[NEohioPAL]Oliver! auditions at The Little Theatre of Tuscarawas County

[cwn at wilkshire.net]

Auditions for Little Theatre of Tuscarawas County’s summer production, the musical “Oliver!,” are planned for two weekends, beginning April 29 and 30 for those interested in adult roles. Each session will begin at 7 in the Little Theatre at 466 Carrie Ave. NW, New Philadelphia.

Auditions for boys, ages 8 to 17, including those interested in the roles of Oliver and the Artful Dodger, will be May 12 and 13 beginning at 1 p.m. in the theater.

“Oliver!” is the musical version of Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist” and is set in 19th century England.
 
Oliver Twist, an innocent and charming workhouse orphan boy trying to figure out where he belongs in life, is described as between 8 and 13 with a soprano vocal range.

The Artful Dodger, the cleverest and most charming of Fagin’s pickpockets, is between 13 and 16 years old, with an unchanged soprano vocal range.

Boys in Fagin’s gang should range in age from 8 to 17. 

Adults roles include Bill Sykes, a brutal and murderous professional burglar trained by Fagin, a baritone; Fagin, a career criminal who trains orphans to become pickpockets, a baritone; Nancy, a pickpocket, an alto; Mr. Brownlow, a wealthy and compassionate gentleman who turns out to be Oliver’s grandfather, does not sing; Mr. Bumble, the pompous, self-important and hypocritical head of the workhouse, a baritone; Mr. Sowerberry, the undertaker for whom Oliver is apprenticed, a baritone; Mrs. Bedwin, Mr. Brownlow’s warm and kind housekeeper, a soprano; Mrs. Sowerberry, Mr. Sowerberry’s cruel and judgmental wife, a soprano; Widow Corney, the domineering workhouse mistress and Mr. Bumble’s eventual wife, a soprano; and Bet, one of Fagin’s child pickpockets, who idolizes Nancy, an alto.

Other roles include Charley Bates; Charlotte Sowerberry, the flirtatious daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sowerberry; Dr. Grimwig; Noah Claypool, an apprentice to Mr. Sowerberry, a cowardly bully, and Old Sally.
An ensemble, including no more than six elementary aged girls, is also needed.

Open auditions will be conducted for adults interested in principal roles. Those auditioning should come with a prepared song, from the show or otherwise. An accompanist will be provided. Those interested in the ensemble will be asked to sing for the director, assistant directors and the vocal director. Adults interested in speaking roles will be asked to read from the script.

Boys interested in the roles of Oliver Twist and the Artful Dodger will audition in an open setting. 

Boys interested in being part of Fagin’s gang will sing for the director, assistants and the vocal director.

Adults and boys will be asked to participate in a simple, group dance session.
“Oliver!” will be performed July 13-15, 19-22 and July 26-28. 

For more information, e-mail rexhuffman at yahoo.com.