Casting Call: 'Miss Saigon'

PinnWorth Productions of Kelsey Theater will hold auditions for "Miss Saigon," an adaptation of Puccini's opera "Madame Butterfly" by the writers of "Les Miserables," Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, on several dates spread through next month.

Reframing Puccini’s story by setting it during the Vietnam War, Miss Saigon is a powerful and poignant tale of love in a war-torn country. In the dangerous days before Saigon’s fall in 1975, Chris, an American GI, and Kim, a destitute Vietnamese orphan working her first night as a prostitute, fall in love. When the city falls, the lovers are forced apart, and each must find their own way, alone. When, years later, Chris is able to return to Vietnam, he brings with him an American wife. Kim, who has waited for Chris, has raised their son, Tam, who is “bui-doi”, a term for a child conceived during the horrors of war. With so much devastation behind them, Kim and Chris must decide how to move forward. Miss Saigon is a tragedy of massive proportions: passionate, profound, and heart-wrenchingly honest.

Auditionees should prepare 16-32 bars of music in the style of, but not from, the show that best shows their pop belt voice and range, being sure to have sheet music in the correct key. An accompanist will be provided. They should also be prepared to dance, wearing appropriate dance attire. For women, wearing character heels will be a plus; men should wear jazz shoes or dance sneakers. Auditionees should bring a headshot and resumé, as well as the audition form, which can be downloaded here. Those with acrobatic skills should be prepared to show them. All ages and ethnicities are sought for the parts, although those auditioning for the lead or ensemble roles listed below must be at least 18 years old; auditions for Tam and a child ensemble will be held separately, at a date to be announced. Auditionees must sign up prior to auditions.

Christopher Scott (pop tenor, A2-B4, 20-30)	A young, tormented American GI. He is in love with Kim, but after they are torn apart, finds solace in his new love for Ellen back in the US. After three years of trying to get past his Vietnam experience and his shattered love, the news of his and Kim's son shakes his world apart.
The engineer, a.k.a. Tran Van Dinh (baritone, A2-Ab4, 30-50)	The half-French, half-Vietnamese owner of the Dreamland club in Saigon, a greasy wheeler-dealer who puts self-preservation over everything else. Sleazy yet likeable.
Kim (mezzo-soprano/ belter, E3-E5, 17-20)	A 17-year-old Vietnamese girl from the country. Moves to Saigon and falls in love with Chris, an American marine. She is young and naïve, yet strong-willed, and would do anything for the good of her son, Tam.
John Thomas (tenor baritone, G#2-Bb4, 25-40)	Chris’s close friend and a fellow American marine. In the Dreamland bar, he buys Kim for Chris "as a last souvenir." Three years later, John has become an activist, supporting aid for the Bui-Doi, Amerasian offspring of American soldiers and Vietnamese mothers abandoned at the end of the Vietnam War. In his work, he locates Chris' three-year-old son, Tam, living with Kim in Bangkok.
Ellen Scott (mezzo-soprano/ belter, F#3-G5, 20-30)	The sensible, stable, iconically 1970s American woman that Chris fell in love with and married 2 years after returning from Vietnam. The news that Kim is still alive and bore Chris' son threatens to change her life forever, but she is determined to do what is best for her husband, his son, and her marriage.
Thuy (tenor, C3-Bb4, 20-30)	Kim’s cousin, to whom she has been promised since she was 13. He is a stalwart and determined Vietnamese military leader who will stop at nothing to get Kim back for himself. Intensely patriotic and anti-American.
Gigi Van Tranh (mezzo-soprano/ belter, Ab3-Eb5, early-mid-20s)	A Vietnamese bar girl who wins the contest and the title of “Miss Saigon.” While on the surface, she is a hardened stripper, her true dream is to be taken away by an American marine to start a new life in America. Strong dance skills required.
Mimi, Yvette and Yvonne (mezzo-soprano, F above middle C to top D above top C, early-mid-20s)	Three hardened, disillusioned Saigon prostitutes. Each of these parts requires strong dance skills.
Adult ensemble (18+, all ranges)	Dancing and company singing as bar girls/prostitutes, marines/G.I.’s, Captain Schultz, Assistant Commisar, Vietnamese soldiers, hustlers, pimps, club owner, vendors, refugees, embassy workers, Japanese tourists, conference delegates, American officers, and Vietnamese and Thai civilians.

