Manchester Singers Can Audition For the 'Jerry Choir' in JERRY SPRINGER: THE OPERA

Singers in Manchester have a rare and exciting opportunity to become part of the brand-new production of Jerry Springer - THE OPERA, which comes to Manchester in August 2019.

Individuals are being invited to audition for the Jerry Choir. The choir play an instrumental role in the show and will perform alongside the cast of 14 professional actors.

Jerry Springer - THE OPERA will run at Hope Mill Theatre in Ancoats for four weeks from Thursday 8 August through to Saturday 31 August 2019. It is almost 15 years since the show was last performed in the UK. Tickets are on sale now.

The controversial musical is being brought to the stage by new production company Northern Ricochet, recently formed by James Baker (Parade, Yank), Tom Chester (Parade, Mamma Mia), and Bill Elms (Epstein The Man Who Made The Beatles, Twopence To Cross The Mersey).

Northern Ricochet are passionate about producing quality theatre in the North, for the North and using Northern creatives, actors and voices - and are encouraging and urging local talent to audition for up to 18 places in the Jerry Choir.

Jerry Springer - THE OPERA caused a storm when it came to the UK stage in 2002, and in this new revival it promises the same raucous energy with a revamped and fresh production for 2019!

Casting day for the Jerry Choir is Sunday 24 March 2019 in Manchester city centre. Singers auditioning are urged to ensure they are available on the day. Places in the Jerry Choir are voluntary.

For the audition, singers will be required to prepare two songs of contrasting style, ideally one that suits the style and tone of the show and allows for them to show their ability to act through song - no longer than one minute per song. Singers will be required to take accompanying sheet music.

Successful applicants will be invited to a group workshop at a later date. They will need to commit to rehearsals every Sunday from 12 May to early August; technical rehearsals; and three to four shows per week during the show's four-week run.

Singers wishing to audition are asked to pre-register by emailing jerrychoiruk@gmail.com

The first joint venture from Northern Ricochet will see James Baker as director; Tom Chester as musical director; and Bill Elms as co-producer of Jerry Springer - THE OPERA.

Director James Baker commented: "It's extremely exciting to be looking for Northern talent who will form our Jerry Choir. Whether you have a lust for the stage and never had your chance; a resting pro-performer; a keen player in the amateur circuit; or a graduate needing some exposure; then we want to hear from you.

"Theatre is about the people you make it for - our audiences. It's so important that we reach out to individuals who want to engage with theatre in a professional context. Jerry Springer is a boldly drawn reflection of our society. It's a brave show that asks important questions about people and places. It's so important that we give our theatrical landscape, our city of Manchester, and the people who live in here an opportunity to work with theatre and art on a first-hand basis. This is a fantastic opportunity. All ages, race, gender and sexuality are welcome to join us on this incredible journey."

Jerry Springer - THE OPERA was written by Richard Thomas, who also wrote the music and lyrics, with the book and additional lyrics by Stewart Lee and Richard Thomas. It is based on The Jerry Springer Show, which was first broadcast on television in 1991 and was on the air for 27 years. It tells the story of America's favourite talk show host who suffers the worst day in his career when faced with some of the most challenging guests he's ever met on set.

Full cast to be announced soon for Jerry Springer - THE OPERA.

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