Program Casting Call: 'Footloose'

The Cranford Dramatic Club will hold auditions for their Junior Theatre show, "Footloose," based on the movie musical of the same name, in a few weeks. Auditions are open for eight-graders through college students.

When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, Ren is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. What he isn’t prepared for are the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, determined to exercise the control over the town’s youth that he cannot command in his own home. When the reverend’s rebellious daughter sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren’s reputation with many of the locals, eager to believe the worst about the new kid. The heartfelt story that emerges is of a father longing for the son he lost and of a young man aching for the father who walked out on him. With an Oscar- and Tony-nominated score and augmented with dynamic new songs for the stage musical, "Footloose" celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people, guiding them with a warm heart and an open mind.

Auditionees should prepare 32 bars of a song from musical theater, being sure to bring sheet music in the correct key; an accompanist will be provided. They should also bring a headshot, resumé, and list of conflicts. There will be dancing at the audition, and those with gymnastics skills should be prepared to demonstrate. Those who are cast will need to pay a $125 production fee.

Auditions will be held at 6 p.m. April 13 and at 11 p.m. April 16. Performances will occur at 8 p.m. June 10 and at 3 and 8 p.m. June 11.

For more information, visit the CDC website. The Cranford Dramatic Club is located at 78 Winans Avenue, Cranford.

Casting Call: 'Incorruptible'

Circle Players will hold auditions for "Incorruptible," a bawdy farce by Michael Hollinger satirizing the fragility of faith in the face of survival, next month.

Welcome to Priseaux, France, c. 1250 A.D.: The river flooded again last week. The chandler's shop just burned to the ground. Nobody's heard of the wheelbarrow yet. And St. Foy, the patron of the local monastery, hasn't worked a miracle in thirteen years. In other words, the Dark Ages still look pretty dark. All eyes turn to the Pope, whose promised visit will surely encourage other pilgrims to make the trek and restore the abbey to its former glory. That is, until a rival church claims to possess the relics of St. Foy—and their bones are working miracles. All seems lost until the destitute monks take a lesson from a larcenous one-eyed minstrel, who teaches them an outrageous new way to pay old debts.

Auditions will take place from 7-9 p.m. April 17 and 18, with callbacks (if needed) at the same time April 20. The show is directed by Eric Walby.

Charles (50s)	Has been abbot and leader of the Priseaux Monastery for the past 13 years. Compassionate with the best intentions, but when the livelihood of the church is threatened he begins to succumb to pressure and compromises his values for the greater good.
Martin (40s)	The second in command at the Monastery. Martin will do anything necessary to help the church survive, so that it will still be around when he becomes abbot after Charles. Lacks the patience, sympathies, and people skills one would expect a monk to possess.
Olf	One of the monks. A bit dim-witted and childlike, but very loyal to church and the leaders. Does many of the hard labor chores at the monastery. There is always a sense that he’s not completely following what is happening around him.
Felix (20s-30s)	The newest monk at the Priseaux Monastery when the play begins. Becomes the moral compass as the actions of the monks become more and more questionable. Though in his past he was known to have “a weakness of the fairer sex," he now takes his vows very seriously, including obedience.
Jack (20s–30s)	The opportunistic, eye-patch-wearing, travelling minstrel “husband” to Marie. Although he does not have any faith of his own, he is later blackmailed into becoming a monk. The actor cast needs to know how to juggle, play the guitar or a similar minstrel instrument, and sing.
Marie (20s–30s)	The pretty travelling minstrel “wife” of Jack and daughter of the Peasant Woman. Her true love drowned years earlier, and she is happy neither with what her life has become nor what she needs to do to earn money. There are several physical comedy moments, including being carried in a sack by other actors, and Marie should also be able to dance and sing.
Peasant Woman (50s–60s)	Marie’s mother, desperately poor and seeking help in any and every way she can think of, including praying to the local saint. She encourages Marie to make money anyway that she can (wink, wink, nudge, nudge), but vocally disapproves of her relationship with Jack.
Agatha (40s–50s)	Charles’ sister, abbess of a competing church in Bernay. She has no shame, no tact, and celebrates the failures of her brother and his monks. She plows her way through every scene she is in.

"Incorruptible" will run at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays June 10-25 and at 3 p.m. June 26.

For more information, contact circleplayersnj@gmail.com. The Circle Playhouse is located at 416 Victoria Avenue, Piscataway.

'Bill W. and Dr. Bob' at Circle Players

Circle Players will present the critically acclaimed "Bill W. and Dr. Bob," based on the true story of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, this April.

When the stock market crashes in 1929, Bill W. becomes a hopeless drunk, and his wife, Lois, is unable to force him to keep his promise to stop. Meanwhile, Dr. Bob Smith, a surgeon, drinks secretly, often going into the operating room hungover and high on sedatives. Through an astonishing series of events involving doctors, ministers, the Oxford Group evangelical movement, and Henrietta Sieberling – a scion of the Goodyear Rubber fortune – Bill and Bob meet on Mother’s Day of 1935 and form a relationship which keeps each other sober. Fired up, they seek out a third drunk to see if their program will work for others.

