[NEohioPAL] Mercury Announces Its 2015 Season Auditions

Sun Jan 25 20:19:40 PST 2015

Mercury Theatre Company

Announces 2015 Season Auditions

Ghost: June 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27

Camelot: July 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25

Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins: August 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22

My Mercury’s Pippin: July 17 and 18  

DATES/TIME:

Friday, February 27         6:00                     (My Mercury Only)
Saturday, February 28     1:00-4:00             (Equity and Non-Equity by Appointment Only)
Sunday, March 1             12:00-3:00           (Equity and Non-Equity by Appointment Only)

                                    Callbacks by appointment after 3:00  

LOCATION:     Notre Dame College 1851 South Green Road South Euclid, OH 44121

Auditions will be held in the PAC, basement of Admin. Building.

NOTE: Main entrance is at 1851 South Green Road (the old Regina High School driveway). The current listed college address is: 4545 College Drive. Regina High School is now part of Notre Dame College. The theatre is located inside the old Regina High School building (now called Regina Hall) – to your left as you enter the driveway. All performances will be held in Regina Hall.

APPOINTMENTS: 
Audition appointments will be accepted starting Monday, January 26 at 9:00 am. If you are unable to attend the audition dates scheduled, recorded auditions are accepted by February 27, 2015. Video links may be emailed to mercurysummerstock at gmail.com.

Call: 216.771.5862 For further information, or with questions.

AUDITION PREPARATION: Please prepare two short (16-bar) musical selections of contrasting styles in your key; bring sheet music in the correct key; an accompanist will be provided. You may be asked to sing only one selection as time permits. Headshots and resumes will be accepted at the audition.

COMPENSATION: All non-AEA actors in Ghost and Mary Poppins appear in Mercury Theatre Company productions on a volunteer basis. College credit is available where applicable.

CASTING REQUIREMENTS:  Equity/Non-Equity only. Please email mercurysummerstock at gmail.com if interested for details Mercury Theatre Company is committed to non-traditional casting. Actors will be cast solely on the basis of talent, except in cases where age, race or physical ability are essential to a role. Ages listed in breakdowns are "character ages" not actor ages. Actors selected for casting may be cast in more than one production for the season.

FOR DESIGN AND TECHNICAL EMPLOYMENT:  Please email mercurysummerstock at gmail.com.

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BREAKDOWNS
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GHOST

Book: Bruce Joel Rubin

Lyrics: Bruce Joel Rubin, Dave Stewart, Glen Ballard

Music: Dave Stewart, Glen Ballard

Relive the iconic and magical moments from the Oscar-winning movie "Ghost" in a brand-new Broadway musical. GHOST THE MUSICAL breathes glorious new life into a timeless love story. The musical features an original pop score from multiple Grammy Award-winners Dave Stewart, one half of the 80s pop duo the Eurythmics, and Glen Ballard, co-writer with Alanis Morissette on the multi-platinum album Jagged Little Pill, among many other notable credits and collaborations. The musical’s tale of everlasting love is thrilling entertainment for audiences of all ages. 

Adapted from the hit film by its Academy Award-winning screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin, GHOST THE MUSICAL follows Sam and Molly, a young couple whose connection takes a shocking turn after Sam's untimely death. Trapped between two worlds, Sam refuses to leave Molly when he learns she is in grave danger. Desperate to communicate with her, he turns to a storefront psychic who helps him protect Molly and avenge his death. 

Rehearsals begin May 25. All rehearsals are Monday through Friday 6:30-10:30 and Saturdays 11:00-4:00. Sundays are Days Off.

Performances are June 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27

All roles are open. Oda Mae Brown is cast.

SEEKING:

Sam Wheat: to play mid-20s to early 30s, tall and handsome, excellent pop/rock tenor, master of his own universe with regard to business and commerce, has difficulty with the emotional, soulful side of love, his greatest obstacle is his fear of commitment, fearing that when he gets good things in life he will lose them. When killed by a mugger, he is caught between worlds. Finding that Molly is in danger, he seeks to somehow protect her. Ultimately he is able to save Molly and finally express his love to her before his transfiguration into a higher realm. Guitar a plus.

Molly Jensen: to play late 20s, excellent singer, mezzo with high belt, an artist and woman of the world, an optimist, self-made and independent, always lives in the moment. Life is good enough as it is. In her relationship with Sam, she understands that a declaration of love requires vulnerability and surrender, but that is too great for him. Shattered when Sam dies and struggles with being asked to believe in something larger - much bigger than here and now.

Carl Bruner: to play early 30s, high baritone/baritone, Sam’s best friend, desperately wants everything Sam has – including Molly. Has great passion for the things of life, and this passion has led him into deep water. Not necessarily a bad guy at heart, just stuck in the material. After Sam is killed he really loses his grip and slides over to the dark side.