Adult auditions will occur on January 9, 10 and 23. Auditions for women will be held from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and auditions for men will be held from 2:30-6 p.m. January 9 and 23; co-ed auditions will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. January 10. Callbacks will be held January 24. The show is directed by LouJ Stalsworth and Koren Zander, the latter of whom is also the choreographer.

There will be a few rehearsals in April or May. Regular rehearsals are anticipated to begin in June, typically 7-10 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. A few weekend rehearsals may be scheduled, although this will be quite rare. The show will run Fridays and Saturdays September 9-25.

For more information, contact pinnworth@gmail.com. Again, the audition form can be found here. Kelsey Theater is located at 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

Casting Call: 'Veronica's Room'

In a few weeks, Westfield Community Players will hold auditions for "Veronica's Room," a chilling mystery thriller by Ira Levin, author of "Rosemary's Baby" that explores the thin line between fantasy and reality, madness, and murder.

Students Susan and Larry find themselves as guests, enticed to the Brabissant mansion by its dissolute caretakers, the lonely Mackeys. Struck by Susan's strong resemblance to Veronica Brabissant, the long-dead daughter of the family for whom they work, the Mackeys persuade her to briefly impersonate Veronica to solace the only living Brabissant, her addled sister who believes Veronica alive. Once dressed in Veronica's clothes, Susan finds herself locked in the role and locked in Veronica's room. Or is she Veronica, in 1935, pretending to be an imaginary Susan?

There are four characters: "The woman," aged 35-60; "the man," aged 35-55; "the girl," aged 20-36; and "the young man," aged 22-29.

Auditions will occur from 6-9 p.m. January 17 and 7-10 p.m. January 19.

Performances will be at 8 p.m. May 7, 13, 14 and 21 and at 2 p.m. May 22.

Auditionees are asked to submit an audition form in advance. The online form may be found here.

For more information, contact info@westfieldcommunityplayers.org. Westfield Community Players is located at 1000 North Avenue West, Westfield.

'Hot l Baltimore' at Westfield Community Players

"Hot l Baltimore" will open at Westfield Community Players in less than two weeks, next year.

The show is set in the lobby of a dilapidated old hotel. Despite its run-down, sometimes repulsive nature, the hotel's inhabitants have a personal relationship to the Hotel Baltimore and to their neighbors living in it. The play is comprised of a series of conversations between the residents of the hotel, who are contemplating an uncertain future after the hotel is condemned and scheduled for demolition.

The show features Leslie Riccie as Mrs. Bellotti, Sabrina Iacobellis as the Girl, Mike Petritsch as Paul Granger III, Jeanette Ricci as April Green, Roxanne Guarino as Jackie, Matt Coakley as Jamie, Peter Twill as Mr. Katz, Peter Curley as Bill Lewis, Linda Correll as Millie, Kate Murray as Suzy, Scott Avery as Mr. Morse, Al Contursi as Mr. Oxenham and Suzy's John, Phil Sarpong as a cab driver, and Noah Sokolsky as a pizza delivery boy. It is directed by Beatriz Esteban-Messina, produced by Lucille Bills and stage managed by Barbara Ruban.

The show will run at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays January 9-23 and 2 p.m. Jan. 17. Tickets cost $20 per adult and $10 per student or active military personnel.

To purchase tickets, call (908)232-1221 or click here. Unpaid tickets will be held until 15 minutes before curtain, then resold. The Westfield Community Players are located at 1000 North Avenue West, Westfield.

Casting Call: 'Hamlet'

Shakespeare '70 of Kelsey Theater will hold auditions for Shakespeare's "Hamlet" in about three weeks.

Prince Hamlet of Denmark is not a happy camper. He has just been hurried back home from University to learn that his father the King (Hamlet Sr.) is dead, and that his mother has already jumped into “incestuous sheets” (I.i) by marrying his father’s brother, Claudius, thus making him the new King of Denmark. In short order, the ghost of Hamlet’s father appears to tell him that Claudius is responsible for his death and to urge him to take revenge. Shakespeare’s longest and most frequently performed play, "Hamlet" is one of the most influential works in the English literary canon.

Auditions will occur from 7-9:30 p.m. January 12 and 14 in the Communications Building next to Kelsey Theater. Appointments are encouraged, but not required. Auditionees will read from sides, which will be available at the auditions and may be obtained by contacting the stage manager, Lili Daniel. They should prepare a list of all possible conflicts between April 1 and June 12.

No particular ages are sought for the characters. However, Hamlet and his mother Gertrude, who have been precast, will be portrayed by actors in their late 20s and mid-50s, respectively.

