Casting Call: 'Anything Goes'

M&M of Kelsey Theatre will hold auditions for the classic tap-dancing musical, "Anything Goes," which has music and lyrics by the legendary Cole Porter.

This musical comedy, with a stateroom-full of slapstick, tap dancing and forbidden flirtation, follows lovelorn stowaway Billy Crocker as he tries to win the heart of the engaged heiress Hope Harcourt. With a little willing assistance from nightclub singer Reno Sweeney and public enemy number 13 Moonface Martin, he just might succeed. "Anything Goes" features some of musical theater's most memorable standards, including "I Get A Kick Out of You", "You're the Top", "Friendship" and, naturally, "Anything Goes".

Auditionees should prepare an audition form, an updated resumé, a headshot and a song from the show as specified; both sheet music and an accompanist to play it in its original key will be provided. Some actors will be asked to do a cold reading from the script. Auditionees should also wear clothing comfortable for dancing in, and bring jazz shoes and either tap shoes or shoes with hard soles. There will be a tap audition for those who wish to tap in the show. Appointments are encouraged, but not required.

Reno Sweeney (mid-20s–30s, mezzo/belt)	An evangelist-turned-nightclub-singer. Brassy, with quick comic timing. Must dance well. Tap a plus. Those auditioning for this role should prepare "Anything Goes" and "I Get a Kick Out of You."
Billy Crocker (mid-20s, baritone)	A charming, energetic go-getter and hopeless romantic. Hopelessly in love with Hope Harcourt. Must dance well. Tap a plus.  Those auditioning for this role should prepare "Easy to Love."
Hope Harcourt (20s+, mezzo/lyric)	A young New York debutante. Engaged to Lord Evelyn Oakleigh to appease her mother, but has fallen in love with Billy. Must dance well.  Those auditioning for this role should prepare "De-Lovely."
Moonface Martin (30+, baritone)	Comic lead. Public Enemy #13 who stows away on the ship to hide from the FBI. A vaudeville type with great comic timing. Must move well. Tap a plus.  Those auditioning for this role should prepare "Be Like the Bluebird."
Lord Evelyn Oakleigh (20s-30s, baritone)	An awkward man with noble upbringing. He comes from a wealthy family with a scandalous secret and is somewhat naive. A goofball. Should move well. Those auditioning for this role should prepare "The Gypsy and Me."
Evangeline Harcourt (late 40s+)	Hope's overbearing and crazy mother. Afraid the family fortune will dry up and she will be unable to maintain her lifestyle, she wants to marry Hope off to Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. Only sings with the chorus. Those auditioning for this role should prepare "Anything Goes."
Erma (20s-30s, soprano)	Moonface's quirky, unrefined girlfriend who stowed away with him. Comedic and flirtatious, especially with the sailors. Must dance well. Those auditioning for this role should prepare "Buddy, Beware."
Elijah Whitney (late 40s, A-C)	A major player on Wall Street and Billy's boss. He can't see a thing without his glasses and drinks a little too much. Those auditioning for this role should prepare "Anything Goes."
The captain (40+, baritone)	A military man, somewhat overly concerned with outward appearances. Not the sharpest tool in the toolbox. Sings "Public Enemy Number 1". Those auditioning for this role should prepare "Anything Goes."
The Purser: (30+, tenor)	Captain's right hand man. Keeps ship running smoothly. Must move well. Those auditioning for this role should prepare "Anything Goes."
Luke and John (any)	Two Christian converts from China traveling with the Reverend Dobson, who revert to their old vices when the reverend is removed from the ship. Must dance well. Those auditioning for this role should prepare "Anything Goes."
Ensemble (all ages, singing/non-singing)	Includes the angels (4-6), Reno's back-up chorus girls, who are beautiful, sexy and flirtatious and must dance extremely well (tap a plus); the sailors, who must dance well (some may be used for the quartet and some will need to tap); and the ship's passengers who should all sing and move well (tap is a plus). There are featured ensemble roles that can be non-singing. Those auditioning for this role should prepare "Anything Goes;" those auditioning to be sailors also may prepare "Bon Voyage."

Auditions will be held from 7:30-10 p.m. March 23 and 30 and April 8, and from 12-5 p.m. April 9. Performances will be at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays July 29 to August 7.

For more information, or to schedule an audition appointment, contact auditions@mandmonstage.com. To download the audition form, click here. Kelsey Theatre is located on 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.