McCarter Theatre Workshop for Community Ensemble Casting at Villagers Theatre

In December, McCarter Theatre will debut a reimagined production of their annual show, "A Christmas Carol." This new production will include a community ensemble consisting of 50 local performers, alongside the professional company.

As preparation for the community auditions, which will be held in April and May for those 14 and older, McCarter will hold an informational session and workshop at 7 p.m. May 18 at Villagers Theatre. The workshop will introduce attendees to some of the team and give attendees the opportunity to play theater games, receive materials, discuss the audition and have any questions about the process answered.

For more information, visit the McCarter Theatre website. Villagers Theatre is located at 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset; McCarter is located at 91 University Place, Princeton.

Somerset Valley Players Seeking Actors for "Oklahoma!"

Somerset Valley Players is seeking two adult male actors to round out the cast of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical "Oklahoma!"

Set in a Western Indian territory just after the turn of the century, the high-spirited rivalry between the local farmers and cowboys provides the colorful background against which Curly, a handsome cowboy, and Laurey, a winsome farm girl, play out their love story. Although the road to true love never runs smooth, with these two headstrong romantics holding the reins, love's journey is as bumpy as a surrey ride down a country road.

The actors should be able to do some light dancing and carry a tune. The show is currently rehearsing; rehearsals are Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, although actors are not required for all rehearsals. Performances will occur at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays April 8-May 1. The show is directed by Tina Lee.

Those who are interested should contact mikemuller@optonline.net. SVP is located at 689 Amwell Road, Hillsborough.

'Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson' at Edison Valley Playhouse

With a raucous blend of outrageous comedy, anarchic theatricality and an infectious rock score, this wildly entertaining musical tells how A.J. kicked British butt, shafted the Indians and smacked down the Spaniards all in the name of these United States--who cares if he didn't have permission?

"Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson" will open at Edison Valley Playhouse March 18.

The show follows America's seventh president from his early days as a child on the wild frontier to his controversial reign in the White House. With the country divided into rich and poor (and with continued skirmishes with the Native Americans upsetting pieces of the new world), Jackson begins his steady climb from military strategist to populist rabble-rouser to President of the United States. Along the way, he meets his wife, Rachel, takes on the Founding Fathers, and rocks like no political figure has ever rocked before!

The show will run at 8 p.m. March 8, 19 and 25 and April 1 and 2; at midnight March 26; and at 2 p.m. March 20. It is written by Michael Friedman and Alex Timbers, and directed by Alan Van Antwerp. Tickets cost $20 per adult and $15 per senior, student or military personnel.

To reserve tickets for pickup and payment right before the show, call (908)755-4654 and leave a message stating name, which show you wish to attend, number of tickets needed and your phone number; there will not be a return call unless 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.

Casting Call: '1776'

Playhouse 22 will hold auditions for "1776", by Sherman Edwards and Peter Stone, March 6 and 7.

It's the summer of 1776, and the nation is ready to declare independence, if only our founding fathers can agree to do it! "1776" follows John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, and Richard Henry Lee and Thomas Jefferson of Virginia as they attempt to convince the members of the second Continental Congress to vote for independence from the shackles of the British monarchy by signing the Declaration of Independence. The show puts a human face on the pages of history as we see the men behind the national icons: proud, frightened, uncertain, irritable, charming, often petty and ultimately noble figures determined to do the right thing for a fledgling nation.

Auditionees should prepare a short cut of a show tune that best reflects the vocal abilities of the character they will audition for, being sure to bring sheet music. An accompanist will be provided.