Hamlet (already cast)	A conflicted young man who feels it his duty to get revenge for his father's death.
Claudius	The new King of Denmark, and the late King Hamlet’s brother. Killed his brother in order to marry his former sister-in-law and claim the Danish crown. Obsessed with his own power, Claudius is more than willing to do what it takes to maintain it, even if that means killing his nephew.
Gertrude (already cast)	Hamlet's mother, the queen of Denmark. Mourned Hamlet's father's death for about two months before marrying his brother Claudius.Painted as a woman with a bit of a weak moral character, Gertrude seems to fundamentally rely on the men in her life and may care more about her status and appearance than she does about anything else.
Polonius	The father of Ophelia and Laertes, and the Lord Chamberlain of Claudius’s court. Also manipulative, spreading rumors about his son in order to force him into delivering up information, using Ophelia as a pawn in a plot to improve his standing with Claudius. Ultimately meets his untimely end when Hamlet mistakes him for Claudius while he hides behind a curtain listening to Hamlet and Gertrude’s private conversation.
Ophelia	The former love interest of Hamlet, Ophelia, like Gertrude, has a life that seems to be entirely dictated by the men around her. Utterly obedient to her father, she agrees to play a role in his scheme to spy on Hamlet and is terrorized by the latter as a result. After Hamlet accidentally kills Polonius, she snaps and goes mad, and dies not long after.
Horatio	Hamlet’s best friend from university, and most loyal companion throughout the play. He informs him of the visitation of his father’s ghost, and, at the end of the play, tells the dying Hamlet that he would rather follow him to the end and commit suicide than stay in the world without him.
Laertes	Polonius' son and Ophelia's brother. Spends much of the play at university in Paris, but returns as soon as he hears of his father's murder, with the aim of revenge upon Hamlet.
Hamlet's father's ghost	Appears on the battlements of Elsinore castle, first to the night-watchmen, Bernardo and Marcellus, then to Hamlet’s friend Horatio, and finally to Hamlet himself. He reveals to Hamlet that he was murdered by Claudius, Hamlet’s uncle, and urges Hamlet to seek revenge.
Gravedigger	Providing some of the only comic relief in the play, the gravedigger speaks with Hamlet for a scene late in the play. Has a skull formerly belonging to someone named Yorick.
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern	Two friends of Hamlet's from university.
Player King	Leader of the troupe that comes to perform for the court.
Ensemble	Various messengers, courtiers, soldiers, captains, lords, and ladies.

The readthrough will be in April, with normal rehearsals commencing immediately afterward. There will be rehearsals three nights each week and on Sunday afternoons, with more in the two weeks preceding opening night. Performances will be at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays June 3-12.

For more information, contact the stage manager, Lili Daniel, at lilisaidwhat@gmail.com. To schedule an audition appointment, click here. Both Kelsey Theater and the communications building are located at 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

Villagers Theatre seeks 2016-17 season submissions

If you'd like to direct a show, Villagers Theatre wants to hear from you.

Located in Franklin Township, Villagers Theatre is seeking submissions from directors for its 2016-2017 season. Prospective directors should submit titles and playwrights of the they are interested in directing on Villagers Mainstage. Submit a current resume, including any references, with your submissions.

The play selection committee will ask for a copy of the script for each production for each show it opts to consider after the initial proposal. Directors at that point will be scheduled for interviews with the committee. During the interview, directors will be be asked to:

• Describe why they wish to direct that particular show.
• Discuss their vision for each production (i.e. production values, concept, casting, etc.)
• Discuss why they feel it would be a great addition to the Villagers season.

Directors are always welcomed to bring their own stage managers, choreographers, designers and other production staff to work on shows once they are approved. Villagers Theatre does have its own pool of production staff it can draw on if directors need them.

Villagers will consider only shows that have not been produced on its mainstage for the past 15 years. A list of past productions can be found at: www.villagerstheatre.com/pastshows/

The play selection committee will receive submissions from many directors, and it is likely that shows will be submitted by more than one director. Should that occur, it will be at the sole discretion of the committee to select the director for that production.

Please list submissions in order of preference and note which of time slots best suits your schedule. The season will generally run as follows, with Villagers production recommendations in parentheses:

Show #1 September (a comedy or drama)
Show #2 November (a musical)
Show #3 February (a small musical or comedy)
Show #4 April (a comedy or drama)
Show #5 June (a musical)

All submissions must be received (to the attention of Marie Fiorello) in the Villagers Main Office, at 415 Demott Lane, P.O. Box 6175, Somerset, NJ 08876, or emailed to marie@villagerstheatre.com no later than Dec. 31, 2015 in order to be considered.