The show features Kirk White as Bill W., AJ Liana as Dr. Bob, Debbie Miller Nelson as Bill's wife Lois, Dawn Lanoue as Bob's wife Anne, and Stephen Mennella and Diane Teichman as members of the ensemble. It is directed by Ed Faver.

The show will run at 8 p.m. April 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23 and at 3 p.m. April 24. Tickets cost $18 per adult and $17 per student or senior.

To purchase tickets, click here. Circle Players is located at 416 Victoria Avenue, Piscataway.

'Picnic' at Villagers Theatre

Although it may open on April Fool's Day, Villagers Theatre's production of "Picnic," by William Inge, is serious.

The play takes place on Labor Day weekend in 1953, in the joint backyards of two middle-aged widows who live on farms in Kansas. The one house belongs to Flo Owens, who lives there with her two maturing daughters, Madge and Millie, and a boarder who is a spinster school teacher. The other house belongs to Helen Potts, who lives with her elderly and invalid mother. Into this female atmosphere comes a young man named Hal Carter, whose animal vitality seriously upsets the entire group. Hal is a most interesting character, a child of parents who ignored him, self-conscious of his failings and his position behind the eight ball. Flo is sensitively wary of temptations for her daughters. Madge, bored with being only a beauty, sacrifices her chances for a wealthy marriage for the excitement Hal promises. Her sister, Millie, finds her balance for the first time through the stranger's brief attention. And the spinster is stirred to make an issue out of the dangling courtship that has brightened her life in a dreary, minor way.

Directed by Eric Walby, the play features Mary O'Connor as Helen Potts, J.D. Wilson as Hal Carter, Madelyn Barkocy as Millie Owens, Corinne Chandler as Madge Owens, Teresa Mota as Flo Owens, Donne Petito as Rosemary Sydney, Zachary Caruso as Alan Seymour, Terrie Copeland as Irma Kronkite, Heidi Hart as Christine Schoenwalder, Matthew Cox as Bomber Gutzel, and Charles Deitz as Howard Bevans. It is produced by Darren Nye and Paul Carter.

Tickets cost $18 per adult and $16 per student or senior, with group rates available upon request. The show will run at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays April 1-17.

 To purchase tickets, click here. Villagers Theatre is located at 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset.

Casting Call: 'Young Frankenstein'

Villagers Theatre will hold auditions for the musical adaptation of the legendary, uproarious Mel Brooks film of the same name, "Young Frankenstein."

Grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced "Fronk-en-steen") inherits his family's estate in Transylvania. With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick, Igor (pronounced "Eye-gore"), and a leggy lab assistant, Inga (pronounced normally), Frederick finds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors. "It's alive!" he exclaims as he brings to life a creature to rival his grandfather's. Eventually, of course, the monster escapes and hilarity abounds. Every bit as relevant to audience members who will remember the original as it will be to newcomers, "Young Frankenstein" has all the panache of the screen sensation with a little extra theatrical flair added. With such memorable tunes as "The Transylvania Mania," "He Vas My Boyfriend" and "Puttin' on the Ritz," Young Frankenstein is scientifically proven to be monstrously good entertainment.

Auditionees should prepare up to 32 bars of an up-tempo contemporary musical theater song, in the style of the show, that demonstrates range and personality. An accompanist will be provided. A cappella is not permitted. They must also sign Villagers' liability/photo release form.

Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (20s-30s)	A professor, brilliant brain surgeon, and grandson of the mad scientist Dr. Victor Von Frankenstein. Vocal range: B-flat one octave below middle C to G above middle C.
Igor (20s-30s)	Frederick's faithful, bright-eyed and eager servant and friend with a hunchback. Vocal range: D below middle C to F above middle C.
Inga (20s)	Frederick's bubbly, not-so-bright young assistant. Sexy, attractive. A resident of Transylvania. Vocal range: G-sharp below middle C to A above the treble staff. Yodeling is a plus.
Elizabeth Benning (20s-30s)	Frederick's self-loving "madcap" boisterous fiancée. Vocal range: F-sharp below middle C to F-sharp, top line of the treble staff.
Frau Blücher (female/male, 30s-40s)	The intense, stern housekeeper of Frankenstein estate. Former lover of Victor Frankenstein. Vocal range: F-sharp sharp (G natural) below middle C to B, third line treble staff.
The Monster (indeterminate)	The misunderstood creation of Dr. Frankenstein. Must be able to emit howling/monster/grunting sounds. Tap dancing a plus. Vocal range: A-flat one octave below middle C to F above middle C.
Inspector Hans Kemp (40s-50s)	Head of the police in Transylvania, with a wooden arm and leg. Justice-driven. A one octave below middle C to F above middle C. Will double as the Blind Hermit, a lonely, poor, blind hermit longing for a friend. Vocal range: B-flat one octave below middle C to D-flat just above middle C.
Ensemble	Plays plenty of featured roles, lot of juicy lines and singing, including a barbershop quartet. Need strong dance/movement training. This group will portray gravediggers, villagers, medical students, passengers, and mad scientists, among others.
Dr. Victor Von Frankenstein (40s-50s)	Frederick's infamous grandfather. Vocal range: C-sharp below middle C to G-sharp above middle C.
Ziggy (30s)	The well-intentioned village idiot. Vocal range: F below middle C to F above middle C.

