RAGTIME: THE MUSICAL - Bergen County Players

Casting 'Ragtime: The Musical,' a musical. This is an open call. BCP is seeking an ethnically diverse cast of men and women ages 16 - 65+. Additionally, there are two principal roles for children (boy and girl – stage age 8 – 12). All those who wish to audition will be seen in order of arrival. Youth actors will be seen first in order of arrival.



Ragtime: The Musical will open Bergen County Player's 90th season and perform to the public in Oradell, NJ from Sat., Sept. 17 thru Saturday, Oct. 15. Press opening is Sept. 16. Open auditions will take place at the Little Firehouse Theatre, 298 Kinderkamack Rd. in Oradell, NJ (just a short bus ride from Port Authority in Manhattan) on Tuesday and Thursday, June 7 and 9 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sun., June 12 at 10 a.m.



Rehearsals are scheduled to begin immediately following the audition process at the Little Firehouse Theatre. Public performance dates for Ragtime: The Musical are on Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and Sun. at 2 p.m., with the possibility of one or two Thurs. night benefits.



Nominated for 13 Tony Awards®, and winning for Best Original Score, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Orchestrations, Ragtime: The Musical was called by TIME Magazine "A triumph for the stage," and by the International Herald Tribune "the best musical in twenty years."



Based on the best-selling novel by E.L. Doctorow, this acclaimed musical tapestry is filled with pageantry, emotion, and hope, bursting onto the stage like no other musical. It depicts an African American family, a Jewish immigrant family, and a wealthy suburban WASP family, who collide in pursuit of the American Dream at the turn of the century. Ragtime offers a powerful portrait exploring America’s timeless contradictions of freedom and prejudice, wealth, and poverty, hope and despair.



Written by the award-winning composer/lyricist team of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens (Once on This Island, Seussical and Lucky Stiff), noted playwright Terrence McNally (The Full Monty, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Catch Me If You Can), Ragtime: The Musical will bring together a multi-ethnic cast of characters, portrayed by both BCP veterans and newcomers alike who together will bring the show to life with enthusiasm and ardor.



To be considered a headshot/picture is appreciated but not required. Prepare an excerpt of a song (16-32 bars) not from Ragtime that best represents your voice and bring sheet music for the accompanist in the proper key. A contemporary Broadway or pop genre song is preferred but not required. No Cappella or recorded music auditions. Those auditioning should also dress comfortably and be prepared to learn a brief dance routine. Basic choreography will be taught that will reflect the style of the show. It will not be necessary to change into dance attire. No roles have been pre-cast; all roles are open. Be prepared to share all known conflicts on your audition form.



Based on BCP's desire to keep its members and patrons safe, anyone involved with a live BCP production must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and be willing to provide proof of vaccination. This policy covers all members of production including performers, musicians, crew, artistic staff, and anyone whose job is dependent upon in-person interaction.



CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

ADULT CASTING



Coalhouse Walker, Jr: A proud and talented pianist, confident and stubborn. Sophisticated with a romantic demeanor and a gentle heart. Should be able to move. Piano playing helpful but not essential.

Male, 25-35, African Descent, African American

Vocal Range: Ab to G, with a sustained high F#



Sarah: A washwoman, filled with a strong will to live fueled by an innocent spirit, falls deeply in love with Coalhouse after much resistance.

Female, 20-25, African Descent, African American

Vocal Range: Lyric Soprano with strong mix, low G# to high F# on staff



Mother: The consummate wife and mother, a kind woman who is gentle, compassionate, optimistic, and accepting of others.

Female, 35-45, Caucasian

Vocal Range: Lyric Soprano / Mezzo with strong mix, low G to high Eb on staff



Father: Mother's professionally successful husband, cautious, resistant to change, fancies himself an amateur explorer.

Male, 35-45, Caucasian

Vocal Range: Baritone, B to E on staff



Mother’s Younger Brother: A passionate anarchist, he is intense, obsessive, and high strung, influenced by Emma Goldman's teachings.

Male, 20-30, Caucasian

Vocal Range: Tenor / Baritone with strong top range, B to high F#



Tateh: A Jewish, Latvian immigrant, intelligent, passionate, and creative artist. Full of drive and heart. Wears the trials and tribulations of his past on his sleeve. Lives for his daughter. Eastern European dialect.

Male, 30-40, Caucasian

Vocal Range: Baritone / Tenor, Db to high F#



Grandfather: Mother's patrician father. He is a retired professor, and easily irritated by nearly everything.

Male, 60-75, Caucasian



Sarah's Friend: Passionate, soulful, sings the gospel number for Sarah's funeral.

Female, any age, African Descent, African American

Vocal Range: Gospel Lyric Soprano or Alto, low G to stratospheric scat top note



Emma Goldman: Social activist. Eastern European / Jewish immigrant, anarchist. Originally from Russia, she is a leader, a fearless advocate for the oppressed.

Female 35-55, Caucasian

Vocal Range: Alto, low G# to Db



Harry Houdini: Hungarian immigrant, internationally famous magician. With notable physical ability, he stands as a symbol of the 'American Dream.'