Please note that your show may also be considered for the Villagers Black Box series if appropriate. In that event, you will be contacted by Andy Gordanier, executive producer of Villagers Black Box.

If you wish to submit titles for KidsVill, you may do so at this time. They will be forwarded to Ana Kalet, executive producer of KidsVill.

Villagers Theatre is located at 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset. For more information, call (732) 873-2710.

Welcome the New Year at Villagers Theatre

Looking for a fun way to welcome the new year? Villagers Theatre is offering patrons the chance to get out of the house and celebrate the end of 2015 with live entertainment, music and a catered buffet.

The New Years Eve party kicks off at 7 p.m. for those attending the show only, and at 9:30 for those wanting to stay out late and ring in the new year with a show and gala. Tickets cost $25 for the show and $60 for the show and gala, which includes a catered buffet, music, dancing, and party hats and favors.

Tickets are available online. For more information, visit the Villagers Theatre event page, or call (732) 873-2710.

Villagers Theatre is located at 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset.

'Seussical the Musical' at Edison Valley Playhouse

Think invisible ink, or a gink with a stink, or Edison Valley Playhouse's production of "Seussical the Musical," which will open this weekend.

This fantastical family musical is based on the books of Dr. Seuss, including favorites like "Horton Hears a Who!", "Horton Hatches the Egg," and "Miss Gertrude McFuzz." Horton, a kindly elephant, hears a noise coming from a speck of dust on a clover and commits himself to protecting it and the Whos who live on it; Jojo, a misfit Who who "doesn't Think normal Thinks," struggles to find his place in the tiny Who society; Gertrude McFuzz tries to catch the attention of her love, the kind and compassionate Horton. Through mishaps and adventures, these unique characters finally find what they seek, their places in their world.

The show stars Michael Drake, Morgan Wambach, Kevin Albanese, Jessica Musolino, Sierra Hunter, Jesse Principale, Josh Cohen, Tiffany Wilson, Ben Simons, James Fasulo, Jesse Simpson, Mandy Crawford, and Sarah Perney. It is directed by Alicia Cordero, musically directed by Kara Wilson, and choreographed by Lindsey Jordon.

The show will run at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays December 4-19 and at 2 p.m. December 13. Tickets cost $20 per adult and $15 per student or senior citizen.

To reserve tickets for pickup and payment the night of the show, call (908)755-4654 and leave a message stating your name, the night of the show you wish to attend, and how many tickets you wish to purchase. There will only be a return call if there is a problem with the reservation. To reserve and pay for tickets online, click here. Edison Valley Playhouse is located at 2196 Oak Tree Road, Edison.

'A Christmas Carol' at Playhouse 22

Playhouse 22 will present their annual show, the story of a miserable miser who learns to keep Christmas in his heart with the help of several ghostly visitations, this December. That's right, it's the 20th anniversary of Playhouse 22's "A Christmas Carol," adapted from the classic Dickens novella by Tony Adase, who is also the show's director.


The show will feature Fred Dennehy as Ebenezer Scrooge, Erik Hall as Bob Cratchit, Lisa Black as Mrs. Cratchit, Kerri-lynn Shea as Martha Cratchit, Ryan Gordon as Peter Cratchit, Marissa Marciano as Mary Cratchit Phoebe Hall as Belinda Cratchit, Sam Moffett as Tiny Tim, Rupert Ravens as the Narrator, Peter Reimann as Marley’s Ghost, Jackie Master as thr Spirit of Christmas Past and Miss Flora, Chris Rowland as the Spirit of Christmas Present; Russ Ortiz as Fezziwig, a poor man, and a junk broker; Jamie Babington as Barbara and the poor man's wife; Rudy Palma as Nephew Fred, Rachel Green as Fan/Laundress, Kristen Umansky as Alice, Eric Hollenbeck as Young Ebenezer, Deby Brandt as Mrs. Bumley, James Moffett as Ignorance, Maddie Schiavo as Want and a turkey girl, Elena Marie Chalcraft as a charity worker, and Linda Newton as Mrs. Marchon.

The show will run at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, at 4 p.m. Saturdays and at 3 p.m. Sundays December 11-20. Tickets cost $15 each.

Those who attend the performance December 13 will have the opportunity to take their picture with him on stage after the show.

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

Casting Call: 'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee'

Ever wanted to enter a spelling bee? Well, now's your chance — sort of. Playhouse 22 will hold auditions for "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" in a couple of weeks.