Auditions will be held at 7 p.m. April 3 and 4; callbacks will be held at the same time April 11. Rehearsals will typically begin at 7 p.m. on dates between April 11 and June 9, with specifics to be announced. Performances will occur at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays June 10-26. It is directed by Nicholas Wainwright and produced by Ana Kalet and Dan Schulze.

For more information, visit the Villagers website. Villagers Theatre is located at 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset.

'Lost in Yonkers' at Playhouse 22

Playhouse 22's production of Neil Simon's "Lost in Yonkers," set in 1942, will open April 1.

As the play opens, ne’r do-well son Eddie deposits his two young sons on his mother, Grandma Kurnitz’s, doorstep. He is financially strapped and taking to the road as a salesman. The boys are left to contend with Grandma, with their aunt Bella and her secret romance, and with Louie, her brother, a small-time hoodlum in a strange new world called Yonkers.

The show features Joseph Kalet as Jay, Ryan Gordon as Arty, Lee Grabelsky as Eddie, Ana Kalet as Bella, Sherry Lilenfeld as Grandma Kurnitz, Rupert Ravens as Louis, and Jackie Master as Gert. It is directed by Deborah Pedretti.

The show will run at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 3 p.m. Sundays April 1-17. Tickets cost $22 per adult and $20 per senior or student.

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

'Wendy's Shadow' at Mystic Vision Players

Mystic Vision Players will present "Wendy's Shadow," which retells the mischievous and magical adventure of Peter Pan from Wendy's adult perspective with a contemporary folk/rock score. The musical takes the audience back to Neverland – where dreams are born, and time is never planned – and asks if it’s possible to leave the one you loved.

The show will run at 8 p.m. March 24-26 and at 2 p.m. March 26; tickets cost $22.50. It is directed by Mikaela Kafka.

To purchase tickets, click here. For more information, fill out the contact form here. The performance will be at UCPAC'S Hamilton Stage on 360 Hamilton Street, Rahway.

Casting Call: 'Bonnie and Clyde'

Pierrot Productions of Kelsey Theatre will hold auditions for "Bonnie and Clyde," a musical based on historical events, March 17 and 20.
In Depression-era Texas, young Bonnie Parker falls in love with Clyde Barrow, a criminal on the run from the law. Their love affair soon spirals out of control, as Bonnie & Clyde commit a series of bank robberies with escalating violence. As their notoriety and body count rise, the ill-fated lovers find themselves racing to the top of the Public Enemies list.

Auditionees are asked to prepare a contemporary stage monologue and a song in country or blues style, being sure to bring music in the proper key; an accompanist will be provided. They should also prepare a resumé, and schedule appointments.

Clyde Barrow (mid-late 20s, A2-C5)	A charming small-town boy who craves notoriety. Bonnie's reckless, bold, daring lover.
Bonnie Parker (early–mid-20s, G3-F5)	A beautiful girl torn between love and fame. Clyde's ambitious, stubborn lover.
Marvin "Buck" Barrow (late 20s–mid-30s, B2-G4)	Clyde's brother, an outlaw troubled by his wife's distaste for his lifestyle. Adventurous and loyal.
Blanche Barrow (late 20s–mid-30s, g3-Eb5)	Buck's wife. A religious woman who disapproves of the criminal lifestyle; honorable and righteous.
Ted Hinton (30s, C3-A4)	A police officer struggling to separate his feelings from his duties. Kind and honest, but infatuated with Bonnie.
Young Clyde (8-12, B3-A5)
Young Bonnie (8-12, C#4-C5)
Preacher (45-65, A2-C5)	The town's evangelist. Loud, passionate, boisterous.
Henry Barrow (45-55)	A hard-working man, struggling to survive. Humble and quiet. Father of Clyde and Buck.
Cumie Barrow (45-55)	Clyde and Buck's mother, loyal and selfless. A kind woman among those suffering in the Depression.
Emma Parker (40-55)	Bonnie's widowed mother. Fragile, caring, sensitive.
Governor Miriam Ferguson (45-60)	An enforcer of the law and Governor of Texas. Tough and harsh.
Captain Frank Hamer (50-65)	Retired Texas Ranger, recruited by Gov. Ferguson to join the hunt for Bonnie and Clyde.
Bob Alcorn (30-45)	The best sharpshooter in Texas. Recruited by Frank Hamer to help hunt down Bonnie and Clyde.
Sheriff Schmid (30-45)
Ensemble	Play store clerks, cops, guards, bank customers, choir members, bread line folks, and others.

