Casting Call: 'Carrie, the Musical'

She's ba-ack!

Based on Stephen King's bestselling novel, "Carrie: The Musical" has not been seen since its 1988 Broadway production. Now, the original authors of the show have joined with director Stafford Arima and Middlesex County College Theater for a newly reworked and fully reimagined vision of this tale.

Auditions will be held from noon-5 p.m. Aug. 11, and from 7-10 p.m. Aug. 12 and 13. Callbacks will be held Aug. 15.

The show centers around Carrie White, an outcast bullied by the popular crowd at school, and virtually invisible to everyone else. At home, she is at the mercy of her loving but cruelly overprotective mother. But Carrie has just discovered she has a special power, and if she is pushed too far, she is not afraid to use it.

Auditionees will need to sing a rock, pop, or contemporary song in the style of the show that demonstrates their vocal range; and should bring sheet music or a CD/iPod track without vocals. Songs from the show are allowed. Auditionees must be at least 18 to audition. Auditionees will be expected to list all conflicts between Aug. 19 and Oct. 27.
Performances will be held at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. Sundays, from Oct. 18 to 27.

Carrie White (17)	A painfully shy outsider with a strong desire to belong. Victim of frequent pranks and bullying at school as well as abuse under her mother's strict religious control at home. She transforms from ugly duckling into graceful - and then vengeful - swan.
Margaret White (mid-30's to mid-40's)	A commanding, intense woman of visceral extremes, possessing zealous religious convictions, and almost abusive maternal love for her daughter.
Sue Snell (17-18)	A popular, overachieving student. Her unthinking participation in a cruel act of bullying causes a crisis of conscience that leads her on a complicated emotional and psychological journey to make amends. Smart with just a touch of shrewd edge. The play is told through her memory. Vocally, she has a pop ballad voice that delivers sincerity and strength.
Tommy Ross (Male, to play 17-18)	Popular star athlete, valedictorian, and all around standout, he's the boy that all the girls want to be with, and all the boys want to be. Yet he also has unexpected, quirky sensitivity and is just starting to mine his personal life and feelings - a budding poet. His voice should have a pop quality.
Chris Hargensen (17-18)	Rich, spoiled, and dangerous. Chris is a popular beauty whose arrogant self-assurance makes her believe that the rules don't apply to her. Loaded with sexual dynamite, she has serious daddy and anger management issues.
Billy Nolan (Early 20s)	Now in his sixth year of high school, Billy's a sexy, trashy, stupid-like-a-fox bad boy whose wise mouth troublemaking has led him to spend more time in detention than in class. All these qualities make it easy for Chris to manipulate him to do her bidding.
Miss Gardner (mid-30s)	This girls P.E. teacher can be a strict disciplinarian when necessary, but when Carrie arouses her maternal instinct, she surprises herself by also revealing a protective "Fairy Godmother" side.
Mr. Stephens / The Rev. Bliss (30s-50s)	This well-intentioned English teacher and guidance counselor struggles to help his students realize their potential. A dedicated educator, he's stretched thin in his duties, woefully underpaid, and a bit overwhelmed as to how to handle the Billy Nolans of the classroom combat zone. Doubles as the Rev. Bliss, a holy-rolling radio evangelist.
Norma (17-18)	Bitchy, gossipy and a shameless suck-up to authority, Norma is second-in-command to Chris' queen bee.
Frieda (17-18)	Sue's sometime friend. She's an easygoing, get-along follower and a tireless extracurricular committee volunteer.
Helen (17-18)	Giggly and easily shocked, her immaturity and need to belong make her the perfect example of the herd mentality.
George (17-18)	A jock. Preppy. Somewhat unsure. Tommy's wingman since childhood, George idolizes him a little too much, perhaps more than Tommy realizes.
Stokes (17-18)	A bit of a nerd, he's happy to be sometimes included as one of Tommy's posse.
Fredyy (17-18)	The wise-cracking class clown and official yearbook photographer, he can't believe any girl would ever give him the time of day.
Ensemble (17-18)	Two to four additional students who flesh out the various cliques at Chamberlain High School. They are cheerleaders, jocks, drama dorks, brains, and rebels. Most of all they are real people. A mix of strong singers, actors and dancers. Will also understudy principal roles.

