A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder Book and Lyrics by Robert L. Freedman Music and Lyrics by Steven Lutvak Based on A Novel by Roy Horniman
Director Adam Othman
Music Director Mark Press
Choreographer Molly Hall
Audition Dates: Wednesday, June 12, 2019 from 7:00-10:00 pm and Thursday, June 13, 2019 from 7:00-10:00 pm.
Audition Location Edmonds Driftwood Players Annex located at 200 Dayton, Edmonds
Callbacks (By invitation only) Saturday, June 15, 2019, 10:00-4:00 pm.
Rehearsal Dates July 24-September 12, 2019. Monday through Thursday evenings from 7:00-10:00 pm and Saturdays TBD.
Performance Dates September 13-29 (Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8:00pm, Sunday at 2:00pm). Possible additional show on Saturday, September 28 at 2:00 pm.
SYNOPSIS Winner of 2014 Tony Award for best musical, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder is the knock-'em-dead, uproarious murderous romp filled with unforgettable music, non-stop laughs and a scene-stealing role for one actor playing all eight of the doomed heirs who meet their ends in the most creative and side-splitting ways. We are looking for actors who sing well, are able to create colorful larger-than-life characters, and demonstrate a level of high comic ability. The show is a combination of Agatha Christie mystery, Downton Abbey characters, Gilbert and Sullivan patter songs all told with a crazy dash of Monty Python hilarity.Story: When the low-born Monty Navarro finds out that he's eighth in line for an earldom in the lofty D'Ysquith family, he figures his chances of outliving his predecessors are slight and sets off down a far more ghoulish path. Can he knock off his unsuspecting relatives without being caught and become the ninth Earl of Highhurst? And what of love? Because murder isn't the only thing on Monty's mind ...
AUDITION REQUIREMENTSong: prepare 32 bars (no more than one-minute in length) of an uptempo musical theatre song, in the style of the show. Think: comedy, patter songs, Gilbert & Sullivan, My Fair Lady, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, etc. The song should show off character, different voices, facial expression, physicality & range. No ballads please!Note - an accompanist is provided. Please bring in sheet music clearly marked. No recorded music please.Monologue: prepare a one-two minute monologue, which is from a published work such as a play, novel, or even a children's book, that shows off word play, comedy, satire, and good rapport with an audience.British Accents: please be ready to demonstrate your best British Accent. It can be part of your monologue, or you can prepare a short sentence or two in British dialect.
Dance: no dance at the initial audition, but there will be dance/movement at the callbacks.Headshot and Resume: please bring one copy.
CASTING - 5 men and 6 women
Leading Men:Montague Monty Navarro (30s) Handsome and effortlessly charming, clever and charismatic, vulnerable and endearing, with a highly developed appreciation for life's ironies. High baritone with a strong top; solid low A to high A.
The D'Ysquith Family (played by one actor. 30s-50s) Must be an experienced, skilled, and transformational comedic actor who has a superb grasp on British farce and physical comedy. Does not necessarily need to be a phenomenal singer, but must be able to carry a musical comedy without an ounce of hesitation. Plays a full range of characters from the same family: ranging from an off-kilter priest; a closeted bee enthusiast; a dandy; an elderly banker; a bodybuilder; an actress; a benefactress; to a lowly custodian.
Leading Women:
Miss Shingle (30s -50s) a Cockney housekeeper/governess who has served a wealthy, titled family for 30 years. She informs Monty that he is indeed a D'Ysquith. Storytelling is paramount for her role. Mezzo soprano, G to high A.
Sibella Hallward (late 20s- mid 30s) Flirtatious, willful, calculating, and irresistible. A social climber, yes, but also truly loves Monty, and in the end would do anything to protect him. Tremendous wit and high style. Mezzo, low F# to high A
Phoebe D'Ysquith (early 20s ? early 30s) Beautiful, virtuous, forthright, romantic, comically earnest, with a backbone of steel. She is not your typical ingenue, though. Actress must have a sense of irony and humor, in addition to a youthful innocence behind her sophistication. Coloratura soprano up to a high sustained C# with an optional high Eb. Very flexible and agile, B below middle C on the bottom.
Ensemble (20s-50s)Woman #1 Plays TOUR GUIDE, as well as PUB OWNER'S WIFE, MRS. PEBWORTH, 3RD NEWSBOY. Seeking a character woman. Mezzo soprano, G to high A.Woman #2 Plays LADY EUGENIA, an unhappily married countess. Overbearing and mean spirited at times, but comically so. Must be highly adept at the biting quip and the withering glare. Also plays MISS HETHERINGTON, and 4TH NEWSBOY. Low F# to high A.Woman #3 Plays MISS BARLEY, an alluring artist model. Also plays SIBELLA'S MAID, HYACINTH COLLEAGUE, PHOEBE?S MAID, HILDA. G to high C.Man #1 Plays TOM COPLEY (aka FARMER), as well as 2ND CLERK, HYACINTH COLLEAGUE, 2ND NEWSBOY, ACTOR, ANCESTRAL BUST, DR. PETTIBONE, and GUARD. High baritone with a strong top; solid low A to high A.Man #2 A versatile and appealing character man. Plays DETECTIVE PINCKNEY, who has a featured number with THE MAGISTRATE. Also plays 1ST CLERK, PUB OWNER, MR. CROSS, 1ST NEWSBOY, 1ST ACTOR, PHYSICIAN, and 2ND ANCESTRAL BUST. Bass, low C to high G#.Man #3 A character man. Plays THE MAGISTRATE, who has a featured number with DETECTIVE PINCKNEY. Also plays MR. GOODSALL, ACTOR and MR. GORBY. True tenor. B flat to high B flat.
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