We encourage actors of all ethnicities to audition.
CHARACTERS:
HUEY CALHOUN- Caucasian, 20s-30s. Frenzied, bombastic, motor-mouthed hero, who talks his way into becoming a DJ at a local white Radio station. Ignores race barriers and eventually falls in love with Felicia, a talented black singer, which causes a whole new set of problems for Huey in a segregated 1950s Memphis. (Vocal Range: tenor w/ a great feel for pop/rock/r&b styles, C3-B4)
FELICIA FARRELL - African American, 20s-30s. Beautiful, wide-eyed. Fiercely gifted singer. Follows her heart and falls in love with Huey, despite knowing deep down that a relationship between a white man and a black woman in prejudiced Memphis is doomed. (Vocal Range: High r&b belt. G3-A5)
DELRAY JONES - African American man, 30s-40s. Felicia's older brother. Owns the club on Beale Street where she sings. Realistic, cautious, protective, and aware of the realities of the segregation that exists in Memphis and the world beyond. (Vocal Range: Baritenor with great pop/rock/r&b voice. Bb2-Bb4)
GLADYS - Caucasian, 40s-60s. Huey's stern, traditional blue-collar, Southern mother. Has worked her entire life to be able to support herself and her son, whom she loves, but about whom she constantly worries. (Vocal Range: Strong singer with alto-belt mix; excellent actor with comic skills. B3-A5)
GATOR - African American man, 20s-30s. Bartender at Delray's - hasn't spoken since age five, when he saw his father killed. As the story progresses, Gator finds his voice again. Requires an excellent actor and singer (great r&b Baritenor); comic timing a plus. (F#3-A4)
BOBBY - African American, 30s-40s. Janitor at Mr. Simmons' radio station. Full of personality and heart. (Vocal Range: Great gospel voice. G3-C5) Role requires an actor who is comfortable with physicality, as he has a dance break in his show-stopping number ''Big Love”; comic skills a plus.
MR. SIMMONS - Caucasian, 40s-60s. Conservative owner of the radio station where Huey gets his start. The strong, Southern, commanding businessman becomes willing to take a chance on Huey when he realizes the audience Huey reaches and the money he can command. Great actor who is comfortable singing.
19 ENSEMBLE ROLES – MULTIPLE ROLES:
MALE ENSEMBLE - All ethnicities, 20s-40s. Male dancers who sing very well, to play various ensemble characters. Seeking excellent, athletic dancers who sing.
FEMALE ENSEMBLE - All ethnicities, 20s-40s. Female dancers who sing very well, to play various ensemble characters. Seeking excellent, athletic dancers who sing.