Reading: 'The Tomb' at Somerset Valley Players

"Old soldiers never die, they just fade away."

So once said General Douglas MacArthur, the legendary general of the Pacific. During a staged reading tonight at Somerset Valley Players, audience members will be able to see what happens when they do die. The theater will host a staged reading of  "The Tomb," an original play by local playwright Roy Barry, at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 20.

The play begins with WWI Army Private Reggie, a medic from Mississippi, as he finds himself tied to the exterior vicinity of The Tomb of the Unknown in Virginia, in a limbo he does not fully understand. He is visited by Joe, a World War II Marine, who arrives in a flash of white light, direct from his moment of demise on an island in the Pacific. Another white flash sends Reuben, a black Korean War Army captain, to join their ranks at the tomb. Last to arrive is Blake, a California-born, Vietnam-era soldier, still in a drug haze, unaware of and unable to accept his own death.

Life experience, cultural and religious differences, and differing values threaten these four and their newly formed, delicate brotherhood. Blake’s arrival becomes a catalyst to their conflicts . . . and the new mission they identify and accept at "The Tomb."

Theater doors open at 6:30 p.m. Attendance is free, with seating on a "first-come, first-served" basis. Reservations are not being taken for this reading. There will be light refreshments and a question-and-answer sessions with the playwright and the cast after the reading.

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

Set Designer Needed

Yardley Players is seeking a set designer to design the set for "A Flea in Her Ear."

The show involves two settings: a living room in a wealthy turn of the century home, and a hotel lobby and room. Set designers will be paid.

Tech week will be Sept. 15-19, 2014. Performances will be Sept. 20-29, 2014.

For more information, contact noajjs@aol.com, or call (215) 968-1904.

'Legally Blonde: The Musical' at Villagers Theater

She's blonde. Legally blonde.

Elle Woods appears to have it all. Her life is turned upside-down when her boyfriend dumps her so he can start getting serious about his life and attend Harvard Law School. Determined to get him back, Elle uses her charm to get in as well. At school, she struggles with peers, professors, and Warner Huntington. With the help of Paulette and Emmett, though, Elle quickly realizes her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world. "Legally Blonde: The Musical,"a production of TeensVill at Villagers Theatre,will run from July 26 to Aug. 11.
Performances will begin at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. Sundays.

The cast includes Kristen Seggio as Elle Woods, Rachel Valovcin as Paulette Bonafante, Adam Magnacca as Emmett Forrest, Carlos Acala as Warner Huntington III, Brianna Bric as Vivienne Kensington, Dominick Pate as Professor Callahan, Enid Hoops as Allie Cozzi, Natalie Romeo as Brooke Wyndham, Aja Downing as Pilar, Sandy Buz as Serena, Ellen Rothfuss as Margot; and Alex Mandalakis, Caileigh Idell, Hannah Weaver, Elizabeth Valenti, Jillian Patla, Shannen Doyle, David Pastore, Tyler Crozier, Alec Richards, Darius Delk, Quentin Madia, Connor McKenna and Dorian Andrews as featured ensemble.

Tickets cost $16. Seats must be reserved online or by calling (732) 873-2710. Villagers Theatre is located at 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset.

Casting Call: 'Macbeth'

It’s the play that dares not speak its own name.

Hub City Players will hold auditions for William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 14-15. A tragedy written for the coronation of King James II of England, “Macbeth” tells the story of its titular protagonist, who usurps the throne of Scotland following a civil war and rules by bloodshed and oppression until his fated overthrow.

Auditions will be held at 623 Georges Road, Suite C-1, North Brunswick. (Entrance is in the rear of the building.) Bring a head shot and acting resume, if available; and come prepared with a 14-line monologue from one of Shakespeare's tragedies. You also will be asked to do a reading from the script. Performances will be in October in New Brunswick, at Greater Brunswick Charter School.

The following roles are needed. Ages are approximate. For more information, contact director David Learn at davidlearn at gmail dot com.

