Casting Call: 'The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940'

Villagers Theatre will hold auditions for "The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940."

Auditions are from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on June 29 and 30. Callbacks, if needed, will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on July 1. Short monologues are provided below for each of the characters. Please memorize the monologue for the audition. You may also be asked to read from sides, which will be provided at the audition. Those auditioning for Nikki, Eddie, O'Reilly, or Roger should be prepared to sing from either "Oklahoma" or "Carousel." If you are auditioning for Helsa, please sing "The Boys in the Back Room."

The creative team responsible for a recent Broadway flop (in which three chorus girls were murdered by the mysterious "Stage Door Slasher") assembles for a backer's audition of their new show at the Westchester estate of a wealthy "angel." The house is replete with sliding panels, secret passageways and a German maid who is apparently four different people- all of which figure diabolically in the comic mayhem that follows when the infamous "Slasher" makes his reappearance and strikes again-and again. As the composer, lyricist, actors and director prepare their performance, and a blizzard cuts off any possible retreat, bodies start to drop in plain sight, knives spring out of nowhere, masked figures drag their victims behind swiveling bookcases, and accusing fingers point in all directions.

Roles are:

Helsa Wenzel Late 20s	Helsa is the maid of the Grossenknueten estate. She is killed in the first scene of the play, only to be impersonated by her twin brother, Dieter. The actress who plays Helsa also appears at the end of the play as "Katrina, the cook from Koblenz." The actress playing Helsa must be able to do a convincing German accent. This is a challenging role, very much in the "Victor/Victoria" mode. The actress must be able to convince the audience that she is Dieter, who is a female impersonator, when she is "revealed." This character is also involved in two very physical "fight" scenes.	Monologue: (with a thick German accent) I am of triplets. Sisters. But they are in Germany. (after a pause) My mutter und vater worked in Berlin as laborers in the Government printing plant. In 1923 they died, when a carton which contained marks, the equivalent of five American dollars fell on them und they were crushed. (breath) My sisters und I were raised by relatives. We saw each other only on Weinachtsabend, when we met to decorate the Weinachtsbaum, und give out the Weinachtsgeschenke. (pause) My point is...I did not know my sisters!
Elsa Von Grossenknueten Mid 40s	Elsa is the owner of the mansion and is the financial backer of many musicals. Elsa summons the group together in an attempt to find out who murdered her "friend" Bebe McAllister. She is extremely eccentric, and thinks that the idea of chasing after a killer is great fun. Her grandfather was a spy, and she claims that espionage runs in her blood.	Monologue: (enthusiastically) My dear, these are actors, producer, director, composer, lyricist, coming to get MY money for their Broadway show. Nothing short of the end of the world will stop them, certainly not a little snow. And I must tell you, espionage is in my blood, Sergeant, I won't fail you! (picking up a make up kit) Poor dead Bebe's Deco make-up kit. Being au courant was so important to her. And now...she is anything but. And this notebook of hers may reveal a murderer. Oh Sergeant, this is going to be a grand adventure, isn't it? And I've planned a perfectly grand menu for the occasion. To begin...a tureen of December frit, followed by lobster on dill.... Oh sorry, we should get you to your room to rest for tomorrow's events!
