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.