Auditions will begin at 7:30 p.m. March 17 and at 1 p.m. March 20. The show will run June 17-19 and 24-26.

To schedule an audition appointment, send name, email address, cell phone number, ideal date and time frame of auditions to pierrot@kelsey@gmail.com; slots will be assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. Kelsey Theater is located at 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

'Becket' at Holmdel Theatre Company

The Holmdel Theatre Company's production of "Becket," the story of the tragic relationship between King Henry II of England and the introspective intellectual Thomas Becket, who had been his dearest friend but became his implacable enemy when intrigue raised him to the hierarchy of the church, will open in a month. The play, often listed as one of the top 100 plays of all time, won four Tony awards when it was on Broadway in 1960, including Best Play.

The show features Victor Brescia as Thomas Becket, Anthony Younes as Henry II, Gustavo Brito, Tom Cox, Tom Frascatore, Jessica Freeland, Peter Giovine, Cavan Lynch, Bill Normyle, Candy Predham, Brett Sabo, Mike Sockol, Conor Urbealis, Cassandra Wescott, and Michael Wurzel; it is directed by Steve Bartlow.

The show will run at 8 p.m. April 15, 16, 22 and 23 and at 2 p.m. April 17 and 24. The April 17 performance will include a talkback with the cast and director. Tickets cost $22 per adult, $17 per senior and $12 per student. All online orders have a $3 processing fee; all door orders have a $1 facility fee.

To purchase tickets, click here. The Holmdel Theatre Company is located at the Duncan Smith Theatre on 36 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel.

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.

Casting Call: 'Boeing Boeing'

Please close your snack trays and bring your seat backs to an upright position: Somerset Valley Players' auditions for "Boeing Boeing," high-flying farce of the swinging '60s, will begin tomorrow.

It’s the 1960s, and swinging bachelor Bernard couldn't be happier, with a flat in Paris and three gorgeous stewardesses all engaged to him without knowing about each other. But Bernard’s perfect life gets bumpy when his friend Robert comes to stay and a new and speedier Boeing jet throws off all of his careful planning. Soon all three stewardesses are in town simultaneously, timid Robert is forgetting which lies to tell to whom, and catastrophe looms.
Female auditionees will need to be comfortable in high-heeled shoes. All actors must be comfortable with physical comedy.

Bernard (30s+)	An American architect living in Paris. Handsome, well-educated, charming, and engaged to three air hostesses whom he manages to keep in the dark about one another by managing their visits on a strict timetable. Takes boyish pleasure in the success of his devious doings, until his careful planning starts to fall apart, deflating his confidence.
Robert (30s+)	Bernard's schoolmate from back in the States; hasn't seen Bernard in many years. Shy, small-town, Midwestern, and sweet– a nerd by today's standards. Views Bernard's whirlwind juggling act of three fiancées with awe and admiration until he gets wrapped up in it himself and his anxiety spins out of control.<!--br --/>
Berthe (40s+)	Bernard's long-time live-in maid and cook. Although devoted to Bernard, she is tired of keeping up with his revolving-door lifestyle, and by play's end she has been pushed as far as she will go. Dry and fantastically sarcastic; never afraid to say what's on her mind. French accent.
Gabriella (20s-40s)	Bernard's Italian fiancée, an air hostess for Alitalia. Sultry and full of fire, she is much smarter and more self-reliant than she first appears. Italian accent.
Gretchen (20s-40s)	Bernard's German fiancée, an air hostess for Lufthansa. Has an intense Teutonic passion that can spin on a dime: one moment she can be soft and cuddly, and the next barking out orders and breaking furniture. Inspires equal amounts of lust and fear in those around her. German accent.
Gloria (20s-40s)	Bernard's American fiancée, an air hostess for TWA. The epitome of a go-getter American woman, she has a vigorous appetite for food and love. Completely adorable and supremely confident, but she might punch you if you dared call her "cute". New York accent.

Auditions will occur at 7 p.m. March 15 and at 3 p.m. March 20. Performances will be at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays June 3 through 19.

Somerset Valley Players is located at 689 Amwell Road, Hillsborough.

'A Kiss and Then Fade to Black' at Villagers Theatre

Villagers Theatre will begin this year's New Playwrights Series, a series of staged readings lasting March through June, with "A Kiss and then Fade to Black" by Jennifer Lubach this evening.

What happens when your body desires what your the mind doesn’t want it to consider? In this play, set in the dressing room of a community theater production, a 45-year-old woman and a 22-year-old man are both seeking resolutions to problems of the heart. The older woman is experiencing the first attraction she has ever had for a man younger than herself; the younger man has a crush on his best friend's girlfriend. The body and the mind of each have a face-to-face battle of wills.