Six young people in the throes of puberty, overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves, learn that winning isn't everything and that losing doesn't necessarily make you a loser. "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" is a hilarious tale of overachievers' angst, chronicling the experience of six adolescent outsiders vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime. The show's Tony Award-winning creative team has created the unlikeliest of hit musicals about the unlikeliest of heroes, a quirky yet charming cast of outsiders for whom a spelling bee is the one place where they can stand out and fit in at the same time.

Auditionees should prepare no more than 32 bars of a Broadway show with sheet music. Songs from the show are acceptable. A capella is not permitted. Auditionees should also dress comfortably as dancing is expected.

Chip Tolentino (C4-B5)	An athletic, social, boy scout and champion of the Twenty-Fourth Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, he returns to defend his title, but he finds puberty hitting at an inopportune moment. Also plays Jesus.
Logainne Schwartzandgrunenierre (A3-F5)	(Schwartzy) Logainne is the youngest and most politically aware speller, often making comments about current political figures. She is driven by internal and external pressure, but above all by a desire to win to make her two fathers proud. She is somewhat of a neat freak, speaks with a lisp, and will be back next year.
Leaf Coneybear (A3-A5)	The second runner-up in his district, Leaf gets into the competition on a lark and finds everything about the bee incredibly amusing. He is home-schooled and comes from a large family of former hippies. He has severe Attention Deficit Disorder and spells words correctly while in a trance. Also plays Carl Dad.
William Barfee (E4-B5)	A Putnam County Spelling Bee finalist last year, he was eliminated because of an allergic reaction to peanuts and is back for vindication. His famous "Magic Foot" method of spelling has boosted him to spelling glory, even though he only has one working nostril and a touchy, bullying personality. He develops a crush on Olive.
Marcy Park (C4-E5)	A recent transfer from Virginia, Marcy placed ninth in last year's nationals. She speaks six languages, is a member of all-American hockey, a championship rugby player, plays Chopin and Mozart on multiple instruments, sleeps only three hours a night, hides in the bathroom cabinet, and is getting very tired of always winning. She is the poster child for the Over-Achieving Asian, and attends a Catholic school called "Our Lady of Intermittent Sorrows." She is also not allowed to cry. Gymnastics ability preferred.
Olive Ostrovsky (B3-F5)	A young newcomer to competitive spelling. Her mother is in an ashram in India, and her father is working late, as usual, but he is trying to come sometime during the Bee. Having found comfort in its words and vastness, Olive made friends with her dictionary at a very young age, helping her to make it to the competition. She starts enormously shy, and shyly blossoms.
Rona Lisa Peretti (B3-F5)	The number one realtor in Putnam County, a former Putnam County Spelling Bee Champion herself, and the returning moderator. She is a sweet woman who loves children, but can be very stern when it comes to dealing with Vice Principal Panch and his feelings for her. Her interest in the competition is unflagging and drives it forward. Also plays Olive's mom.
Douglas Panch (non-singing)	The vice principal. Frustrated with his life, he finds the drive of the young spellers alien to him. After five years' absence from the Bee, Panch returns as judge. There was an "incident" at the Twentieth Annual Bee, but he claims to be in "a better place" now, thanks to a high-fiber diet and Jungian analysis. He is infatuated with Rona Lisa Peretti, but she does not return his affections. Looking for good improv ability.
Mitch Mahoney (E4-A5)	The Official Comfort Counselor. An ex-convict, Mitch is performing his community service with the Bee, and hands out juice boxes to losing students. He has no idea how to offer comfort, but does find himself wishing he could find a way to make the kids feel better. Also plays Olive's father, Dan Dad.

Auditions will be held at 7:30 p.m. December 14 and 15, with callbacks at the same time December 17. Appointments may be made online; those who do not schedule appointments will be seen, when time permits, on a first-come, first-serve basis. The show will run at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 3 p.m. Sundays February 6-21.

For more information, contact spellingbee@playhouse22.org or call (732)254-3939. Playhouse 22 is located at 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.

Christmas at Kelsey Theatre

Kelsey Theatre presents "A Very Kelsey Christmas."

The show is a Christmas concert set in the style of a 1950's live variety television show. There will be skits, music of all types (including classic Christmas songs and hymns, pop hits, and Broadway classics), and more.

Performances will take place at 8 p.m. on Dec. 12 and 2 p.m. on Dec. 13. Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and $14 for students/children.

