Non-Union Audition - The Color Purple Musical - SparKyL Entertainment, Inc.

CASTING NOTICE (NON-UNION)

The Color Purple



Synopsis:

This musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel (and the popular 1985 Steven Spielberg film) spotlights Celie, a downtrodden young woman whose personal awakening over the course of 40 years forms the arc of this epic story. With a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, African music and blues, THE COLOR PURPLE is a story of hope, a testament to the healing power of love, and a celebration of life.



Written by Marsha Norman

Music & Lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, Stephen Bray



PRODUCED BY: SparKyL Entertainment, Inc. (www.sparkylentertainment.com)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Vince Farmer



DIRECTOR: Kyona Levine Farmer (NYU’s Tisch Graduate, Award-nominated Director)

MUSIC DIRECTOR: Jeanine McAdams (Grammy Award-winning Musician)

CHOREOGRAPHER: Amber Nadelkov (Equity Dancer)

SCENIC DESIGNER: Bonnie Sprung (Award-winning Artist)

STAGE MANAGER: Hillary Humphries

ASST. STAGE MANAGER: Danielle Strong-Robinson Smith



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VENUE: Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts, Orlando, FL

AUDITION DATES: December 3 and December 4th

AUDITION SIGN UP: Visit www.sparkylentertainment.com to sign up for an audition time.

REHEARSALS: A tentative rehearsal calendar will be provided upon auditioning. Rehearsal conflicts must be noted on the audition form. Resumes and headshots are welcomed and encouraged.

 All technical rehearsals and performance dates are mandatory.

 Only local talent considered.



SHOW RUN: March 8 – March 10, 2024

PAY: Actors will receive a small performance stipend. Exact amount to be discussed once offered a role.



ROLES

1. CELIE (African American, 20s-early 30s): Drives the story. Vulnerable, spirited, introverted, mischievous, seemingly passive but really not, has a deep, hard soul, has a sense of humor which is sometimes wicked. She is an observer. Needs a great belt singing voice with lots of soul.

2. NETTIE (African American, 20s-early 30s): Celie’s younger sister. Adventuresome, feisty spirit, maternal, more educated, and knowledgeable than Celie. She has a powerful bond with Celie. Forced by Mister to leave Celie, she starts a new life in Africa. Needs a great belt singing voice with African influence.

3. HARPO (African American, 20s-early 30s): Mister’s vulnerable, confused, good-hearted son. Represents the new generation. He marries the independent Sofia. He spends much time trying to get Sofia to obey him the way Celie obeys his father, but he is unsuccessful. Harpo eventually establishes a juke joint in his first house and becomes Squeak’s lover. Later, he and Sofia reconcile. Through his love of Sofia, he learns how to love a woman. Needs a great tenor singing voice.

4. SOFIA (African American, 30s): Powerful warrior woman. Comfortable being large, great sense of humor, touching, vulnerable. Married to Harpo, she does not let anyone mistreat her. Needs comic chops. Need a great belt singing voice.

5. MISTER (African American, 30s-40s. Also known as Albert): Like Celie, a deep well. Handsome, big, masculine, strong presence. Married to Celie, in love with Shug. Needs a great singing voice.

6. SHUG (African American, 30s-40s): A popular singer. Attractive, confident, dynamic, powerful, irresistible, but has a frailty. Needs a knockout, Bessie Smith-style, bluesy singing voice.

7. SQUEAK (African American, 20s): Harpo’s lover after Sofia leaves him. Although she is mistreated, she eventually undergoes a transformation, demanding to be called by her actual name, Mary Agnes, and starting a new life. Attractive, sassy, fiery, strong-willed, unafraid to take anybody on, has a caring heart. Needs comic chops. Needs a great singing voice with belt and soprano capability.

8. ENSEMBLE: Adult Singers Males and females, African American. All types and singing ranges. Need fantastic singing voices and dynamic personalities. To play various roles in the ensemble The ensemble includes a trio known as Church Ladies, busybody types who are featured throughout the show.
Salary: Stipend (TBD)