Willie Lopez: to play early 30s, a tough thug, hired to mug Sam and ends up killing him. Dancer.

Louise Brown/Clara Brown: to play 30+, must have strong comic chops, vivid characters and have big soulful voices. Oda Mae’s sisters and cohorts in her scam of speaking to the dearly departed. May cover Oda Mae.

Subway Ghost: to play 20s, vocal and physical dexterity essential, nimble physicality very useful, ability to do any acro tricks an advantage. Mark submissions accordingly with any specialized physical skill.

Ensemble: Seeking 6 females and 6 males to play all ages, strong dancers who sing, seeking an Ethnic mix to play the wide variety of the residents and characters of New York City. Pas de Deux and commercial style an advantage. May cover principal roles.

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CAMELOT

Book and Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner 
Music by Frederick Loewe
Based on “The Once and Future King” 
by T.H. White

In the realm of Camelot, King Arthur has created a utopian land of chivalry and civil rule. But when his beloved Queen Guenevere and Sir Lancelot, his most trusted knight, succumb to their passion for one another, he faces a terrible dilemma that will rock his kingdom to its very foundation. 

Rehearsals begin June 15. All rehearsals are Monday through Friday 6:30-10:30 and Saturdays 11:00-4:00. Sundays are Days Off.

Performances are July 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25

All roles are open. All roles are paid.

SEEKING:
This streamlined take on one of the greatest musicals in the American musical theater canon features a cast of 10 (1 woman and 9 men) and showcases the youth, vitality and sexually charged triangle between King Arthur, Queen Guinevere, and Sir Lancelot. The creative team is looking for accomplished singers/actors/musicians who have facility with language and movement ability. All actors will be required to act as ensemble where needed, and play instruments. Actors of any ethnicity are strongly encouraged to audition for every role. Shakespeare credits a plus, as are special skills like juggling, tumbling, playing a musical instrument, etc.

Reveler #1 (Merlyn/Pellinore): Merlyn, the infamous, old, wise wizard who ages backwards, having tutored Arthur since boyhood he scrambles to guide him as King and warn him of danger before Merlyn regresses past remembering the future, a cross between Dumbledore and Gandalf; Pellinore, a bad-ass, very funny and eccentric, no-nonsense old knight who, in search of his lost Kingdom, becomes a dedicated confidant and friend to Arthur, actor will participate in considerable stage combat; baritone. Note: One actor plays both roles.

Reveler #2 (Squire Dap): Lancelot’s valet, an old man.

Reveler #3 (Dinadan): Strong virile knight. Could be a character man. Must be excellent legit singer with big voice.

Reveler #4 (Sagramore): Strong virile knight. Could be a character man. Must be excellent legit singer with big voice.

Reveler #5 (Lionel): Strong virile knight. Could be a character man. Tenor. Must be excellent legit tenor with big voice.

Reveler #6 (Tom): Tom is a young boy destined to be a Knight.  He wants to fight for what is right and gives Arthur hope for the future. A young man. Should sing very well. Adept at physical humor. Ideally, Tom should appear to be between the ages of 8 and 13 and under 5’ tall.

Reveler #7 (Arthur): Any Ethncity. Attractive and sexy, but not in a traditional way. We see him grow from a scrappy boy known as Wart, into a powerful king. Cerebral yet virile. Pleasant singing voice. Must be an excellent, preferably classically trained, actor. Actor must have a huge command of language and formidable presence, is rapturously in love with Guenevere but equally as devoted to Lancelot, actor may appear shirtless and will engage in considerable stage combat; baritone.

Reveler #8 (Guenevere): Female. Any Ethnicity. Attractive, though not necessarily traditionally so. Smart, with a touch of funny. There should be an underlying smoldering sensuality here. Looking for distinctive, must not be like any Guenevere we have seen before. Accomplished singer a must. Must be an excellent, preferably classically trained, actor.

Reveler #9 (Lancelot): Aggressively attractive, but not the usual square/cardboard pretty boy version. Smoldering sexuality. Magnetic. A stunning singer. He is funny only through his pure earnestness, actor will appear shirtless and will engage in extensive stage combat; soaring, magnificent baritone.

Reveler #10 (Mordred): Mordred is the ne’er do well bastard son of Arthur. Pleasant singing voice. He’s the bad guy, but not a simpering moustache twirler.

