confidante, secretary, and Elizaveta's dresser. Secretly loves Grushinskaya and wants to protect her always. Hardworking, dependable, and smart. Requires a distinctive mezzo voice.
ROHNA (late 30s to late 40s) - A force to be reckoned with. Hotel General Manager; a Martinet. Character woman. Any vocal range.
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Show # 3 - ME AND MY GIRL
Artistic Director: Jack Viertel
Music by: Noel Gay
Lyrics and book by: Douglas Furber and L. Arthur Rose
Book Revised by: Stephen Fry
Contributions to revisions: Mike Ockrent
Director and Choreographer: Warren Carlyle
Musical Director: Rob Berman
Casting: Binder Casting
Rehearsal: 4/24/18 Open: 5/9/18 Close: 5/13/18
Note: Me and My Girl is a true classic English music hall style musical. The upper class characters are all reminiscent of characters in a Nancy Mitford novel. The show opened on Broadway at the Marquis theatre on August 10, 1986. The production made Robert Lindsay an international star. It was first performed on the West End in December of 1937 as a vehicle for the popular clown, Lupino Lane. For the modern incarnation, Noel Gay’s son, Richard Armitage, went on a search to put back together the script that was largely lost through the years. Along with original director Mike Ockrent, he and Stephen Fry incorporated songs from other shows and came up with the show that is available today. All actors must be experienced in high and low British farce.
SEEKING:
MEN:
BILL SNIBSON (Mid 20s to mid 30s) - A pugnacious Cockney from Lambeth. Quick-witted, lively, irascible, playful and totally charming. Exudes energy and warmth. He has no concept of social boundaries and takes everyone at face value. Very confident and content to be who he is but can also be quite naive. Both a classic physical clown and a smooth romantic. Must move extremely well. Requires true vaudevillian physical comic star quality. Baritenor.
SIR JOHN TREMAYNE (50s-60s) Co-executor of the Hareford clan's will. English gentleman and family father figure. Has a love-hate relationship with Maria, but obviously has a genuine affection for her. He develops a real 'soft-spot' for both Bill and Sally. Requires a major comic. Baritone.
THE HON GERALD BOLINGBROKE (mid 20's-late 30s) Engaged to Lady Jaqueline. A pompous but likeable twit. Typical Englishman of the upper entitled classes. The thought of working for a living brings him terror and fear. Tenor.
HERBERT PARCHESTER (30s) The Family Solicitor. He is ever-present and has been the family solicitor for years. Unfortunately, he is rather inept in every way but the family doesn’t realize it. Must be a comic actor. Tenor
SIR JASPER TRING (60+) The old family relic. Rather vague and going deaf. Has an ear trumpet. Needs an experienced comic character man. Experienced Character Comic. Baritone.
LORD BATTERSBY (50s+) A typical “Colonel Blimp” character. He is forever sneaking a drink any chance he can. He is completely hen-pecked by his wife, though it doesn’t stop his wandering eyes. Experienced character comic. Baritone.
CHARLES, THE BUTLER (mid 30s to mid 40s) True, trustworthy and ever the gentleman. Needs a dry wit and the ability to say a lot with just a lift of the eyebrow or a purse of the lips.
WOMEN:
SALLY SMITH (mid 20s to 30s) Bill's Cockney girlfriend from Lambeth. Lively, charming, willful, and proud of her roots. Devoted to Bill and will do anything for him, including becoming a “lady.” Tap skills a plus but not necessary. Mezzo.
MARIA, DUCHESS OF DENE (50s-60s)- The family matriarch, she is a force to be reckoned with. Co-executor of the Hareford clan's will. She is proud, haughty, forthright and domineering. She takes it upon herself to educate Bill. Requires a major comedienne. Mezzo.
LADY JACQUELINE CARSTONE (mid 20s-late 30s) Upper class gold-digger. Engaged to Gerald Bolingbroke ...who she dumps as soon as the new Hareford heir appears. She is chic, slinky and sexy; determined and unashamed. Must dance well and tap. Soprano.
LADY BATTERSBY (50s+)
A lady of substantial size and ego. She has eyes in the back of her head as far as her husband is concerned. Experienced Character Comedienne. Soprano.
Equity’s contracts prohibit discrimination. Equity is committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to audition.
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