Michael Kelly Mid 40s	Kelly is an undercover cop. Elsa appeals to him to help solve the mystery of the Stage Door Slasher. Kelly's tough, no-nonsense attitude puts him at odds with the zany Elsa and the dramatic types that visit. He is kidnapped by an unseen figure and disappears into a secret passage. Ideally, the actor playing Kelly will be of an ethnicity other than white, there is a joke within the script when Elsa comments that she thought all NYC policemen were Irish. To which he responds: "We are."	Monologue: I'm in charge of this investigation and I say you are staying here. This is a murder investigation and I'm a cop. This has gone too far for adventures, Miss Grossenknueten. I am Michael Kelly of the New York City Police Department here on the case of the stage door slasher. The killer is working too damn fast. He didn't go for you or the notebook. He went for someone who obviously could have exposed him. And not just once. We've had two murders, maybe three. Maybe four, if we count O'Reilly who is missing.
Patrick O'Reilly Mid 30s	O'Reilly claims to be an Irish tenor, but he is very suspicious, especially in regards to the mysterious Helsa. The two engage in a very physical brawl. Eventually, O'Reilly claims to be "Tony Garibaldi", an undercover cop with a Bronx accent-only to reveal himself as a Gestapo Agent named Klaus Stansdorff, sent to find German defectors. Nikki confronts him, but before he can reveal the truth, Helsa stabs him through a copy of Moby-Dick. The actor playing O'Reilly must be able to affect an Irish brogue, a Bronx accent, and a German accent. O'Reilly is involved in one the very physical fight scenes.	Monologue: (with an Irish accent to Nikki) Sure'n you're familiar with Ireland, colleen. Well, there's a spot in County Blarney which the sun, comin' over the McNamara mountains, hits first; wakin' the fine village of... McGillicuddy to another of God's days. It's there I'm from and it's there that I'll ever be. (with a Bronx NY accent) I'm not Irish, I'm Italian. Lt. Tony Garibaldi, N.Y.P.D. Working undercover on da case of da stage door slasher. The maid is the slasher and she's on her way up the river. Ok, Wenzel, the jig's up, come out with your hands up...Eins, Zwei, Drei. Vier, Funf, Acht, Neun, Zehn. (with a German accent) I am Klaus Stansdorff of the Geheime Staatspolizei. Temporarily assigned to the German Consulate in New York...as a cultural attache'. What I want is you, Sergeant Kelly, to take the lantern and lead the way into the tunnel. Bitte, Sergeant, I could easily have killed you before, but I didn't. Why not? Professional courtesy.
Ken De La Maize Early 40s	Ken is a "typical" director, speaking of theater as a "pure art." He also has an annoying habit of name-dropping, constantly citing the various celebrities he has worked with over the years. Everyone always claims to have seen the films he makes, only for him to reveal that they have not yet been released. The actor playing Ken should be able to sing, at least a little.	Monologue: Ahhh...to be back. Back in the theater. That event as ancient as man and as mysterious and inspiring as the nature man once sought to imitate or appease in his earliest rituals...rituals we now call - the theater. Not moving pictures, but life. Life distilled to a pure clear ring of truth. Never forget that! (pause) Well, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to take my sherry upstairs and into the bathtub. Get rid of some of the Union Pacific Railroad I brought with me. See you later.
Nikki Crandall Late 20s - Early 30s	Nikki is considered a typical chorus girl- but she is eventually revealed to be Ensign Nicole Crandall, of United States Naval Intelligence. Her secret mission was to find the Germans who were to sabotage American war efforts. She is also interested in solving the mystery of the Stage Door Slasher, and helps to break the code in Bebe's notebook. Ken almost kills her, as does Helsa/Dieter. Eddie saves her twice, prompting the two to fall in love. The actress playing Nikki should be able to sing.	Monologue: Don't make a move, Daddio, or you'll be pushing up daisies. (flashes an ID) Ensign Nicole Crandall, United States Naval Intelligence. The Nazis landed this guy and five others on Long Island three weeks ago. We caught four of them in Sag Harbor posing as novelists. The saboteurs had false identities, a half million dollars and a mission to blow up installations all over this country to effectively retard this country's communication system. But this guy and a guy named Franz Becker decided the money was more important than the Fatherland and took off with the do-re-mi. The Katzenjammer Kid here bumped off Becker for the greenbacks. We knew this guy had a sister, Helsa Wenzel, and thought it might be long shot he'd come here. (taking a pause) They sent me in to catch him because I was the only agent who could sing harmony.