John Adams (baritone to tenor, 41)	Delegate and devoted husband from Massachusetts. Opinionated, quick-tempered, domineering and obnoxious, he seems to antagonize everyone in Congress. But what is perceived as an ego out of control is an unwavering duty for doing what he believes is right. (The actor cast as Adams will be required to be at the bulk of rehearsals, regardless if he's played the role before.
Benjamin Franklin (baritone, late 60's-70)	Delegate from Pennsylvania who enjoys quoting himself. Intelligent, well-traveled, a keen politician and a firm patriot, who is respected by the men of Congress. He is a charmer with the ladies and impossible not to like.
Thomas Jefferson (high-baritone to tenor, 33)	Delegate from Virginia. A scholar and a thinker, he is tall, handsome and very much in love with his wife. Despite a quiet demeanor when the gloves come off, his commitment for a just and moral outcome is apparent, particularly with the subject of slavery.
Abigail Adams (soprano, 32)	John Adams' loving wife. She is understanding, dignified and talented with a pen. She has a calm beauty about her and conveys a quiet strength. Every bit as bright as her husband, she proves to be his equal on any matter.
John Dickinson (baritone, 40s)	Delegate from Pennsylvania. A sharp-tongued loyalist who at one moment can be witty and the next a touch detestable. He is unmovable in his belief that separation from England would be a grave mistake. He is also a masterful spin-doctor.
Martha Jefferson (mezzo to soprano, mid-20s)	Thomas Jefferson's wife and the love of his life. She is elegant, graceful, completely enchanting and should convey a "lightness" about her. She is the cool breeze on a hot summer day.
Edward Rutledge (baritone, 30)	Delegate from South Carolina. The quintessential southern gentleman: polished, well spoken and privileged. His manner is confident and somewhat "genteel", but when he chooses to strike, he will strike like no other. Vocal ability will take precedence over age. Southern accent required.
Richard Henry Lee (baritone to tenor, mid-40s)	Delegate from Virginia. A bold, brash and a bit bombastic aristocrat and patriot. His manner is enjoyable to some, infuriating to others. He proudly proposes the question of Independence, which starts the ball rolling. Vocal ability will take precedence over age.
The courier (tenor, 16-20-ish)	The messenger between General Washington's army and Congress. While his disposition is innocent, he has witnessed the horrors of war firsthand.
Roger Sherman (baritone or tenor, 40s-50s)	Delegate from Connecticut. He is a cobbler with a gentle demeanor. Solo part in "But Mr. Adams."
Robert Livingston (baritone or tenor, late 30s-50s)	Delegate from New York. A proud father of a new son. Solo part in "But Mr. Adams."
Charles Thomson (high baritone or tenor, late 30s-50s)	The Congressional Secretary. He is official and businesslike in his demeanor. Closely watches the intentions of the delegates, both spoken and unspoken. Solo part in "Is Anybody There."
Andrew McNair (baritone or tenor, 40s-60s)	Congressional Custodian and gopher for the members of Congress. He's likable and accommodating. Sings harmonies in "Mama Look Sharp."
The Leather Apron (baritone or tenor, 15-20s)	McNair's apprentice who wants to join the Continental Army. Sings harmonies in "Mama Look Sharp."
John Hancock (early 40s+)	President of Congress, a supporter of independence and the ringmaster of the congressional chaos. He is the deciding vote in a tie.
Caesar Rodney (late 40s-50s)	Delegate from Delaware. Deathly ill, riddled with cancer, he remains dignified. A true patriot, he travels back from Delaware to break a tie for independence.
Stephen Hopkins (60s)	Delegate from Rhode Island. Gruff, cantankerous and not at all afraid to voice his views. He also likes his rum.
Dr. Lyman Hall (late 40s-50s)	Delegate from Georgia. A mannered, reserved physician torn between his beliefs and those of his Southern contingency. Mild southern accent required.
Colonel Thomas McKean (late 30s-40s)	Delegate from Delaware. A proud Scotsman, pro-independence, who looks after Caesar Rodney and somewhat despises his fellow delegate George Read. A "guy's guy". Scottish accent required.
Judge James Wilson (30s-40s)	Delegate from Pennsylvania. The sheepish yes-man to Dickinson who ends up being faced with casting the final vote that will forever decide the issue of independence.
John Witherspoon (50s)	Delegate from New Jersey. Almost didn't make it because he got lost. Pro-independence.
Ensemble	Dr. Josiah Bartlett (40s-50s) Delegate from New Hampshire. Pro-independence. Lewis Morris (50s) Delegate from New York. Always abstaining. Joseph Hewes (40s-50s) Delegate from North Carolina. Must be swayed for independence. Samuel Chase (30s-50s) Delegate from Maryland. Must be swayed for independence. George Read (40s) Delegate from Delaware. Against independence, and the reason a gravely ill Caesar Rodney must return to Congress to vote.

Auditions will occur 6:30-9:30 March 6 and 7. The time is divided into two blocks; the first block ends and the next one begins at 8:00. Actors can make an appointment stating the part they are auditioning for date and time block they want, and will receive audition sides a few days in advance. Auditionees will be seen in order of arrival. Callbacks will be held March 10.

The show will run at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 3 p.m. Sundays June 10-26.

To schedule an appointment, or for more information, email 1776@playhouse22.org. Those seeking information can also call (732)254-3939. Playhouse 22 is located at 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.

'Eye of God' at Circle Players

In a small, dying Oklahoma town, a young woman finally meets her beau: a just-released convict with whom she’s corresponded for three years. We watch her story weave 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. Playwright Tim Blake Nelson conjures a ghost town filled with damaged, desperate people and dark secrets in this haunting drama, "Eye of God", which will open at Circle Players next week.

The show features James Houston as Sam Rogers, John Thompson as Jack, Arielle Beth as Ainsley, Heather Denges as Dorothy, James Jones as Tom, Lewis Decker as Willard Sprague, Michael Stratton as Les, David Bronovicki as Glen, Elizabeth Stamat as Janice, Frank Lankey Jr. as Del and John W. Kennedy as Lee. It is directed by Christie Leigh Carter.

Performances will occur at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays February 19-March 5, with a closing performance at 3 p.m. March 6. Tickets cost $18 per adult and $17 per student or senior.

Those who attend the show March 6 have the option of attending a pancake lunch before the show, beginning at noon. Tickets for this cost $10.

To purchase tickets for performances, click here. To purchase tickets for the pancake lunch, click here or pay at the door. For more information, contact circleplayersnj@gmail.com. Circle Players is located at 416 Victoria Avenue, Piscataway.