Auditions
Little Women
Music by Jason Howland, Lyrics by Mindi Dickstein, Book by Allan Knee
Directed by Veronica Haakonsen
Overview
Little Women will be performed May 5, 6, 11, and 12 at 8pm, and May 13 at 2pm and 8pm, at the Cambridge YMCA Theater in Central Square, Cambridge, MA. Please read on for information on auditions, the cast of characters, a show synopsis, and a tentative rehearsal schedule.
Audition Information
General Auditions:
Callbacks:
Location:
Auditions will be held at the
First Congregational Church, 89 College Ave., Davis Square, Somerville.
Preparing for auditions:
Please prepare two contrasting musical theatre songs (32 bars or fewer). Bring your sheet music to the audition for the accompanist.
If you need to cancel or change your audition slot, you can do so directly through the sign-up form. For any questions or to request more information, please contact the Company Manager (
company@longwoodplayers.org) via email as soon as possible.
Cast of characters
Actors should be able to portray the age ranges given, but do not need to fall in the ranges themselves.
Leads:
Jo March (Mezzo-Soprano/Belt)
Our story's protagonist. Passionate, adventurous, and brave. An aspiring writer. Marries Prof. Bhaer.
Gender: Female
Age: 20s
Vocal range: E3–A5
Professor Bhaer (Baritone)
German Professor who exemplifies proper manners. He is a boarder in Mrs. Kirk’s boarding house and eventually falls in love with Jo.
Gender: Male
Age: 30s – early 40s
Vocal range: G2–F?4
Amy March (Soprano)
The youngest, most energetic sister whose aspirations for the finer things in life occasionally manifest as pretension. Frequently jealous of Jo. Marries Laurie.
Gender: Female
Age: 20s
Vocal range top: G?5
Meg March (Soprano)
The world-weary, yet hopeful, oldest sister who yearns for a great life. She marries John Brooke.
Gender: Female
Age: 20s
Vocal range: A?3 – G?5
Beth March (Soprano)
The second youngest sister who tragically dies of Scarlet Fever. Peace-maker and an optimist who is always encouraging her sisters to dream. Plays piano.
Gender: Female
Age: 20s
Vocal range: A3–G5
Marmee March (Mezzo)
The girls’ mother. She is the strong backbone of the family, who is courageous in spite of the difficult odds she faces.
Gender: Female
Age: 40s – 50s
Vocal range: E?3–E?5
Mr. Laurence (Baritone)
Laurie’s grandfather who lives next door to the March family. Slightly crotchety but develops a soft spot for Beth. Plays piano.
Gender: Male
Age: 55 – 70
Vocal range: Baritone
Laurie Laurence (Tenor)
The bright-eyed boy-next-door with considerable charm. He loves Jo but later falls in love with Amy.
Gender: Male
Age: 20s
Vocal range: B?2–B?4
Aunt March (Mezzo-Soprano)
A formidable, over-bearing matron and great-aunt to the March sisters. The wealthy socialite in town. (May double as Mrs. Kirk.)
Gender: Female
Age: 45 to 60
Vocal range: E3–F5
Mr. John Brooke (Baritone)
Laurie's tutor and a rather stiff man; shows very little emotion until he falls in love with Meg and gets sent off to war.
Gender: Male
Age: 30 to 40
Vocal range: C?3–F?4
Ensemble:
Mrs. Kirk/Ensemble (Speaking Role)
Runs a boarding house in NY where Jo and Professor Bhaer stay. (May double as Aunt March.)
Gender: Female
Age: 45 to 60
Clarissa/Ensemble (Soprano)
A melodrama heroine/ingénue who discovers inner strength. Has a sword-fight.
Gender: Female
Age: 20 – 30s
Braxton/Ensemble (Tenor)
A melodrama villain and lord. Desires Clarissa. Has a sword-fight.
Gender: Male
Age: 20s – 30s
Rodrigo/Ensemble (Tenor)
A melodrama hero with a sword who has sworn revenge on Braxton.
Gender: Male
Age: 20s – 30s
Knight/Ensemble (Baritone)
A feeble, down-on-his-luck knight on the surface but may have more underneath.
Gender: Male
Age: 50+
Hag/Ensemble (Mezzo-Soprano)
A scary forest-dwelling witch, full of wisdom and magic.
Gender: Female
Age: 30+
Troll/Ensemble (Soprano)
A terrifying bridge-guarding troll.
Gender: Female
Age: Any
Rodrigo 2/Ensemble (Soprano)
Clarissa’s sister, who pretends to be Rodrigo as part of her plot to exact revenge on Braxton. Has a sword-fight with Braxton.
Gender: Female
Age: 30s
Synopsis
Produced nationally and internationally, Little Women has been praised by critics for its ambition in adapting such a well-known story for the stage. This timeless, captivating story is brought to life in this glorious musical filled with personal discovery, heartache, hope and everlasting love.
Based on Louisa May Alcott's life, Little Women follows the adventures of sisters, Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March. Jo is trying to sell her stories for publication, but the publishers are not interested — her friend, Professor Bhaer, tells her that she has to do better and write more from herself. Begrudgingly taking this advice, Jo weaves the story of herself and her sisters and their experience growing up in Civil War America.
Rehearsal Schedule
Rehearsals will begin mid-February and will be held Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings from 7-10p and Sunday afternoons from 2:30-5:30p.
Depending on your role, you may not be required to be present at every rehearsal. The schedule will be planned with care to ensure that you are only called when needed for that particular night’s scene work. Please be sure to list all conflicts on the audition form.
Videos