Eddie McCuen Late 20s - Early 30s	Directly based on Bob Hope, Eddie is the out of work comedian that ties the different story lines together. He is attracted to Nikki, but fumbles when he tries to talk to her. He was a replacement for an actor, and thus has no connection to Manhattan Holiday. He is the one who realizes the connection between the Slasher case and the party, and later helps to defeat the slasher and Dieter. These brave actions unite him with Nikki. He has an obvious attraction to Nikki the whole play, and ultimately ends up saving the day and getting the girl. The actor playing Eddie should be able to sing and dance a little.	Monologue: I only got the gig yesterday. Some other guy got sick. My agent asked me, can I sing. Sure, I say...always say "yes," one of my rules. No matter what they ask, yes. This morning a limo picks me up, parks me in front with the chauffeur. Then we pick up a dame and a mug in Yorkville. What a trip! Driving in a snowstorm. I can't see a thing so I don't know how the driver can. And on top of that he's deaf! He had to be. I did forty minutes of my best stuff ...he don't crack a smile!
Marjorie Baverstock 40s-60s	Marjorie is a Broadway producer. She constantly flatters everyone around her, and speaks in elevated language; her "new word" is "divoon." She is accidentally killed by Dieter at the end of the first act; strangely, no one seems to notice, despite the fact that there is an enormous sword through her back.	Monologue: I didn't get to tell you Mr. McCuen, that I think it's simply divoon of you to fill in at the last minute like this. But I'm sorry to hear you want to leave, because I for one, would be quite sorry to see you go. I've been hearing such good things about your work. And of course, Ken De La Maize, who is directing the audition knows every agent in Hollywood. Elsa, I can't wait for you to hear the show. It's divoon, simply divoon. And I have a budget all worked out. Even down to the opening night party. We'll hold it at Sardi's, naturally, and if we charge the actors just a teensy cover charge, we'll break even.
Roger Hopewell 30s-50s	Roger is the composer for "White House Merry-Go-Round", and Bernice's partner; the two have had a string of Broadway hits. Roger enjoys teasing Ken about his artistic ways, but flares up whenever someone insults his musical style. He also knows how to deal with Bernice's many quirks. Towards the end of the play, Roger reveals a surprising knowledge of ciphers, and helps Nikki and Bernice break the code in Bebe's notebook. Ideally, the actor playing Roger should be able to play the piano and sing a little.	Monologue: (flamboyantly) Quick, someone, a martini. I am in danger of frostbite. Marjorie, sweetheart, I love your new word...divoon! (to O'Reilly) Your eyes are very blue. I'm not being licentious. A triple libidinous, perhaps. A bit lascivious. But not licentious. (turning to Ken) Ken! I didn't see you..How wonderful to be working with you again. I was saying to Bernice on the way here, now our script will have distilled truth, and clean rings, and new sparkplugs, and all those wonderful things that Ken does.
Bernice Roth 30s-50s	The perpetually thirsty lyricist and Roger's writing partner, Bernice is very odd and emotional, frequently losing her composure and screaming. When Marjorie fails to respond to the closing number of "White House Merry-Go-Round", Bernice is hugely offended, despite the fact that Marjorie was dead at the time. She spends the entire second act attempting to "fix" the play, even when she is held hostage by Ken, O'Reilly, and Dieter. In the finale, she is struck with inspiration toward a new work that takes place in the heartland of American-a cowboy play called Nebraska.	Monologue: Hi gang! Sorry I'm late getting downstairs, but the storm froze the lock on my overnight case and I've been upstairs heating it with a candle. And the candle kept dripping wax on the rug so I moved into the closet and set something on fire. See, I don't know what I set on fire, cause whatever it was burnt up. Then the maid comes in while I'm kneeling on the floor in the closet under this raging fire and wants to know if I'm Haitian! (to Roger) His eyes are very blue.