The show is directed by John Zimmerman and musically directed by Peter de Mets.




Also, the theatre will host multiple free Christmas concerts. There will be a choral concert at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 7, a jazz band concert at 8 p.m. on Dec. 8, and a concert by the Mercer County Symphonic Band at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 16.

'Lady Windermere's Fan' at Kelsey Theatre

The Mercer County Community College Theatre and Entertainment program presents Oscar Wilde's "Lady Windermere's Fan."

It is the day before her 21st birthday, and Lady Windermere is sure that her husband is having an affair. Although he denies it, he invites the other woman- Mrs. Erlynne- to the Lady's birthday ball. Angry, Lady Windermere leaves her husband for a new lover. However, things with Mrs. Erlynne may not be all they seem...

The show is at 8 p.m. on Dec. 4 and 5 and 2 p.m. on Dec. 6. Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $14 for seniors/students.

The Kelsey Theatre is located at 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, NJ.

'Seussical' at Edison Valley Playhouse

You can watch it with a fox,
And you can with it in a box.
You can watch it with a mouse,
But you can't watch it in your house.
You won't be left in the lurch
If you watch it in an old church.

Edison Valley Playhouse will present the madcap musical "Seussical" for three weekends, beginning Friday, Dec. 4, under the musical direction of Kara Wilson.

Based on the immortal children's books of Dr. Seuss, "Seussical" is a mashup of favorites like "Horton Hears a Who!", "Horton Hatches the Egg" and "Miss Gertrude McFuzz." Horton hears a noise coming from a speck of dust on a clover and commits himself to protecting it and the Whos who live on it; Jojo, a misfit Who who "doesn't Think normal Thinks," struggles to find his place in the tiny Who society; Gertrude McFuzz tries to catch the attention of her love - the kind and compassionate Horton. Through mishaps and adventures, these unique characters finally find what they seek - their places in their world.

Performances begin at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays Dec. 4-19, with a 2 p,m. matinee on Sunday, Dec. 13. To reserve tickets for pickup and payment on the night of the show, call the box office at (908) 755-4654 and leave a message. You will receive a callback only if there is a problem with your reservation. Tickets also are available online.

Tickets cost $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors.

Edison Valley Playhouse is located at 2196 Oak Tree Road, Edison.

Casting call: 'Eye of God'

Circle Players will hold auditions for “Eye of God,” a haunting dramatic mystery by Tim Blake Nelson, at 7 p.m. Dec. 13 and Dec. 15.

The play is set in a small, dying Oklahoma town, where a young woman finally meets her beau: a just-released convict with whom she has corresponded for three years. Her story weaves in and out of the memories of a weary detective investigating a grisly case in a nearby lake, and a broken, mute boy who may hold the key to the mystery.

Director Christie Leigh Carver of Bound Brook seeks actors and actresses to fill the following roles:

Sam Rogers	40-plus male	Sheriff, lead investigator, weary from a long career trying to make sense of and bring order to the chaos humans inflict on each other; it is his memories that guide us through the play
Jack	30s male	Charming and warm, an ex-convict who has devoted his new life to the Bible and to Ainsley
Willard Sprague	40s male	Parole officer, congenial, straight-forward guy trying to do his job while dealing with troubles at home
Tom	Boy, 12-14 years old	troubled and haunted, trying to find his footing in a life filled with pain and turmoil
Les	Patrolman, 20s-30s male	Patrolman, second under Rogers, keen but inexperienced, hasn’t seen much more than a parking ticket before, nevertheless enjoys the authority of being senior officer
Del (also Voice 2 cop)	20s-30s male	Sees and hears everything from his vantage point of the convenience store in the center of town
Glen (also Voice 1 cop)	20s-30s male	Patrolman, green and eager
Lee	40-plus male	Ainsley’s boss, owns the luncheonette, curmudgeon
Ainsley	20s female	Not worldly, but not as uncomplicated as her naïveté and open manner would suggest
Dorothy	Late 30s-40s	Waitress, Tom’s aunt & guardian, strong and kind, somehow manages to maintain faith and keep her head up after all the pain and strife she has weathered
Janice	20s female	Waitress, Ainsley’s coworker, young but tough and more worldlywise than her friend

The director asks actors to bring a resume and be prepared to list any schedule conflicts for January-March.

Auditions will consist of readings from the script. Auditions will take place at Circle Players, 416 Victoria Ave, Piscataway, NJ 08854. Performances will be at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays Feb. 19-March 5, with a Sunday matinee at  p.m. March 6.