SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE - Westport Community Theatre Non Equity Auditions

Westport Community Theatre’s closing show of the season is Smokey Joe’s Café, directed by Maggie Pangrazio. A musical revue that showcases over 40 pop standards, including classic rock and roll & rhythm and blues songs written by songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller in the 1950’s and 60’s. The original 1995 Broadway cast recording of the songs of Leiber and Stoller won Best Musical Show Album at the 1996 Grammy awards. After opening on Broadway in 1995, it ran for 2,036 performances, making it the longest-running musical revue in Broadway history. Smokey Joe’s Café is an energetic, non-stop, song-and-dance presentation of some of the most popular songs of the 50s and 60s by these two outstanding songwriters. With no storyline or no dialogue this show truly hold an amazing “ensemble” cast. The show is set up with a select number of people singing in various combinations of solos and duets to full cast numbers.

Some of the classic songs showcased in this Broadway revue include… “Hound Dog”, “Treat Me Nice” (Elvis Presley), “Young Blood” (The Coasters), “I’m a Woman” (Peggy Lee), “Kansas City” (Fats Domino), “Spanish Harlem”, “Stand By Me” (Ben E.King/Drifters), “Poison Ivy” and many more by greats such as Wilbert Harrison and Aretha Franklin. About the Casting

“Smokey Joe’s Cafe” requires very skilled singers who can move (and ideally dance), and is a diverse, ensemble show. All backgrounds, ethnicities and types are encouraged to audition. Casting will not necessarily be traditional. Actors must be 17 or older. Flexible casting and all roles are featured. All roles open. Non-Equity, no pay. All actors should bring a current headshot (or recent photo) and 1 page acting resume or list of theater / performing experience. Please prepare a short selection of a song in the style of the show that shows off your personality. Singing from the show is okay. If you have multiple song options, that is encouraged, but not necessary. Bring sheet music in the correct key – a cappella singing is discouraged. You may be asked to sing from the show.

Vocal ability and range will be important, as well as the ability to sing in different styles. Some experience with singing harmonies and the ability to hold a harmony line against other voices are vital. All cast members will be required to do some choreography, but you do not need to be a dancer.

Character Breakdown

The show is written for nine (5 men, 4 women), but we may look to expand to a maximum of 12.

Ken (Bari) - the smoothie who, along with Victor, Adrian, and Fred, makes up a quartet modeled on The Drifters (Poison Ivy, Spanish Harlem)

Adrian (Tenor) - the slow one of the quartet (Young Blood, Stand by Me)

Frederick (Bass) - the sexy, implacable bass of the quartet (Little Egypt, Charlie Brown)

Victor (Tenor) - the preening bad-boy of the quartet who gets most of the comedy; must be a good mover and have a great vocal rang (I Who Have Nothing)

Michael (Tenor) - genuinely suave and impressive, evokes the memory of Elvis Presley (Kansas City)

Brenda (Mezzo) - a combination of savvy, wit, brains and beauty; needs to be sexy and move well (Don Juan)

B.J. (Alto) - inspired by the titanic rhythm and blues shouter Big Mama Thornton; lots of personality and a huge voice (Fools Fall in Love)

Pattie (Alto) - the throaty voice of experience (I Keep Forgetting)

DeLee (Soprano) - suggests the innocence of teenage girls, but with a wild streak (Falling) Auditions will be held at the theatre. If you have questions or need more information please email
info@westportcommunitytheatre.com or call the Box Office at
203-226-1983.

Westport Community Theatre
Westport Town Hall – 110 Myrtle Avenue
Westport, CT 06880

info@westportcommunitytheatre.com
Box Office
(203) 226-1983 For directions to Westport Community Theatre in Westport Town Hall, please go to
www.westportcommmunitytheatre.com