Rehearsals will begin July 7 and will continue at two three rehearsals per week for a nine week period. Rehearsals will generally run from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. All actors will be called to all rehearsals beginning two weeks before tech week. There will be an evening rehearsal on Labor Day since it is during tech week.

The show is directed by Judi Parrish and produced by Emily Russoniello and Howard Gross.

For additional information, you can email eustacem@aol.com.

Casting Call: 'The Fantasticks'

PinnWorth of Kelsey Theater will hold auditions for "The Fantasticks" weekend after next.

The show is about a boy, a girl, two fathers and a wall. The narrator, El Gallo, asks the audience to use their imagination and follow him into a world of moonlight and magic. The boy and the girl fall in love, grow apart, and finally find their way back to each other after realizing the truth in El Gallo's words that "without a hurt, the heart is hollow".

Auditionees should prepare 16-32 bars of music and a two-to-three-minute monologue, not from the show, that reflects whichever character they choose to audition for. A resumé is also advisable.

Auditions will take place in two sessions from 7-8:30 p.m. and from 8:30-10 p.m. July 6 and 7. Callbacks will occur from 7-10 p.m. July 8. Summer rehersals are flexible, with no weekends. The show will run Fridays through Sundays Sept. 25 through Oct. 4. The show will be directed by LouJ Stalsworth.

For more information, or to make an audition appointment, contact thefantasticks_kelseytheatre@yahoo.com. Kelsey Theater is located on the MCCC campus on 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

Casting Call: 'Little Women'

Six generations have read this story. This one will sing it.

Pierrot Productions of Kelsey Theater will hold auditions for "Little Women" at the beginning of next week. The show is directed by Kat Ross Kline and musically directed by Peter de Mets.

Based on Louisa May Alcott's semi-autobiographical novel of the same name, this classic story of family and love follows the adventures of the four March sisters and depicts both the trials and triumphs of growing up during the tumultuous times of the Civil War. Intercut with the vignettes in which their lives unfold are several recreations of the melodramatic short stories protagonist Jo writes in her attic studio. The powerful score soars with the sounds of personal discovery, heartache and hope as each of the beloved sisters transition from girl to young woman.

Auditionees should bring their resumé and a headshot, a list of all known conflicts between June 17 and Sept. 20, and prepare and 32 bars of music in the style of the show in the proper key. Neither a capella, CDs nor iPods will be permitted. Auditionees must be at least 16 years old at the time of the audition.

Amy March (12-20, Cb4-Gb5)	The youngest, most energetic sister, rather pompous and spoiled. She thrives on being the center of attention and is prone to throwing tantrums when she doesn't get her way. Her relationship with Jo is sometimes strained. As an adult she marries Laurie. The actor playing this part will play both younger and older Amy, as well as doubling as Troll.
Aunt March (45-60, E3-F5)	A formidable, temperamental, over-bearing matron and great-aunt to the March sisters. She is quite wealthy and cares greatly about society and appearances.
Beth March (14-18, A3-G5)	The second-youngest sister. Tends to avoid public situations. A peace-maker, quiet, kind, and an optimist who is always encouraging her sisters to dream. She has a close relationship with Jo despite their different personalities. Tragically dies of scarlet fever. The actor playing this role will double as Rodrigo II.
Jo March (16-24, E3-A5)	A passionate, adventurous and brave young writer who always seems to say and do the wrong thing. A bit of a tomboy, Jo cannot reconcile herself to the reserved domesticity of a 19th century woman. Becomes engaged to Professor Bhaer. This is her story and her journey.
Laurie Laurence (16-24, Bb2-Bb4)	The fun-loving, bright-eyed boy-next-door with considerable charm. Along with his overprotective grandfather, he is a neighbor to the March family and quickly becomes a fixture in the girls' lives. He loves Jo but later falls for Amy.
Marmee March (35-50, Eb3-Eb5)	The girls' much beloved mother. She is the strong backbone of the family, who is courageous and kind in spite of the difficulties of raising her daughters alone while her husband is away at war. The actor playing this role will double as Hag.
Meg March (17-25, A#3-Gb5)	The pretty, simple and well-mannered oldest sister. Yearns for a great life, and is often overshadowed by her more outspoken and forward younger sisters. She marries John Brooke and has twins. The actor playing this role will double as Clarissa.
Mr. John Brooke (25-35, C#3-F#4)	Laurie's tutor. Attractive, but very reserved, and shows very little emotion. He warms to the March girls and later falls in love with and marries Meg.
Professor Bhaer (35-45, G2-F#4)	A German professor who is a proper gentleman, reserved and self-confident. He is a resident in Mrs. Kirk's boarding house in New York and serves as an academic mentor to Jo, with whom he eventually falls in love.
Mr. Laurence (60-70, nonsinging)	Laurie's grandfather and neighbor to the Marches. He is a wealthy, stiff and stern older man who eventually shows his softer side.
Mrs. Kirk (30-65, nonsinging)	The owner of the boarding house in New York where Jo and Professor Bhaer live.