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DISNEY AND CAMERON MACKINTOSH’S MARY POPPINS

Original Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman

Book by Julian Fellowes
New Songs and Additional Music and Lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe
Co-Created by Cameron Mackintosh 

She’s practically perfect in every way! Get ready for Mary Poppins to fly over the rooftops of London! This family musical features the delightful songs from the popular Disney film including “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and “Chim Chim Cher-ee.” Winner of 44 major theatre awards from around the globe, Mary Poppins has captivated audiences for generations, and now the enchanting story, unforgettable songs and breathtaking dance numbers will dazzle and delight theatre goers of all ages. Believe in the magic of Mary Poppins and discover a world where anything can happen if you let it!

Rehearsals begin July 13. All rehearsals are Monday through Friday 6:30-10:30 and Saturdays 11:00-4:00. Sundays are Days Off.
Performances are August 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22.

All roles are open.

SEEKING:

NOTE: All cast members must have British dialects of various regional and class locales. British dialect not required at auditions, and will be taught to the cast.

Mary Poppins: (Female, Plays 20-30) Jane and Michael Banks's new nanny. She is extraordinary and strange, neat and tidy, delightfully vain yet very particular, and sometimes a little frightening but always exciting, with a twinkle in her eye. She is practically perfect in every way and always means what she says. A mezzo soprano with strong top notes, she should be able to move well. She can have a more traditional soprano sound, but precision and diction is the key. Must sing well (Mezzo Soprano, Gb3 - C6) and dance or move very well.

Bert: (Male, Plays 30-39) The narrator of the story, and a good friend to Mary Poppins. An everyman, Bert has many occupations, including hurdy-gurdy player, sidewalk artist, and chimney sweep. Bert watches over the children as well as the goings on in Cherry Tree Lane. He has charm, depth, speaks with a Cockney accent, and is a song-and-dance-man. Must sing well (Baritone, B2 - F#4) and dance well.

Mr. George Banks: (Male, Plays 40-45) The father to Jane and Michael Banks, is a banker to the very fiber of his being. Demanding "precision and order" in his household, he is a pipe-and-slippers man who doesn't have much to do with his children and believes that he had the perfect upbringing by his nanny, the cruel Miss Andrew. His emotional armor, however, conceals a sensitive soul. A baritone, George may speak-sing as necessary. (Vocal Range: A2-F4)

Mrs. Winifred Banks: (Female, Plays 30-40) George's wife and Jane and Michael's mother. A former actress, she is a loving and distracted homemaker who is busy trying to live up to her husband's desire to only associate with "the best people" as well as be a model wife and mother. She suffers from the conflicting feelings that she's not up to the job of "being Mrs. Banks," yet, she is, and more. She has a great warmth and simplicity to her tone. Must sing (Mezzo Soprano: G3-E5).

Jane Banks: (Female, Plays 11, 4’10” or shorter) The high-spirited daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Banks, is bright and precocious but can be willful and inclined to snobbishness. Must sing (Vocal Range: A3 - E5) and move well. 

Michael Banks: (Male, Plays 9, 4’9” or shorter) The cute and cheeky son of Mr. and Mrs. Banks. Excitable and naughty, he adores his father and tries to be like him. Both he and Jane misbehave in order to get the attention of their parents. Must sing (Vocal Range: A3 - E5, unbroken voice) and move well.

Mrs. Brill: (Female, Plays 50-60) The housekeeper and cook for the Banks family. Overworked and harassed, she's always complaining that the house is understaffed. Her intimidating exterior is a cover for the warmth underneath. Mrs. Brill doesn't have a high opinion of nannies in general and Mary Poppins in particular. Must sing. (Vocal Range: F#3 - D#5)

Robertson Ay: (Male, Plays 20-30) The houseboy to the Banks family. Lazy, sleepy, and grumbling, he never gets things right and believes himself to be useless. His "Spoonful" solo can be a fun surprise. Must sing. (Tenor: B2-A)

Admiral Boom: (Male, plays 50-60) A retired Royal Navy man and neighbor of the Banks family. A physically large man with a loud and booming voice, he speaks in Navy jargon and has a soft spot for his neighbor, Miss Lark. Any vocal range.

The Bird Woman: (Female, Plays 50-60) Covered in a patchwork of old shawls, and her pockets are stuffed with bags of crumbs for the birds. She tries to sell her crumbs for the birds. She tries to sell her crumbs to passersby, who ignore her as if she doesn't exist. Sings "Feed the Birds." There can be a gruff, folksy quality to her voice that reflects the hardness of her life. Must sing (Vocal Range: Gb3 – Db5).

Policeman: (Male, Plays 30-50) A neighborhood fixture who is respected by and observant of the households on his beat.

John Northbrook: (Male, Plays 30-50) An honest businessman seeking a loan to build a factory for his community. He speaks with an accent from Northern England. Doubles as ensemble.

