Casting Call: 'Li'l Abner'

M&M Stage Productions will hold auditions for "Li'l Abner" next weekend at of Kelsey Theater.

The play is based on Al Capp's long-running comic strip about a clan of hillbillies living in Dogpatch, Ark. The original musical opened on Broadway at the St. James Theater on November 15, 1956, and had a run of 693 performances, followed by a nationwide tour.

The plot is as follows: As Sadie Hawkins Day approaches, Daisy Mae hopes to win the hand of Li'l Abner by catching him in the traditional race in Dogpatch. A senator tells the residents of Dogpatch that their town is to be used as an atomic bomb testing ground unless they can find something necessary about it.

Meanwhile, Earthquake McGoon wants to marry Daisy Mae, who wants to marry Li'l Abner, who wants to fish. Mammy's Yokumberry Tonic must be the answer to everyone's prayers, but General Bullmoose wants the tonic and tries to trap Abner into marrying his attractive but ditzy secretary, Appassionata. Daisy pledges herself to Earthquake in exchange for rescuing Abner from Bullmoose. In the end, Yokumberry Tonic saves the day.

Prospective actors will need to sing a song in the style of the show. An accompanist will be provided. Actors also should bring clothes suitable for dancing, a resume, and a headshot.

Auditions will run from noon-5 p.m. May 17 and 18, at the CM building on Mercer County Community College. To make an appointment, contact auditions@mandmstage.com. M&M Stage Productions' website is mandmstage.com.

Character	Description	Vocal range
Li'l Abner Yokum	A beefy, strong, sincere, not not-so-bright stud.	Tenor/Baritone
Daisy Mae	Abner's devoted girlfriend. Innocent, shapely.	Mezzo
Marryin' Sam	Loud and good-natured marriage broker.	Tenor
Earthquake McGoon	Abner's rival in ove for Daisy Mae	Bass
General Bullmoose	An evil "entrepreneur.	Baritone
Appasionata von Climax	Bullmoose's shapely secretary.
Mammy Yokum	Abner's domineering mother.
Pappy Yokum	Abner's henpecked father.
Stupefyin' Jones	Drop-dead gorgeous. Any male who glimpses her freezes.
Dr. Finsdale	Baritone
Dr. Smithborn	Baritone)
Dr. Krogmeyer	Baritone
Dr. Schliefetz	Baritone
Large chorus of townsfolk