KELSEY THEATRE OPEN AUDITIONS

---

BEAUTIFUL

The Carole King Musical

 

Produced by PLAYFUL THEATRE PRODUCTIONS
Producers RUTH KRESGE, HILARY LEBOFF, NANCY RUSSELL, and SUZANNE SMITH
Directed by FRANK FERRARA
Musical Direction by SHANNON FERRARA

 

Playful Theatre Productions is proud to be a part of the Kelsey Forward Initiative, which is committed to actively assisting Kelsey Theatre in advancing an environment of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in all productions and programs offered by the resident theatre companies. We acknowledge the need for growth and are committed to learning from our past mistakes. We aim to foster an inclusive environment for people of all races, genders, religions, sexual orientations, creeds, socio-economic statuses, nationalities, and abilities.

 

ABOUT THE SHOW:

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is a musical with a book by Douglas McGrath that tells the story of the early life and career of Carole King, using songs that she wrote, often together with Gerry Goffin, and other contemporary songs by Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, Phil Spector and others. It spans the years between 1958 and 1971, and features some of the great acts – The Drifters, The Shirelles, The Crystals, The Righteous Brothers, and songs of the era, among them “So Far Away,” “Will You Still Love Me?,” “One Fine Day,” “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” “Up on the Roof,” “The Locomotion,” and “You’ve Got a Friend.”

All performances will be held at the Kelsey Theatre at the West Windsor Campus of Mercer County Community College (1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, NJ, 08550).

Most rehearsals will be held in the Communications (CM) Building adjacent to Kelsey Theatre. A small number of initial learning rehearsals will be scheduled in July, with the rehearsal schedule beginning in earnest (approximately 2 weeknights and 1 weekend day per week) in August.

 

SEEKING:

The cast of Beautiful will consists of approximately 17-21 adult performers (age 18 and up). A list of specific roles is provided below. Playful is actively seeking a cast that represents the diversity, energy, and creativity of the Brill Building in its prime.

 

AUDITION DATES AND TIMES:

In-person preliminary auditions will be held on the following dates:

• Wednesday, June 14 (2023), 7:00PM – 9:00PM
• Saturday, June 17 (2023), 11:00AM – 3:30PM

 

If you would like to audition but are unable to make either date, pre-recorded auditions are welcome! Please contact us (see “Audition Appointments” below) to arrange for this. Callback auditions will be held by invitation for all roles as necessary.

 

AUDITION APPOINTMENTS:

Audition appointments are very strongly recommended for in-person auditions.

To schedule an appointment, please visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090944A4A928AAF58-beautiful.

If you have any questions, you may contact us by e-mail at frankcferrara@gmail.com.

 

If you wish to submit a pre-recorded audition, select the “Virtual Audition” option at the SignUpGenius link above; we will contact you by e-mail with information on your audition.

 

AUDITION PREPARATION:

Performers are asked to prepare approximately 2-3 minutes of music from any source; music in the style of the show (1960s-era pop/rock) is encouraged but not required. Songs from the show are fine! An accompanist will be provided; please bring sheet music in the key that you wish to perform (a capella auditions or recorded accompaniment cannot be accommodated). There will be no readings or dancing at the initial audition.

 

In addition to these audition materials, please bring a list of expected conflicts that is as comprehensive as possible. Headshot and resume, while welcome, are not required.

 

CHARACTER INFORMATION:

We are seeking 17-21 actors, including the 17 named roles defined below and up to 4 additional featured ensemble members.

 

A note on ages: Beautiful spans a period of 13 years (from 1958 through 1971), which means that all characters play themselves at several different ages. Accordingly, there is no particular age target listed for any roles; the roles of Don Kirshner and Genie Klein will be cast older than the principal roles, but otherwise we’re very flexible.

 

Ability to play an instrument is not required for any role (including Carole King).

 

Also, please note that the gender presentations of the characters below are those of the characters, not necessarily of the actors who play them.

