Kentwood Players announces open auditions for
DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID
with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater,
and book by Doug Wright
based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and the Disney film
On Saturday, September 8 and Sunday, September 9, 2018
At the Westchester Playhouse
Kentwood Players will hold open auditions for DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and book by Doug Wright based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and the Disney film, on Saturday, September 8 from 12:00 to 3:00pm and Sunday, September 9 from 6:00 to 9:00pm. Callbacks will be held on Tuesday, September 11 from 7:00 to 10:00pm by appointment only. This is a non-equity, non-paid production directed by Catherine Rahm, choreographed by Alison Boole and produced by Gypsy Foster for Kentwood Players with rights secured from Music Theatre International (MTI).
Performance dates are November 9 through December 15, 2018 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sundays at 2:00pm. Auditions and performances take place at the Westchester Playhouse, located at 8301 Hindry Avenue in Westchester, CA 90045.
Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. With music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including “Under the Sea”, “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World” Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above, bargaining with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems, and Ariel needs the help of her colorful friends, Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea.
Those auditioning should read the play before auditioning to become familiar with the characters. Please allow time to sign-in and complete paperwork during scheduled audition times. Please bring a current headshot and resume as well as your calendar as a rehearsal schedule will be posted at auditions and you will be asked to note any conflicts.
EVERYONE MUST SING. Please prepare 32 bars of a standard musical theatre song. From the show is okay, but not required. An accompanist will be provided; please bring sheet music in the correct key. Be prepared to stay for a short dance audition as well. We are looking for several tap dancers, so please bring tap shoes if you have them. Kentwood Players practices color blind casting; all ethnicities are welcome for any role. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the production team at
LittleMermaid@kentwoodplayers.org.
Character Breakdown
Ariel:
Female 16-25, Mezzo to Gb5, Spunky and determined without being obnoxious, Loves her family, but knows she belongs with the humans
Songs include “World Above”, “Part of Your World”, “If Only”, “Beyond My Wildest Dreams”
Erik:
Male 20-30, Tenor to G4, Would rather spend his time sailing instead of taking up the crown
Songs include “Her Voice”, “One Step Closer”
Ursula:
Female 40+, Alto to C5, Perpetually angry at being passed over in favor of her brother, Triton
Songs include “Daddy’s Little Angel”, “Poor Unfortunate Souls”
Sebastian:
M/F Any Age, Tenor or Alto to Bb2, Fussy music master, loves Ariel dearly
Songs include “Under the Sea”, “Kiss the Girl”
Triton:
Male 50+, Baritone to F4, King of the Sea, quick to anger, but underneath is a loving father
Songs include “If Only”
Flounder:
M 10-15, Tenor to G4, Carries a deep love for Ariel, but impulsive
Songs include “She’s in Love”, “Under the Sea”
Scuttle:
M/F Any Age, Baritone/Mezzo to G4, Fancies himself an expert on all things human
Songs include “Positoovity”, “Kiss the Girl” Should have some tap experience.
Chef Louis:
Male Any Age, Tenor to A4, Boisterous, French accent; will double as sailor, sea creature
Songs include “Les Poissons”, “Fathoms Below”, “Under the Sea”
Grimsby:
Male, 60+, Guardian to Erik, wants nothing more than to see him married and on the throne
Songs include “Beyond My Wildest Dreams”, “The Contest”
Flotsam/Jetsam:
M/F Any Age, Bari-tenor/Mezzo, Electric eel assistants to Ursula, sneaky and evil
Songs include “Daddy’s Little Angel”, “Poor Unfortunate Souls”, “Dear Child”
Mersisters:
6 Women, Ages 25+, alto, mezzo and soprano, Ariel’s older sisters, each has unique personality
Will double as sea creatures, lagoon creatures, seagulls, maids and princesses
Songs include “She’s in Love”, “Daughters of Triton”, “The Contest”
Pilot:
Male, Any Age, Baritone, will double as sea creature, gull, lagoon creature, courtier
Songs include “Fathoms Below”, “Under the Sea”, “Kiss the Girl”
Sailors:
5 – 7 men/women, any age; will double as sea creatures, gull, lagoon creatures, chefs
Songs include “Fathoms Below”, “Under the Sea”, “Kiss the Girl”, “Les Poissons”
For more information about Kentwood Players including our current production and upcoming auditions, please visit the Kentwood Players website at
www.kentwoodplayers.org. You can also find Kentwood Players information on Facebook and Twitter.
To meet the DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID production team and learn more about Kentwood Players, the public is invited to attend our general membership meetings, which are free and held on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:30 pm at the Westchester Playhouse located two blocks west of the San Diego Freeway and two blocks north of Manchester at 8301 Hindry Avenue in Westchester, CA 90045.
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