The goal of the Villagers New Playwrights Series is to provide playwrights with an opportunity to glimpse the performance potential of their works in progress. Additional goals are to provide alternative performance opportunities for our local actors and directors and to expose our local audiences to new works.

The staged reading will begin at 8 p.m. this evening, March 14. Admission is free.

The staged readings will be held the third Monday of each month from now through June. The next staged reading, "Midcentury Modern" by Hal Corley, will take place April 18.

Villagers Theatre is located at 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset.

'Tenali Raman: Folk Tales of India' at Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center

Dragonfly will perform their original show, "Tenali Raman: Folk Tales of India," at the Center of Contemporary Art April 3. Based on a real-life Indian poet and the folk tales that grew up around him, the show was written by Dragonfly’s artistic director Catherine LaMoreaux and choreographed by Dragonfly company member Shauni Ramai.

Tenali Raman was the jester-poet in the court of Krishnadevaraya, the Vijayanagara emperor in 16th-century India. Despite having no formal education, Tenali Raman used his brilliance and great wit to work his way into the emperor’s court. Dragonfly brings Tenali Raman to life through stories of his adventures and tricks. With music, dance, and comedy, these folk tales are delightful for both those who know the Tenali Raman stories and those new to his tale.

The show features Shauni Ramai, Anna Paone, Shailendra Khurana and Kush Mathur. Tickets cost $10 per adult and $5 per child.

To purchase tickets, click here and scroll. The Center for Contemporary Art is located at 2020 Burnt Mills Road, Bedminster.

'Wendy's Shadow' at Mystic Vision Players

Mystic Vision Players will present "Wendy's Shadow," which retells the mischievous and magical adventure of Peter Pan from Wendy's adult perspective with a contemporary folk/rock score. The musical takes the audience back to Neverland – where dreams are born, and time is never planned – and asks if it’s possible to leave the one you loved.

The show will run at 8 p.m. March 24-26 and at 2 p.m. March 26; tickets cost $22.50. It is directed by Mikaela Kafka.

To purchase tickets, click here. For more information, fill out the contact form here. The performance will be at UCPAC'S Hamilton Stage on 360 Hamilton Street, Rahway.

Casting Call: 'Rabbit Hole'

Becca and Howie Corbett have a picture-perfect family life in the suburbs of New York until a random, tragic accident takes the life of their four-year old son. Soon after, Becca’s irresponsible younger sister, Izzy, announces that she is pregnant: there will now be a new child in the family. As Becca and Howie grow apart; and Becca’s mother, Nat, badgers Becca about her grieving process; and Jason, the young driver who killed their son, continually shows up to ask forgiveness; the group is on a bumpy road to healing with no road map in sight. "Rabbit Hole" delves into the complexity of a family navigating deep grief, and learning what it means to live a fruitful life when things fall apart.

Edison Valley Playhouse will hold auditions for the Pulitzer-winning "Rabbit Hole," by David Lindsay-Abaire, 5-8 p.m. March 20. Auditionees should be prepared to read from sides.

Becca	A grieving mother. Tough and uncompromising, she cannot tolerate insincerity or impracticality. This role has already been cast.
Howie (30s-40s)	Becca's husband, a patient man who specializes in pretending everything is fine.
Izzy (early 30s)	Becca's irresponsible but well-wishing sister. Pregnant the entire show. A perennial party girl who never grew up; still trying to find herself.
Nat	Becca and Izzy's mother, an opinionated alcoholic with a knack for sticking her foot in her mouth. This role has already been cast.
Jason Willette (17)	An awkward and nerdy teen who accidentally killed Becca and Howie's son when the little boy ran in front of his car. A pivotal character.

The show will open May 20 and run at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through June 4, with a 2 p.m. matinee May 29.

For more information, contact info@evplayhouse.com. Edison Valley Playhouse is located at 2196 Oak Tree Road, Edison.

Casting Call: 'Bonnie and Clyde'

Pierrot Productions of Kelsey Theatre will hold auditions for "Bonnie and Clyde," a musical based on historical events, March 17 and 20.

In Depression-era Texas, young Bonnie Parker falls in love with Clyde Barrow, a criminal on the run from the law. Their love affair soon spirals out of control, as Bonnie & Clyde commit a series of bank robberies with escalating violence. As their notoriety and body count rise, the ill-fated lovers find themselves racing to the top of the Public Enemies list.

Auditionees are asked to prepare a contemporary stage monologue and a song in country or blues style, being sure to bring music in the proper key; an accompanist will be provided. They should also prepare a resumé. They should schedule appointments.