Katie Nanna: (Female, Plays 30-40) Jane and Michael's nanny at the beginning of the show. Overwhelmed and upset, she has absolutely had her fill of the Banks children. Doubles as ensemble.

Miss Andrew: (Female, Plays 40-60) George's overbearing and scary nanny. With her bottle of nasty-tasting brimstone and treacle to keep naughty children in line, she is a bully who only knows one way of doing things - her way. A soprano with an alto belt, there can be some heaviness to her voice along with the range. Doubles as ensemble. Must sing (Mezzo-Soprano: G#3-A5)

Miss Lark: (Female, Plays 30-40) The haughty next-door neighbor of the Banks family who treats her dog, Willoughby, as if he were her child. Doubles as ensemble.

Mrs. Smythe: (Female, Plays 40-50) The Bank Chairman's humorless secretary. Doubles as ensemble.

Mrs. Corry: (Female) Owns a magical gingerbread shop. She is a mysterious woman of great age who speaks with a Caribbean accent (or any accent that would make her seem exotic). Doubles as ensemble. Must sing (D4-Db5).

Neleus: (Male, Plays 16-20) The statue of a young boy posed with a dolphin in the park. Neleus was separated from his father, Poseidon, and misses him very much. A small and lonely being, he is very happy to befriend Jane and Michael. Dance specialty, includes ballet and modern. Doubles as ensemble.

The Park Keeper: (Male, Plays 40-60) Uniformed and officious, he makes sure no one breaks park regulations. His life is defined by rules, but he secretly hankers after his childhood. Doubles as ensemble.

Von Hussler: (Male, Plays 30-50) A businessman seeking a loan from the bank for a shady business deal. He speaks with a German accent. Doubles as ensemble.

MALE and FEMALE DANCERS WHO SING (ages 16 and up) and SINGERS WHO MOVE (to play ages 25 and up) to portray Toys, Dolls, Chimney Sweeps, Parkgoers, Citizens, Kite Flyers, etc. For DANCERS, tap and musical theatre dance essential; ballet and modern a plus for some specialty roles.
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My Mercury’s PIPPIN

Mercury Theatre Company is now accepting applications for My Mercury’s musical: Pippin! Explore all aspects of the theatre with other teens who love the stage as much as you do! My Mercury is the arts camp that is more than a traditional summer camp.

Designed for students 13-19, the program is a comprehensive, one-week 9:00am-4:00pm intensive July 13 through July 18, 2015, in which students get a chance to hone their skills in a fast-paced, creative environment.

Each student will not only STAR onstage in the production, but also will also contribute to the direction, choreography, set, lighting and costume design of the production. Students will be assigned a mentor from the Mercury Theatre Company 2015 Staff and will work as assistants on a specific “behind-the-scenes” area of their interest.

My Mercury is designed to instill in aspiring thespians a deeper understanding about producing and participating in a first-class musical with working professionals. Tuition for My Mercury is $125.00 and space is limited. All interested campers must audition for placement. Tuition includes one ticket for the teen night of each musical. Scripts will only be handed out at the first teen night for Ghost (June 18th). Each of the teen nights will incorporate team building as well as parties. Each teen night will be a required attendance as well as participation in the South Euclid Memorial Day Parade.

The tuition cost of $125.00 is non-refundable and due at the time of auditions.

PIPPIN

Book by Roger O. Hirson

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz

This hip, tounge-in-cheek, fairy tale captivated Broadway audiences and continues to appeal to the young at heart everywhere. The energetic pop-influence score by three-time Oscar-winning composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Wicked, and the animated films Pocahontas, and The Prince of Egypt) bursts with one showstopping number after another from soaring ballads to infectious dance numbers.

All roles open.

SEEKING:

Leading Player: dynamic, mysterious, magnetic master of ceremonies

*WOMEN WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS ROLE, AS WELL AS MEN* STRONG DANCER AND SINGER

Pippin: Earnest, attractive, stubborn, misguided son of Charlemagne. Struggles with the burden of his father's identity while unable to find his own purpose in the world. Wide-eyed and unsatisfied with life.

Fastrada: Pippin's conniving stepmother, dedicated to the career of her son, Lewis

*STRONG DANCE SKILLS*

Catherine: an attractive, sharp woman. A widow.

King Charles Charlemagne: military, imposing, arrogant, not too bright. Pippin's father, but too preoccupied to pay much attention to him.

Lewis: Pippin's foppish stepbrother - annoying, egotistical

Berthe: Pippin's saucy Grandmother

Theo: Catherine's 8-year-old Son

Band of Players: Each sings, and plays a variety of roles, places and objects. The show's individual characters emerge from this "band".

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