Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Casting Call: 'Shrek the Musical'

Come find your place in the swamp as Kelsey Theatre holds auditions for "Shrek: The Musical."

Set in a faraway kingdom turned upside down, an unseemly ogre shows up to rescue a feisty princess. Throw in a donkey who won't shut up, a bad guy with a short temper, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you've got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero.

Luckily, there's one on hand, and his name is Shrek. Based on the Academy Award-winning movie, "Shrek the Musical" is part romance, part twisted fairy tale and all irreverent fun.

Auditions for children 8-12 will be held from 6-9 p.m. Jan. 23, and auditions for those 13 and older will be held from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Jan. 25 and from noon-6 p.m. Jan. 26.

Actors must register online to schedule an audition. Required information includes a resume, headshot and any other relevant information. Appointments are recommended. Audition packets also are available online.

Cast includes:

Shrek (25-45, A2-G#4)A big, green, terrifying ogre who lives alone in a swamp. He embarks on a journey to rid his swamp of fairytale creatures and, along the way, falls in love with Fiona. Begins as a grumpy hermit, but eventually becomes the hero.
Donkey (20-35, C3-B4)A talking donkey who joins Shrek on the run from Farquaad's guards. Quite the chatterbox, he is not deterred by Shrek's looks and practically forces himself into his good graces. Easily frightened and pushy, but also an optimist with heart.
Lord Farquaad
(25-40, B2-D5)
The comically short, ruthless ruler of Duloc. He is in search of a princes to marry so that he can become king. Has an intensely unfair bias against fairytale creatures that stems from a resentment of his father. Self-absorbed, lonely and cruel. The actor playing this role will execute all blocking and choreography on his knees.
Pinocchio (20-40, E3-F#4)The leader of the fairytale creatures. He is an animated puppet whose nose grows every time he lies. Plenty of sass with a penchant for lying. There is a very specific character voice associated with this role.
Fiona (20-30, F3-G6)The beautiful princess of Far Far Away, Fiona transforms into an ogress every night at sunset. She is rescued by Shrek and eventually falls in love with him. Quirky, blunt, and multitalented, she is not an ordinary princess. This role requires strong singing and dancing, including tap.
Dragon (25-45, F3-Eb5)A dragon charged with guarding Princess Fiona in her isolated castle. She falls in love with Donkey and attempts to keep him there forever. Imposing and flirtatious, but tired of her job as the glorified babysitter. Since the role is sung offstage, the actor will need strong vocals and a very high belt. The singer most likely will double for other female roles in the show.
Gingy (Female, 15-40, B3-C#5)A gingerbread man initially kidnapped by Lord Farquaad. His wit and resolution help him both avoid trouble and inspire the rest of the fairytale creatures. Gingy is a puppet that will be operated by the person playing the Sugar Plum Fairy. This role calls for a specific character voice and high soprano range.
Adult ensemble/ secondary roles (13+)The ensemble will play roles such as Mama and Papa Ogre, King Harold, Queen Lillian, teenage Fiona, Big Bad Wolf, three little pigs, White Rabbit, Fairy Godmother, Peter Pan, Wicked Witch, Mama and Papa bears, Mad Hatter, elf, three blind mice, angry mob, guards, knights, pied piper, Thelonius, bishop and others. All adult secondary roles have dialogue and solo singing. The ensemble players in this show will be onstage constantly and are an integral part of the cast.
Child ensemble/ secondary roles (8-12)Two boys and two girls will share the roles of Young Fiona, a featured soloist; Young Shrek, the ugly duckling, Baby Bear, dwarf and others.
Six featured dancers (13+)The dance corp will perform various styles including light chorus, tap, jazz, and hip hop. Some partnering will be involved. Featured dancers also may be members of the adult ensemble.

The show will run from May 30 to June 8, with performances at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

For more information, contact auditions@mponstage.com or call (609) 882-2292. Kelsey Theater is located at Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

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