[NEohioPAL] Dobama and Karamu Audition Notice Caroline or Change

[Vivian C. Wilson]

Media Release, May 5, 2008

 

Dobama/Karamu Auditions for Caroline, Or Change

 

Dobama and Karamu Performing Arts Theatrewill hold auditions for Equity and
non-Equity performers for their co-production of the musical Caroline, Or
Change  at Karamu House  on Tuesday, May 13 and Thursday, May 15 from 6:00
to 9:00 pm. 

Sarah May directs this exciting show that will open the 2008-2009 season for
both theatres on September 19. 

 

Caroline, or Change revisits the early 1960's, a period of sweeping change
in race relations as it affected two families: a Southern Jewish family, and
the family of their strong and proud African-American maid, Caroline. The
Gellman's little boy Noah tries to cope with the recent death of his mother.
He rejects the overtures of his new step-mother Rose and worships Caroline
as a surrogate mother figure. Caroline, a single mother, struggles to care
for her three children at home, while her older son is off fighting in "some
place they call Vietnam."  Noah and Caroline's tentative and touching
relationship is at the heart of this show. 

 

This musical is actually sung-through, like a chamber opera, but features a
vibrant and clever score that blends blues, gospel, 60's R&B, and Jewish
melodies. The show's Musical Director, Ed Ridley (Cleveland Play House,
Playhouse Square, Karamu, and Dobama) will be looking for 16 strong
singer/actors to fill the exciting cast. The complexities of the score
require singers who can read and sight-sing music, as well as hear and sing
harmony for most of the roles! 

 

Auditions for Equity and non-Equity performers will be held on Tuesday, May
13 and Thursday, May 15, from 6:00 to 9:00PM at Karamu Theatre, 2355 E. 89th
St.  Please come prepared to sing a short vocal selection (Broadway,
Standards, Blues, Gospel or Motown) and bring your sheet music. Performers
whose work may not be known to the director are encouraged to prepare a
short (1 minute) monologue. Actors may be asked to read from the script. 

Please call 216-410-1781 or 216-231-8488 after May 4th to make an
appointment. 

 

Production Dates: September 19 October 12. Rehearsals will begin around
August 10. 

 

Cast Breakdown: the show calls for 8 African-American women 18-60; 1
African- American Male 25-60; 2 African-American boys 7-12; and 2 white
women 25-65; 

3 white males 30-65; and 1 white boy 7-11.

 

The Roles:

Caroline Thibodeaux, a resilient African-American domestic, works for the
Gellmans, should be able to play 39, a strong alto singer and lead actress!

 

In the Laundry room, the objects that define Caroline's work and keep her
company:

The Washing Machine, an alto, R&B female singer. Ageless

The Dryer, an R&B baritone with strong, fun presence. Ageless, Also plays
The Bus.

The Radio, a Motown trio of women, like the Supremes, (Alto and Soprano) 

 

Noah Gellman, a huge role for a white boy who looks 8, and is a strong boy
soprano and actor in no danger of imminent voice change!

 

Grandma Gellman, Grandpa Gellman, and Grandpa Stopnick, all older white
character actor/singers, much of their music is talk-sung, Jewish and comic.

 

Rose Stopnick, large role for white female soprano 28-45, Noah's new
stepmother.

 

Stuart Gellman, Noah's father, 30-45, tenor, still mourns his wife's death
and ignores his son. 

 

Dotty Moffett, Caroline's girlfriend, African American, 30's, pragmatic
about the times, a domestic who is going back to school, fun part, soprano

 

The Moon, African American female singer, lyrical alto, the spirit of the
night and change. 

 

Emmie Thibodeaux, Caroline's daughter, strong actress with a soprano belt,
who embodies the new young black-power movement, should look 16 or 17.

 

Jackie Thibodeaux and Joe Thibodeaux, Caroline's sons, should look 10 and 8,
very musical kids needed.

 

Joyce Casey                                                Terrence Spivey

Artistic Director                                         Artistic Director 

Dobama Theatre                                        Karamu House

 

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