| Firehouse Theatre
Auditions for GABRIEL, a new musical by Ron Klipp
directed by Foster Solomon, music direction by Billy Dye
GABRIEL is based on the true and little-known Richmond, VA story about the events of the summer of 1800 and the characters involved in a state-wide plot by enslaved Virginians to end slavery. The conspiracy was led by a twenty-four year old enslaved, literate blacksmith named Gabriel who lived on a plantation just outside of Richmond. The thwarted revolt led to the execution of Gabriel and other captured conspirators.
THE ENSLAVED / African Americans
GABRIEL [Baritone] – 24, a blacksmith, leader of the uprising; intelligent, dynamic, charismatic, quick, tough, brave
NANNY [Mezzo-Soprano] – 19, becomes Gabriel’s wife; energetic, intelligent, guarded, protective, fierce, tender
DELIA [Alto] – 15, Nanny’s sister, raped and later sold by slave owner Thomas Henry Prosser; playful, sweet, tender, lost
MARTIN / INMATE [Bass] – mid-30’s, Gabriel’s older brother; spiritual, reflective, measured, paternal, sage-like
BEN / BILLY [Tenor] – mid to late teens, ends up betraying fellow slaves; fun-loving, youthful, a people-pleaser, a worrier
Jack DITCHER [Baritone] – 28, inspires Gabriel, becomes his friend; Impetuous, hot-tempered, winsome, powerful, bitter
WHITES
Thomas Henry PROSSER [Tenor/Baritone] – 24, Gabriel’s enslaver; uncertain, boastful, insecure, smart, a mean streak, ingratiating, spiteful, lustful
LUCY Hylton [Mezzo-Soprano, belt] – 19, Prosser’s well-to-do fiancé; outwardly demure and proper, aristocratic, inwardly threatened, resentful
JUDGE Hylton / James MONROE / SOLDIER’S VOICE (OS) [Baritone] –40’s
Absalom JOHNSON / Capt. Richardson TAYLOR / GUARD – [Baritone] –30’s
When: Sat, Dec 14; 12n-4pm
Where: Firehouse Theatre, 1609 W. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23220
What: Please prepare 32 bars of a song that best shows off your vocal ability (folk, pop, gospel encouraged but not necessary). Bring an instrumental track or piano sheet music in the correct key. Accompanist will be provided. You will also be asked to read sides from the libretto that will be provided at the audition.
How: please email
gabriel@firehousetheatre.org with your name, phone #, what role(s) you’re auditioning for, and your preferred time to audition. We’ll confirm your audition with an email.
The production will happen in January, 2021 but there will be readings, workshops, and rehearsals before the full production. All roles are paid.
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