Clyde Barrow (mid-late 20s, A2-C5)	A charming small-town boy who craves notoriety. Bonnie's reckless, bold, daring lover.
Bonnie Parker (early–mid-20s, G3-F5)	A beautiful girl torn between love and fame. Clyde's ambitious, stubborn lover.
Marvin "Buck" Barrow (late 20s–mid-30s, B2-G4)	Clyde's brother, an outlaw troubled by his wife's distaste for his lifestyle. Adventurous and loyal.
Blanche Barrow (late 20s–mid-30s, g3-Eb5)	Buck's wife. A religious woman who disapproves of the criminal lifestyle; honorable and righteous.
Ted Hinton (30s, C3-A4)	A police officer struggling to separate his feelings from his duties. Kind and honest, but infatuated with Bonnie.
Young Clyde (8-12, B3-A5)
Young Bonnie (8-12, C#4-C5)
Preacher (45-65, A2-C5)	The town's evangelist. Loud, passionate, boisterous.
Henry Barrow (45-55)	A hard-working man, struggling to survive. Humble and quiet. Father of Clyde and Buck.
Cumie Barrow (45-55)	Clyde and Buck's mother, loyal and selfless. A kind woman among those suffering in the Depression.
Emma Parker (40-55)	Bonnie's widowed mother. Fragile, caring, sensitive.
Governor Miriam Ferguson (45-60)	An enforcer of the law and Governor of Texas. Tough and harsh.
Captain Frank Hamer (50-65)	Retired Texas Ranger, recruited by Gov. Ferguson to join the hunt for Bonnie and Clyde.
Bob Alcorn (30-45)	The best sharpshooter in Texas. Recruited by Frank Hamer to help hunt down Bonnie and Clyde.
Sheriff Schmid (30-45)
Ensemble	Play store clerks, cops, guards, bank customers, choir members, bread line folks, and others.

Auditions will begin at 7:30 p.m. March 17 and at 1 p.m. March 20. The show will run June 17-19 and 24-26.

To schedule an audition appointment, send name, email address, cell phone number, ideal date and time frame of auditions to pierrot@kelsey@gmail.com; slots will be assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. Kelsey Theater is located at 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

'Dear Edwina Jr.'

Villagers Theatre's production of the musical "Dear Edwina Jr." opens tomorrow.

Thirteen year-old Edwina Spoonapple is desperate to be a part of the Kalamazoo Advice-a-palooza Festival and prove herself the equal of her talented siblings. When a talent scout from the convention visits her hometown, she introduces her musical advice giving shows live from the family garage in hopes of finding her place in the spotlight. She is helped by her older siblings, quirky friends, and neighbors. Together they set out to tackle the world's problems with hysterical numbers about everything from birthday party etiquette to the proper table settings.

The show features Jessica Kimberlin as Edwina Spoonapple, Brandon Luckenbaugh as Scott, Sierra Emery as Becky, Gina Maille as Kelli, Abigail Semsel as Lars, Abigail Pollard as Billy, Maddie Myre as Cordell, Naomi Taylor as Annie, Kevin Luck as Bobby, Melodie Richard as Katie Spoonapple; and Sophia Bulbulia, Lexi Thomas, Ruth Learn, Carmela Beitler, Rayna Richard, Jillian Huston, Felicity Howard, Samantha Biondi, Chloe Garcia, Grace LaMantia, Deanna Miller, and Sarah Stefanik as members of the ensemble. It is directed by Devin Massih.

The show runs at noon and 2 p.m. Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays March 12-20. Tickets cost $10 each.

To purchase tickets, click here. Villagers Theatre is located at 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset.

Yardley Players of Villagers Theatre will hold auditions for "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka," the musical based on the classic children's story, in just over a week.

The show follows enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka as he stages a contest by hiding five golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whoever finds with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. Four of the five winning children are insufferable brats: the fifth is a likeable young lad named Charlie Bucket who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable grandfather. The children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka's rules in the factory– or suffer the consequences.

Auditionees should prepare a song from or in the style of the show with sheet music in the correct key, be prepared for a group dance audition and readings from the script, download, print and bring an audition form, and bring a recent picture and resumé. Auditions are by appointment only.

For information on the characters' vocal parts, contact the director, Kristy Davis.

Willy Wonka (25-45)	An enigmatic character. Mysterious, mischievous and charismatic.
Charlie Bucket (8-12)	A poor young boy with endless optimism, the emotional heart and soul of the musical.
Grandpa Joe (55+)	Caring, patient and sweet; always reminds Charlie to remain cheerful.
Mr. Bucket (30-45)	Charlie's father.
Mrs. Bucket (30-45)	Charlie's mother.
Grandmas Josephine and Georgina (55+)	Charlie's grandmothers.
Grandpa George (55+)	Charlie's other grandfather.
Phineous Trout (25-45)	Reporter who announces the winners of the Golden Ticket contest throughout the show.
Augustus Gloop (8-12)	The overachieving eater who represents the evils of eating too much
Mrs. Gloop (30-45)	Augustus' mother.
Mike Teavee (8-12)	A young boy who is addicted to video games, the Internet and all other mind-numbing technological devices. Bratty, loud and obnoxious; does not know the word "no."
Mrs. Teavee (30-45)	A take on all television moms of the distant past. Think June Cleaver (Leave it to Beaver) or Marion Cunningham (Happy Days) or even Carol Brady (The Brady Bunch). Perfectly put together and a bit vacant.
Violet Beauregarde (8-12)	Gum chewer extraordinaire; middle-class brat.
Mrs. Beauregarde (30-45)	Violet's mother, a geography teacher who has invested a great deal of hard-earned money on therapy for her orally fixated daughter, with less than stellar results.
Veruca Salt (8-12)	The wealthy, class-conscious, spoiled brat.
Mr. Salt (30-45)	Veruca's father who's solution to most problems is to buy his way out. He is upper class. Male, 30-45 yrs old
James, Matilda, Sophie, Danny and Alfie (8-12)	Children from Charlie's town.
Ensemble (all ages)	Play townspeople, cooks and Oompa Loompas.