Duncan	King of Scotland	50s-70
Macbeth	Thane of Glamis and Cawdor, a general in the King's army	30s-40s
Lady Macbeth	his wife	30s-40s
Macduff	Thane of Fife, a nobleman of Scotland,	40s-50s
Lady Macduff	his wife	40s-50s
Malcolm	elder son of Duncan	30s-40s
Donalbain	younger son of Duncan	20s-30s
Banquo	Thane of Lochaber, a general in the King's army	late 40s
Fleance	his son	late teens
Lennox	nobleman of Scotland
Ross	nobleman of Scotland
Menteith	nobleman of Scotland
Angus	nobleman of Scotland
Caithness	nobleman of Scotland
Siward	Earl of Northumberland, general of the English forces	40s
Young Siward	his son	late teens
Seyton	attendant to Macbeth
First Witch	The maid	Teen to early 20s
Second Witch	The mother	30s to 50s
Third witch	The crone	60s and older
Boy	Son of Macduff	Teen or preteen.
Gentlewoman	Attends Lady Macbeth
Doctor	Attends Lady Macbeth during her illness.
A Sergeant
A Porter
An Old Man

Other lords, gentlemen, officers, soldiers, murderers, attendants, and messengers

The show will be directed by David Learn, with performances at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 11-20. Stage manager is Laura Zahorbenski. Also needed are a fight choreographer and a costumer.

Casting Call: 'A Chorus Line'

Villagers Theater will be holding auditions for the award-winning show "A Chorus Line" at 7:30 July 29 and 30.

Set during an audition for a Broadway show, young performers share their deepest hopes, fears and dreams as they compete for a chance of a lifetime. A Chorus Line, featuring one of the most brilliant scores ever written for the stage, is an enthralling and emotional metaphor for what drives each of us to pursue our dreams. Running for nearly 15 years, it was one of the longest-running shows on Broadway.

Roles to be cast include:

Zach (30-40)	The director and choreographer of the show.
Larry (18-30)	Zach's assistant.
Alan Deluca (30, baritone)	From the Bronx. Very straight. Street tough, macho, newly married to Kristine Urich.
Bebe Benzenheimer (26, Alto)	From Boston. Very insecure about her looks. Is funny, which is a cover for her insecurities. Feels a little excluded, just wants to be liked.
Bobby Mills (25, baritone)	Funny and witty. Very sharp tongued. Covers everything over with a joke, had a very hard childhood. From upstate New York.
Cassie Ferguson (30ish, soprano)	Older Dancer. Returning to the chorus after years of being a featured performer. Very strong dancer. Shy & kind-hearted. Had a relationship with Zach.
Connie Wong (20 or 32, alto, female)	Experienced dancer. Short. Married. A bit of a mother hen with a great sense of humor. Born in Chinatown, Lower East Side, New York or Greenville, North Carolina.
Diana Morales (27, Alto)	Streetwise, a little bit tough, eternal optimist and starry eyed. A determined athletic dancer from the Bronx.
Don Kerr (26, baritone)	Ladies' man, married. Into cars, money, and women. Hedonist, cool, flirts with Maggie Winslow, very sure of himself. All American guy, Cocky, worked with Zach before. From Kansas City.
Gregory Gardener (32, baritone)	Done it all before. Gay. Very conscious of how he looks and appears to others. Quite a smart-alec and has worked with Zach before. Very East Side New York.
Judy Turner: (28, Mezzo)	Funny, gawky, nervous, scatterbrain. Warm and hopeful. Very awkward except when dancing.
Kristine Urich (22, mezzo)	Wide-eyed, naive. Very nervous when not dancing. Married to Alan Deluca.
Maggie Winslow (25, soprano)	A sweetheart, little sister type. Dreamer. Fairly experienced dancer from California.
Mark Anthony (20, Tenor)	Optimistic first timer, naive but charming. Great dancer and All-American kid. Hopeful and fresh, obsessed with sex. Very young from Arizona.
Mike Costa (24, tenor)	Quite aggressive, determined, cocky and sure of himself but likeable. Has worked with Zach before. Experienced and flirts with the girls. From New Jersey.
Paul san Marco (28, baritone)	Introverted and slightly insecure but loving performing, Paul is only now starting to feel comfortable about being gay and accepted by his parents. From Spanish Harlem, New York. Friends with Diana.
Richie Walters (27, tenor)	From Missouri. African-American, strong dancer, enthusiastic, cool and funny. Very likeable and laid back.
Sheila Bryant (29, alto)	Oldest dancer on the line. Brassy, sexy and sophisticated. One of the more popular dancers, very funny.
Valerie Clark (25, mezzo)	Sassy, funny and foul-mouthed. A brazen, direct, attention seeker from Vermont.
Cut Dancers (18-35)

Callbacks will be held Aug. 1. Villagers Theatre is located at 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset.