Auditions will occur from 6:30-10 p.m. May 31 and from 7-10 p.m. June 1 and 3. Callbacks will take place either from 12-6 p.m. June 6 or from 7-10 p.m. June 8. Rehearsals will begin either late June or early July, and performances will run at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays Sept. 11-20.

Audition appointments are highly encouraged but not required; walk-ins will be seen as time permits. To schedule an appointment, or for more information, contact littlewomenatkelsey@gmail.com.

Auditions will take place in the communications building on the Mercer County Community College campus at 1200 Old Trenton Road,West Windsor, where Kelsey Theater is also located.

'Les Misérables: School Edition' at Cranford Dramatic Club

Cranford Dramatic Club Junior Theatre will present "Les Misérables: School Edition" in a few days.

Set in early 19^th-century France, "Les Misérables" follows a man named Jean Valjean and his quest for redemption after serving nineteen years in jail for having stolen a loaf of bread. As he sets out to start a new life, he finds himself relentlessly hounded by police inspector Javert. Along the way, Valjean and a slew of characters are swept into a revolutionary period in France, where a group of young idealists make their last stand at a street barricade.

When seeing the show, it is requested that audience members bring a nonperishable food item that will be donated to Cranford Family Care, a program dating back to the Great Depression that provides short-term, emergency assistance to Cranford families.

The show runs at 8 p.m. May 29 and at 2 and 8 p.m. May 30. Tickets cost $12.

To purchase tickets, click here. For more information, visit the CDC website. The Cranford Dramatic Club is located at 78 Winans Avenue, Cranford

'Urinetown' at Playhouse 22

To pee, or not to pee: That is the question. You can find out the answer in June, when "Urinetown" opens at Playhouse 22.

The musical takes place in a Gotham-like city where a terrible water shortage, caused by a 20-year drought, has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens must use public amenities, regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity's most basic needs. Amid the people, a hero decides he's had enough, and plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom.

 "Urinetown" will run at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 3 p.m. Sundays June 12-28. Tickets cost $20 per senior or student and $22 per adult.

The show features Kevin Albanese as Hot Blades Harry, Maria Aromando as Hope Cladwell, Arnold Brown as Senator Fipp, Catherine Circonciso as Little Sally, Lynda Dickson as Penelope Pennywise, Frank Falisi as Officer Lockstock, Dotti Friis as Granny The Fox, Thom Fritzen as Officer Barrel, Jacob Goode as Billy Boy, Robert Gunther as Tiny Tom, Dan Keyser as Bobby Strong, Jessica Kimberlin as Lily the Butterbug, Megan Liberty as Ms. Peasandcarrots, Pete Matseur as Old Man Strong/Cop/UGC Exec #1, Kate Matseur as Anal Annie, Nicole Mory as Ms. Deepockets/Cop, Gregory Newton as Cladwell, Rosellen Schussler as Mrs. Yesman/Cop, Julie Stein as Soupy Sue, Marc Suznovich as Dr. Billeaux/UGC Exec #2/Cop, Leigh Suznovich as Mrs.Millenium/Cop, Judi Thaw as Ma Strong, Jack Tomy as Robby the Stockfish, Phillip Wallens as Mr. McQueen, and Jenna Zielinski as Little Becky Two Shoe. It is directed by Mark Kalet.

To purchase tickets, click here. Playhouse 22 is located at 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.

'The Pillowman' at Villagers Theatre

Fearless Productions presents "The Pillowman" at Villagers Theatre.

The show performs at 8 p.m. on May 21, 22, and 23, and 2 p.m on May 24. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and students and are available online. No group rates or discounts are available.

With echoes of Stoppard, Kafka, and the Brothers Grimm, "The Pillowman" centers on a writer in an unnamed totalitarian state who is being interrogated about the gruesome content of his short stories and their similarities to a series of child murders. The result is an urgent work of theatrical bravura and an unflinching examination of the very nature and purpose of art.