 

Female Company

 

• Carole King – Legendary singer-songwriter and the protagonist of Beautiful. Eager, open, and passionate, she is extremely authoritative and confident in matters of music but much less so in other areas. Need an excellent musician and singer with a warm folk-rock sound; piano ability (even if only elementary piano) is a plus but not required.
• Cynthia Weil – American lyricist, secretly responsible for the words to half the songs you love. She is assertive, ambitious, and laser-focused on her goals; she’s friends with everyone but close friends with very few. Need a very strong singer with a bright 50s Broadway sound.
• Lucille – Lead singer for the Shirelles; also plays (at separate times) a member of two legendary pop trios: The Shirelles and The Crystals, as well as a variety of other roles throughout.
• Janelle Woods – Janelle Woods is a fictional character, a composite of a variety of real-life singers including The Chiffons’ Judy Craig and a bit of Diana Ross. Janelle is a huge presence, a bigger star than anyone in any given room. Sings “One Fine Day” in Beautiful. Also plays members of The Shirelles and The Crystals.
• (Little) Eva Boyd – American singer, best known in real life (and in Beautiful) as the singer of the 1962 smash hit “The Locomotion.” Offstage, she is quiet and very silly – before she was famous, she was a babysitter for young children. Also plays members of The Shirelles and The Crystals. Need a strong, high-energy singer who dances well.
• Barbara Alston – Lead singer for the Crystals, she is the principal vocalist for “Uptown” in Beautiful. Also plays a variety of featured ensemble roles, including one-third of the Shirelles. Need an outstanding singer with a high 60s pop belt.
• Genie Klein – Carole King’s mother. She is perceptive and blunt, and whatever the subject she probably has an opinion, but she’s ultimately endlessly impressed by and supportive of her daughter. Dialogue-only role with minimal to no singing requirement.
• Marilyn Hobbs – Up-and-coming singer in the mid-60s. Marilyn is not based on any particular historical figure, but the younger versions of Christine McVie or Debbie Harry would be useful comparisons – a bit of a rougher proto-rock sound compared to the pop heavy vocals elsewhere. Featured singer on “Pleasant Valley Sunday.” Also plays a variety of featured ensemble roles throughout.

 

Male Company

 

• Gerald (Gerry) Goffin III – Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame lyricist, songwriting partner and husband to Carole King. Blessed with talent and unshakable confidence, plagued by undiagnosed bipolar disorder and an overwhelming fear of being ordinary. Smooth pop tenor, effortlessly cool and charming.
• Barry Mann – American composer, songwriting partner and husband to Cynthia Weil. Well meaning, earnest, and romantic, he’s a singing Golden Retriever with a secret inner hard rock star. Ability to play basic level piano and/or guitar is a plus (but not required!).
• Rudy Lewis – Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame R&B singer and leader of The Drifters, one of the pre-eminent doo-wop groups of the era. Need a very strong pop baritone.
• Charlie Thomas – Tenor for the Drifters, with featured singing on several songs.
• Dock Green – Baritone for the Drifters. Also plays a variety of featured ensemble roles, including Nick, an experienced and easy-going club musician.
• Elsbeary Hobbs – Bass for the Drifters. Also plays a variety of featured ensemble roles.
• Donald (Don) Kirshner – legendary music producer and very reluctant father figure. Good hearted but blunt and with a perpetual ulcer. Limited singing requirement.
• Bill Medley – He’s a Righteous Brother. Go ahead and listen to “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” if you need a refresher. Also plays a variety of other ensemble roles, including session musicians and rock producer Lou Adler.
• Bobby Hatfield – He’s the other Righteous Brother – the tenor. Also plays a variety of other ensemble roles, including pop star and composer Neil Sedaka.

---

 

MATILDA

(The Musical)

Book by Dennis Kelly
Music and Lyrics by Tim Minchin
Based on the book, Matilda by Roald Dahl
Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

 www.MTIShows.com

  

Produced by Maurer Productions OnStage, Inc.
Director: Laurie Gougher
Music Director: Sue DenOuter
Choreographer:  Haley Schmalbach
Stage Manager: Beverly Kuo-Hamilton
 
Maurer Productions OnStage and Kelsey Theatre are committed to advancing an environment of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in all productions and programs offered by the resident theater companies. We acknowledge the need for growth and are committed to learning from our past mistakes. We aim to foster an inclusive environment for people of all races, genders, religions, sexual orientations, creeds, socio-economic statuses, nationalities and abilities.
 
