ShenanArts Announces Auditions for MEMPHIS: THE MUSICAL 10/22

Help us put this amazing musical on stage, invite all of your friends that can sing and dance and want to be a part of something amazing in the theatre history of Staunton, Va.
From the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tennessee, comes the Tony Award winning musical that bursts off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs
and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love.

Inspired by actual events, MEMPHIS is about a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her big break. Come along on their incredible journey to the ends of the airwaves ? filled with laughter, soaring emotion and roof-raising rock 'n' roll.

Winner of four 2010 Tony Awards including Best Musical, MEMPHIS features a Tony-winning book by Joe DiPietro (I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE and ALL SHOOK UP) and a Tony-winning original score with music by Bon Jovi founding member David Bryan.

Singing auditions will last approximately 1.5 hours.

Dance auditions, which will be approximately 1.5 hours.

Auditions will include cold reads.

Actors should prepare 16-32 bars from a song appropriate to the style of show. Please bring sheet music (an accompanist will be provided) or a track (without voices).

If your are auditioning for the part of Huey, Felicia, Delray, Bobby or Gator please email Mike Conner at mecstage4@gmail.com for additional tracks that you will be asked to sing.

Come prepared to participate in a dance and movement audition. Wear close toe shoes and clothes that you can move and grove in. Be prepared to sweat to some great music!

Individuals of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds are needed and
encouraged to audition for all roles.

If you are unable to attend the audition on October 22, please email Mike Conner at mecstage4@gmail.com for additional information.

Character Discription:

HUEY ? 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. Tenor with a great feel for pop/rock/r&b style.

FELICIA ? 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. High r&b belt.

DELRAY ? 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. Baritenor with great pop/rock/r&b voice.

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. Strong singer with alto-belt mix; excellent actor with comic skills.

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.

BOBBY ? African American, 30s-40s. Janitor at Mr. Simmons' radio station. Full of personality and heart. Great gospel voice. 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.

MALE ENSEMBLE ? (10 members) All ethnicities, 16s-40s. Male dancers who sing very well, to play various ensemble characters. Seeking excellent, athletic dancers who sing.

Black DJ, Be Black Trio, Wailin' Joe, Reverend Hobson, Buck Wiley, Martin Holton, Perry Como, Frank Dryer

FEMALE ENSEMBLE ? (10 members) All ethnicities, 16s-40s. Female dancers who sing very well, to play various ensemble characters. Seeking excellent, athletic dancers who sing.

Someday Backup singers, Double Dutch Girls, Clara, Mother

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