The show is written by Martin McDonagh and is directed by Samantha Ambler.

'Reasons to Be Pretty' at Circle Players

Neil Labute's "Reasons to Be Pretty" opens at Circle Players this June.

The show performs at 8 p.m. on June 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27 and 3 p.m. on June 28. Tickets are available online. This show is not recommended for children due to strong language and adult situations.

Greg’s tight-knit social circle is thrown into turmoil when his offhand remarks about a female coworker’s pretty face and his own girlfriend Steph’s lack thereof get back to Steph. But that’s just the beginning. Greg’s best buddy, Kent, and Kent’s wife, Carly, also enter into the picture, and the emotional equation becomes exponentially more complicated. As their relationships crumble, the four friends are forced to confront a sea of deceit, infidelity, and betrayed trust in their journey to answer that oh-so-American question: How much is pretty worth?

The show is directed by Rick Holloway and stars Kerry Dzimoba as Carly, Elizabeth Lafargue as Steph, Patrick Lithgow as Greg, and Erik Hall as Kent.

Casting Call: 'Breaking Legs'

Somerset Valley Players will hold auditions for "Breaking Legs."

Auditions will be held at 7:30 p.m. on May 19 and 21 in the theater. Those who audition will have to read from sides. You may also prepare a monologue, though it is not required.

In this madcap comedy, murder and menace are served up with plenty of pasta and laughter. Gangsters turned producers are unaware that the "Broadway Lights" don't quite fit into their Tony Soprano lifestyles.

Roles are:

Terrence O'Keefe	A playwright and English professor. 40s - 50s
Lou Graziano	A restaurant proprietor. 50s
Angie Graziano	Lou's daughter. Late 20s.
Mike Francisco	A flamboyant man, rather tough, and sometimes mistaken for a mobster. Late 50s.
Tino De Felice	A businessman. 50s.
Frankie Salvucci 50s	A gambler and horse-player. 50s.

The show will be directed by Chris Russoniello and produced by Karen Abbatiello. Performances are July 17 to August 2 at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays.

'The Biography of Margaret Dawson' at Villagers Theatre

Villagers Theatre presents a staged reading of Marv Siegel "The Biography of Margaret Dawson."

The reading will take place at 7:30 p.m. on May 11 at the theater. Admission is free.

Aging movie star Margaret Dawson has agreed to allow her biography to be filmed. She has requested a private meeting with the young starlet Jennifer who has been cast to play her as a teenager. When they meet, sparks fly, secrets are revealed and the two are profoundly changed by the experience.

The show is directed by Nina Marti and stars Donne Petito and Rainni Moran.

Playhouse 22 Seeking Staff

Playhouse 22 is seeking staff for shows in their upcoming 2015-16 season.

Staff sought include stage managers, set designers, costumers, lighting designers and property managers. A small stipend is available.

Those interested should contact info@playhouse22.org, sending a cover letter, resumé, and list of references. The early deadline for applications is May 15.

Shows that the theater will perform are "The Producers," "A Few Good Men," "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," "Lost in Yonkers," "1776," and their annual show "A Christmas Carol: The 20th Anniversary." For more information on this upcoming season, click here.

Playhouse 22 is located at 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.

'Edges' at Villagers Theatre

Villagers Theatre presents the musical "Edges."

The show will perform at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $15 and are available at the box office and online. No group rates or discounts are available.

"Edges" is not a traditional musical; it is an exciting new show about four burgeoning adults asking classic coming-of-age questions. Written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul in their sophomore year at the University of Michigan, this show carries an honest voice advocating introspection while maintaining wit and charm. The songs cover such universal issues as love, commitment, identity, and meaning. Characters deal with confronting emotions, escaping expectations, and deciphering complicated relationships.

The show is directed by Rory Chalcraft, stage managed by Jennifer Moffet, and produced by Darren Nye and Dan Schulze, with lights by Jennifer Moffet. The show stars Cristy Miller, Allie G. Wertheim, Thom Boyer, anjd Faisal Sheikh.