Casting Call: 'Dogfight'

Edison Valley Playhouse will hold auditions for "Dogfight," a story of compassion, heartbreak, and redemption, in mid-December.


"Dogfight" follows three young, fresh and cocky Marines, Birdlace, Boland and Bernstein, the night before their first deployment to the 'little conflict' in Southeast Asia. Looking forward to one last night of debauchery, partying and perhaps some trouble, the boys set out to find the ugliest girl to bring to the "dogfight", a cruel game where the men put up money for a party and a cash prize and whoever brings the ugliest girl wins the pot. Winner of the Lucille Lortel Award for Best Musical, "Dogfight" is a powerful and haunting musical about the end of the age of innocence in the '60s.

Eddie Birdlace (18-25, A2-A4)	A Marine private first class. He is well respected and a natural leader amongst his comrades. Initially a hothead; a cocky smooth talker. He eventually sheds his brash exterior when he falls for Rose.
Rose Feeny (18-21, G3-E5)	A diner waitress who dreams of life as a musician. She is naturally shy of the world around her. Becomes smitten with Birdlace and discovers a lot about her self respect and confidence along the way. Some knowledge of how to play basic guitar a plus, but not required.
Bernstein (18-25, B2-B4)	A Marine private first class, and Birdlace's good friend. A bit nerdy, and very inexperienced with the opposite sex.
Boland (18-25, B2-B4)	A Marine private first class and Birdlace's closest friend. The most vocal supporter of the dogfight, and fairly crude in his behavior and language.
Marcy (25-35, F#3-Eb5)	Boland's date for the dogfight; a nearly toothless and homely prostitute. Crass and brash, but sneaky and cunning.
Lounge singer (25-35, B2-B4)	Oily crooner, and judge of the Dogfight. May also double in the ensemble.
Supporting cast (18-35, same vocal range as those listed above)	Fills out the remaining characters of "Dogfight." Parts include additional Marines, hippies, and bus passengers. These cast members will also provide supporting vocals from offstage.

Auditionees should prepare 32 bars of their most comfortable and polished vocal selection, which can be of any musical style so long as it is not from "Dogfight". It is worth noting, however, that "Dogfight" has a number of pop, rock, folk and other contemporary overtones, and a capella is not permitted. Sheet music should also be in the correct key. Auditionees should also bring their resumé and a list of conflicts between Jan. 5 and March 13. All males must be willing to get buzz cuts.

Auditions will take place at 6 p.m. Dec. 14 and at 7:30 p.m. December 15 and 16. Callbacks will be held at 2 p.m. Dec. 21.

Tech week will run March 6-12. Performances will be at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays March 6-28 and at 2 p.m. March 22.

Men must be willing to get buzz cuts because that was the Marine mandatory hairstyle. For more information, contact dogfightevp@gmail.com. Edison Valley Playhouse is located at 2196 Oak Tree Road, Edison.