Male, 30-40, Caucasian

Vocal Range: Tenor, middle C to high G



Evelyn Nesbit: Beautiful vaudevillian performer, the “Marylin Monroe of her time.” Famous for the murder of her high profile lover by her rich husband.

Female, 18-25, Caucasian

Vocal Range: Soprano / Belter, middle C to Db



Willie Conklin: Irish-American fire chief who is racist and takes out his anger on Coalhouse.

Male, 25-40, Caucasian

Vocal Range: Tenor / Baritenor, D4 to F5



Booker T. Washington: Brilliant Black social activist. The dominant figure in the African American community of the United States at the turn of the century.

Male, 45-55, African Descent, African American

Vocal range: D3 to Eb4



Henry Ford: An American industrialist and founder of the Ford Motor Company.

Male, 35-45, Caucasian

Vocal Range: D4 to F5



J.P. Morgan: The rich, famous financier. THIS ACTOR WILL DOUBLE AS ADMIRAL PEARY.

Male, 60-65, Caucasian



Adult Chorister Roles: Looking to cast three diverse groups to depict three distinct lifestyles in turn-of-the-century New York City: Harlem, Lower East Side and New Rochelle. Parts include Admiral Peary, Matthew Henson, Stanford White, Charles S. Whitman, Harry K. Thaw, Judge, Kathleen, Brigit, Attorneys, Bureaucrats and Lawyers, Reporters, Baseball Fans, citizens of New Rochelle, Harlem Men and Women, Vaudevillians and Stagehands, Child Buyer, Policemen, Ford Workers, Trolley Conductor, Millworkers, Strikers, Militia, Train Conductor, Firemen, Vacationers, Immigrants To America, Baron’s Assistant, Coalhouse Gang, Spectators, Welfare Official, Hotel Staff, Bathing Beauties and Camera Crew.



Played by actors of African Descent, African American: Coalhouse Gang, Coalhouse's Lawyer, Harlem Men and Women, Henson.





YOUTH CASTING

The Little Boy “Edgar”: Mother and Father's son. An earnest boy who has grown up in privilege. Open hearted to people that are different from him and has the precocious innocence of youth with inexplicable clairvoyance. Never passes judgement on others.

Male, 8-12 years old, Caucasian

Vocal Range: voice not yet changed, E4 to D5



The Little Girl: Tateh's daughter. Her arrival in America is marked by sickness and hunger. She is scared of her new surroundings and loyal to her father, her only living relative.

Female, 7-10 years old, Eastern European / Jewish / Latvian-American

Vocal Range: Mezzo / Soprano, C4 to D5



Young Coalhouse Walker III: Innocent and pure. Son of Coalhouse and Sarah. This role appears briefly at the end of the play and has no lines or songs.

Male, 4-6 years old, African descent, African-American

CAN BE DOUBLE OR TRIPLE CAST WITH ALTERNATING PERFORMANCES



Bergen County Players encourages and is committed to a diverse and inclusive theater experience. Unless otherwise specified, BCP will cast any actor in any role if appropriate, without regard to race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, physicality, or disability. Casting will be character-driven; therefore, actors are encouraged to audition for any roles in which they are interested.



Those interested in more information may contact Larry Landsman at LLandsman1157@gmail.com or go to www.bcplayers.org.



AUDITION INFORMATION

WHERE

Little Firehouse Theatre, 298 Kinderkamack Rd., Oradell, NJ

WHEN

Tuesday and Thursday, June 7 and 9 @ 730PM and Sunday, June 12 at 10AM.



WHAT TO PREPARE

To be considered a headshot/picture is appreciated but not required. Prepare an excerpt of a song (16-32 bars) not from Ragtime that best represents your voice and bring sheet music for the accompanist in the proper key. A contemporary Broadway or pop genre song is preferred but not required. No Cappella or recorded music auditions. Those auditioning should also dress comfortably and be prepared to learn a brief dance routine. Basic choreography will be taught that will reflect the style of the show. It will not be necessary to change into dance attire. No roles have been pre-cast; all roles are open. Be prepared to share all known conflicts on your audition form.



Based on BCP's desire to keep its members and patrons safe, anyone involved with a live BCP production must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and be willing to provide proof of vaccination. This policy covers all members of production including performers, musicians, crew, artistic staff, and anyone whose job is dependent upon in-person interaction.



Bergen County Players encourages and is committed to a diverse and inclusive theater experience. Unless otherwise specified, BCP will cast any actor in any role if appropriate, without regard to race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, physicality, or disability. Casting will be character-driven; therefore, actors are encouraged to audition for any roles in which they are interested.

MINORS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT



ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Performances are September 17 thru October 15, in Oradell, New Jersey. Open auditions will take place at the Little Firehouse Theatre, 298 Kinderkamack Rd. in Oradell, NJ (just a short bus ride from Port Authority in Manhattan) on Tuesday and Thursday, June 7 and 9 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sun., June 12 at 10 a.m.



Rehearsals are scheduled to begin immediately following the audition process at the Little Firehouse Theatre. Public performance dates for Ragtime: The Musical are on Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and Sun. at 2 p.m., with the possibility of one or two Thurs. night benefits.
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