Casting Call: 'Spamalot'

If you're a knight who says Ni, like to blow your nose at silly English  kaniggits, or just generally enjoy Pythonesque humor, Playhouse 22 is looking for you.

The theater will hold open auditions for Monty Python's "Spamalot" at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 11, 12 and 13. Callbacks will be held August 15. Adapted for the stage by veteran Python Eric Idle, "Spamalot" is a musical comedy "lovingly ripped off from" the 1975 film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail."

Auditionees should prepare 32 bars of a Broadway-style song; songs from the show are acceptable. An accompanist will be provided. No acapella. All auditionees will need to participate in the dance audition.

Auditions will be held at the East Brunswick Community Arts Center, 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick. The show will be directed by Mark Kalet. Auditions will be held on a first-come, first-serve basis. Roles may be cast without regard to gender. Roles that have been doubled may be split.

Performances will begin at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 3 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 8 to 24.
 

King Arthur (Late 30s-60s, baritone)	The King of England who sets out on a quest to form the Knights of the Round Table and find the Holy Grail. Great humor.
Sir Robin (30s-40s, baritone)	A knight of the Round Table. Called 'Sir Robin the Brave,' though he couldn't be more cowardly. Joins the knights for the singing and dancing. Also plays Guard 1 and Brother Maynard, a long-winded monk. Dancing is a must.
Sir Lancelot (30s-40s, baritone)	A Knight of the Round Table. He is fearless to a bloody fault but through a twist of fate, does discover his 'softer side.' This actor will need skill with character voices and accents, as he also plays the French Taunter, an arrogant, condescending, over-the-top Frenchman; the Knight of Ni, an absurd, cartoonish leader of a peculiar group of knights; and Tim the Enchanter, a ghostly being with an extreme Scottish accent.
Patsy (30s-40s, baritone)	King Arthur's horse and servant. Underappreciated but always longing for King Arthur's approval. Some tap dancing. Also plays Mayor, a jolly red-faced man who advertises the merits of his hometown and the drunken, useless Guard 2.
Sir Galahad (30s, tenor)	A knight of the Round Table. Begins as Dennis, a lowerclass "mud gatherer" who becomes knighted and transforms into the dashing Sir Galahad. Also plays Prince Herbert's father, a wealthy, brutish Yorkshireman man at odds with his sensitive son, the Black Knight, who is always ready to duel despite multiple injuries. Strong bari-tenor singing required.
Sir Bedevere (20s-40s, baritone)	A knight of the Round Table. An inept scholar. Also plays Dennis Galahad's mother, a shrill peasant woman; and Concorde, Sir Lancelot's horse. No solo singing.
The Lady of the Lake (20s-30s, alto/soprano)	A Diva. Strong, possesses mystical powers. The leading lady of the show. Must be able to sing effortlessly in many styles and vocal registers.
Historian, Not Dead Fred, French guard, Minstrel, Prince Herbert (20's-30's, tenor)	Tenor singing required. Very good mover. Historian: A tweedy academic. Not Dead Fred: A sickly little fellow who, despite others' beliefs, claims he is "not yet dead." French guard: The condemnatory French sidekick to the French Taunter. Minstrel: In Sir Robin's band. Prince Herbert: A hopeful and frilly prince who loves to sing and pines for his love atop a tower.

Other parts include Sir Not Appearing; The Dancing Nun; two French guards; Sir Robin's minstrels, which includes two men and one woman; Sir Bors; and the ensemble, which consists of six men and six women.

For more information, contact spamalot@playhouse22.org, or call (732) 254-3939. Auditions will be held at the East Brunswick Community Arts Center, 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.