ABOUT THE SHOW
Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical is the captivating masterpiece from the Royal Shakespeare Company that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. With book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda has won 47 international awards and continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages around the world.
 
Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She's unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her school teacher Miss Honey. During her first term at school, the two forge a bond as Miss Honey begins to recognize and appreciate Matilda's extraordinary personality. Matilda's school life isn't completely smooth sailing, however – the school's mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves to punish those who don't abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils' saving grace!
 
 

  
AUDITION DATES AND TIMES
Saturday, June 24  - 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday, June 25  - 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
 
Callbacks by invitation only on Monday, June 26th
 
Auditions will be held on the Mercer County Community College West Windsor Campus. Check the Kelsey Theatre sign board for a room location on the day of your audition. MCCC is located at 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor, NJ 08550
 
APPOINTMENTS AND QUESTIONS
Appointments are strongly suggested. Walk-ins will be taken as time allows.
 
Use this link to sign up for an audition slot: MPO Matilda Audition Sign Up
QUESTIONS?  Contact MPO at MPOMatilda@gmail.com

AUDITION PREPARATION

• Please prepare a FULL SONG in the style of the show. Song selection should showcase your wit and personality. Please bring sheet music in the correct key, preferably in a binder. An accompanist will be provided. No a capella auditions or recorded accompaniments are permitted.
• Some auditioners may be asked to read a short excerpt from the script.
• Auditioners should wear comfortable clothing/shoes and be prepared to dance.
• Please complete an Audition Form prior to the day of your audition.

 
SEEKING
We are actively seeking performers of all races, gender identities, sexual orientations, body types, and abilities. All performers must be 7 years old by the date of auditions. Our priority is to create a diverse cast that captures the vibrant and wonderful imagination of Roald Dahl. All roles are non-equity, unpaid.
 
NOTE: There will be separate audition slots for children and adults/teens. Teenage auditioners should select the category that best represents their stage age.
 
Roles for Children (Stage Age 7-11)

• Matilda Wormwood  An imaginative girl who is clever and wise far beyond her years.
  • *Due to the extreme vocal demands, this role will be double cast.
• Bruce  Matilda's classmate. His appetite for cake is put to the test. Must be a strong solo singer
• Lavender  Matilda's classmate and friend. Bright and mischievous.
• Matilda’s Classmates: Amanda, Nigel, Eric, Alice, Hortensia, Tommy

Teen/Adult Roles (Ages 12+)
 

• Miss Agatha Trunchbull  A tyrannical headmistress who despises children.May be played by a man or a woman.
  • Note: The vocal range is written for a tenor
• Miss Honey  Matilda's kindhearted teacher.  Soprano
• Mr. Wormwood  Matilda's uncaring father. A slimy, greedy used-car salesman.  Tenor
• Mrs. Wormwood  Matilda's self-absorbed, negligent mother and an amateur ballroom dancer.  Mezzo/Soprano - Must have a strong high belt
  • *Uninhibited, but not necessarily technically strong, dancing skills required
• Michael Wormwood  Matilda's older brother. He is not very bright and favored by their parents.
• Mrs. Phelps  A kind librarian.
• The Escapologist  A character in a story Matilda tells to Mrs. Phelps who comes to life in their imagination.  Baritone
• The Acrobat  A character in a story Matilda tells to Mrs. Phelps who comes to life in their imagination.  Alto
  • *We are looking for a performer who is trained in aerial silks
• Rudolpho  Mrs. Wormwood's ballroom dance partner.  Tenor
  • *Strong partnering skills preferred
• Doctor  Mrs. Wormwood's Doctor when she goes into labor with Matilda.  Tenor/Alto
• Children’s Entertainer  Tenor/Alto
• Ensemble  Big Kids, Parents, Henchmen, Cook, Circus Performers, Spectators

 
Rehearsals begin the first week in July. We are starting early to accommodate the conflicts created by summer vacations.

 

---

PLEASE CHECK BACK LATER FOR MORE AUDITIONS