Auditions will occur from 12-5 p.m. March 20, and from 6:30-10 p.m. March 21 in the CM building next to Kelsey Theatre, with callbacks March 23 if needed. Rehearsals will begin April and run 7-9:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and 12-4 p.m. Sundays, and performances will be Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays July 1-10 and at 10 a.m. July 8.

To schedule an appointment, for vocal range information, or for more information, contact Kristy Davis at directorkristydavis@gmail.com. Kelsey Theatre is located on the Mercer County Community College campus on 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

'Spotlight on Becket' at Holmdel Theatre Company

Instead of their usual monthly staged reading, Holmdel Theatre Company is holding an open rehearsal of its upcoming show "Becket." The play, by Jean Anouilh, tells the story of the tragic relationship between King Henry II of England and the introspective intellectual Thomas Becket, who had been his dearest friend but became his implacable enemy when intrigue raised him to the hierarchy of the church.

The event entails an open rehearsal, discussion, and exploration of the show's themes. It will begin at 7:30 p.m. tonight, March 7. Admission is free; coffee will be served. The monthly readings will resume next month with a reading of "Roundelay," by Alan Ayckbourn, at 7 p.m. April 4.

The reading will occur at the Duncan Smith Theatre on 36 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel.

Theater Classes at Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center

Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center's next session of theater classes will begin March 10. There are two, six-week classes: One for children in grades 3-6, and one for those aged 16 and older. Registration for their summer camp, for grades 3-8, is also now available.

In "Acting for Kids," third through sixth graders will use theater games to develop confidence, increase performance skills through play practice, and undertake scenes and numbers from musical theater. The program culminates in a short show for parents and friends. The program runs 4:30-5:30 p.m. Thursdays March 10-21!-- and --. It costs $100 a person.

People 16 and older can participate in "Adult Acting and Improv," developing skills and confidence through improv activities, scene study and monologue preparation. The program will cover topics such as character development, script analysis, and audition preparedness, all important skills. This program runs 7:30-8:30 p.m. Fridays March 11 through 22. It also costs $100 to register for this class.

In addition to these, this summer Dragonfly will hold a two-week summer theater camp. For those in grades 3-8, the camp will run 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday August 8-19. It will be planned, taught and supervised by Dragonfly's artistic director, Catherine LaMoreaux, an experienced educator with NJ certifications in theater, English and elementary education. Camp activities will include playing theatre games, doing improv, writing plays, filming movies, designing costumes and sets, and putting on a full production. It costs $500 a student.

There are multiple ways to register for the programs. It is possible to register with PayPal through, or register by mail with forms available on the Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center website. For at least the summer camp it is also possible to register by calling (908)930-3210.

For more information, contact DragonflyArtsNJ@gmail.com or call the previously listed number. Classes will be held at the Forum Theatre on 314 Main St, Metuchen; the summer camp at the Metuchen Reformed Church on 150 Lake Avenue, Metuchen.

Casting Call: 'This is Our Youth'

Mystic Vision Players will hold auditions for Kenneth Lonergan’s "This Is Our Youth", a brilliant, darkly humorous, bittersweet portrait of youth poised on the cusp of the scary, disillusioning path to adulthood.

In Reagan-era New York City, three privileged Upper West Side kids — the swaggering, drug-dealing Dennis; his dispirited, free-thinking best friend and whipping boy, Warren; and confused, self-conscious fashion student Jessica — hang out, smoke pot, scheme for cash, challenge each other, and make tentative steps towards authentic, vulnerable connection, all in a period of less than twenty-four hours in Dennis’ apartment.

Auditionees should prepare a resumé and headshot to submit both via email and as hard copies at auditions. Sides will be provided at auditions. All auditions are asked to be familiar with the play. Auditions are to be held by appointment only.

Warren Straub (19)	A skinny college drop-out; a strange barking dog of a kid with large tracts of thoughtfulness in his personality that are not doing him much good at the moment, probably because they so infrequently influence his actions. He has spent most of his adolescence in hot water of one kind or another, but is just beginning to find beneath his natural eccentricity a dogged self-possession his friends may not all share. Despite his enormous self-destructiveness he is, above all, a trier. He looks up to and loyally hero-worships Dennis.
Dennis Ziegler (21)	Grungy, handsome and athletic; very quick, dynamic, fanatical, and a bullying type of person. Amazingly good-natured and magnetic, but insanely competitive and almost always successfully so; a dark cult god of high school only recently encountering, without necessarily recognizing, the first evidence that the dazzling aggressive techniques with which he has always dominated his peers might not stand him in good stead for much longer. He has sold weed since he was sixteen, out of want rather than necessity, and is close with Warren.
Jessica Goldman (19)	A very nervous girl, whose self-taught method of coping with her nervousness consists of seeking out the nearest available oasis of self-assurance and entrenching herself there with a watchful defensiveness that sweeps away anything that might threaten to dislodge her, including her own chances at happiness and the opportunity of gaining a wider perspective on the world which might eventually make her less nervous to begin with. Despite her prickliness she is basically friendly and definitely interested in Warren, as well as being close friends with Dennis’ on-and-off girlfriend.

Auditions will be held March 7 and 10 in the UCPAC Hamilton Stage Blue Room. Rehearsals will begin the week of April 18, with 2-3 rehearsals per week based on cast availability. The show will run at 8 p.m. May 19-21 and 26-28.

To schedule an audition appointment, fill out the form here. The UCPAC Hamilton Stage is located at 360 Hamilton Street, Rahway.

Casting Call: 'Boeing Boeing'

Please close your snack trays and bring your seat backs to an upright position: Somerset Valley Players will hold auditions for "Boeing Boeing," high-flying farce of the swinging '60s, in a little over a week.

Free-spirited lothario Bernard has three fiancees, one Italian, one German and one American, all beautiful airline hostesses with frequent layovers. He keeps "one up, one down and one pending" until unexpected schedule changes bring all three to Paris, and Bernard's apartment, at the same time.

Female auditionees will need Italian, German, French or New York accents; and be comfortable in high-heeled shoes. All actors must be comfortable with physical comedy.

Bernard (30s+)

An American architect living in Paris. Handsome, well-educated, charming, and engaged to three air hostesses whom he manages to keep in the dark about one another by managing their visits on a strict timetable. Takes boyish pleasure in the success of his devious doings, until his careful planning starts to fall apart, deflating his confidence.

Robert (30s+)

Bernard's schoolmate from back in the States; hasn't seen Bernard in many years. Shy, small-town, Midwestern, and sweet– a nerd by today's standards. Views Bernard's whirlwind juggling act of three fiancées with awe and admiration until he gets wrapped up in it himself and his anxiety spins out of control. Blog Archive ►  2018 (1) ►  October (1) ►  2017 (1) ►  March (1) ▼  2016 (79) ►  October (1) ►  September (6) ►  August (1) ►  July (2) ►  June (9) ►  May (2) ►  April (5) ▼  March (25) Program Casting Call: 'Footloose' Casting Call: 'Incorruptible' 'Bill W. and Dr. Bob' at Circle Players 'Picnic' at Villagers Theatre Casting Call: 'Young Frankenstein' 'Lost in Yonkers' at Playhouse 22 'Wendy's Shadow' at Mystic Vision Players Casting Call: 'Bonnie and Clyde' 'Becket' at Holmdel Theatre Company Casting Call: 'Anything Goes' Casting Call: 'Boeing Boeing' 'A Kiss and Then Fade to Black' at Villagers Theatre 'Tenali Raman: Folk Tales of India' at Dragonfly M... 'Wendy's Shadow' at Mystic Vision Players Casting Call: 'Rabbit Hole' Casting Call: 'Bonnie and Clyde' 'Dear Edwina Jr.' Yardley Players of Villagers Theatre will hold aud... 'Spotlight on Becket' at Holmdel Theatre Company Theater Classes at Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Ce... Casting Call: 'This is Our Youth' Casting Call: 'Boeing Boeing' 'Lost in Yonkers' at Playhouse 22 Casting Call: '1776' Casting Call: 'Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka' ►  February (8) ►  January (20) ►  2015 (180) ►  December (13) ►  November (14) ►  October (21) ►  September (31) ►  August (14) ►  July (12) ►  June (9) ►  May (11) ►  April (10) ►  March (20) ►  February (10) ►  January (15) ►  2014 (230) ►  December (15) ►  November (11) ►  October (23) ►  September (29) ►  August (23) ►  July (17) ►  June (13) ►  May (21) ►  April (15) ►  March (27) ►  February (11) ►  January (25) ►  2013 (145) ►  December (13) ►  November (10) ►  October (13) ►  September (7) ►  August (14) ►  July (15) ►  June (4) ►  May (17) ►  April (12) ►  March (8) ►  February (14) ►  January (18) Subscribe To Posts Atom Posts All Comments Atom All Comments Watermark theme. Powered by Blogger.