[NEohioPAL] Lakeland Theatre auditions for Merrily We Roll Along

[Martin Friedman]

*Lakeland Civic Theatre*

*Auditions for*

*Merrily We Roll Along*

Music and Lyrics by

*Stephen Sondheim*

 Book by

*George Furth*

 Directed by *Martin Friedman*

Musical Direction by *Jordan Cooper*

Sound Designed by *Eric Simna*

 Choreography by *Jennifer Justice*



*The Play:*

*Merrily We Roll Along, *written in 1981, is based on a 1934 play by George
S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. The musical (with a book by George Furth) was
first produced in November of 1981, where it ran for 17 performances. Not
very successful eh? It tells of the disintegration of the friendship of
successful songwriter Franklin Shepard, his lyricist and best friend
Charlie Kringas, and novelist Mary Flynn. The action moves backward through
time, from 1976 to 1957.

This is one of Stephen Sondheim’s most accessible and difficult scores. It
is most certainly about friendship and its importance in the lives of three
people.  This show has great personal meaning to me. And while the book is
problematic; I am confident that our production team and the actors that
are cast can overcome this. This is one great play.

And the roles; did I mention the roles? Each one of these six folks are
wonderful roles with fully realized characterizations and motivations. It
will take special actors/singers to breathe life into these people.

*Audition Information:*

*Auditions will be held on Monday and Tuesday, October 23 and 24 at
Lakeland Community College in Building D at 7:15pm. *



*Auditions for the role of Frank Jr. (between the ages of 11 and 14 years
of age) will ONLY take place on Monday and Tuesday, October 23 and 24
between the times of 5:45 and 6:45 pm. This is so they will be out by
7:00pm. *



*NO APPOINTMENTS ARE NECESSARY.*   *Please: **One 32 bar cut in the style
of the show. A Sondheim piece is preferred. A strong command of musical
styles and vocal athleticism is greatly needed for this show.*



*You need only come to one of the audition dates**. YOU DO NOT NEED AN
AUDITION TIME. JUST SHOW UP AT 7:15 AND WE WILL HAVE YOU SING and then
READ. We will have everyone sing and they everyone will read from the
script. *



*CALLBACKS will be held on Wednesday, October 25 between 7:15 and 9:00pm.*



*ALL ROLES ARE COMPENSATED.  Sorry, no EQUITY contracts for this show.  *



*The Roles:*

*Ranges are approximate*

*Frank:* *Mid to late 30’s. Male. Piano playing experience is a bonus**.
Range: A2 –Bb4.*

*Charlie: **Mid to late 30’s. Male. ** Range: A#2- G#4.*

*Mary:* *Mid to late 30’s. Female. ** Range: G3-Gb5.*

*Beth: **Mid to late 30’s. Female. ** Range: A3-G5.*

*Joe:* *Mid to late 40’s. Male. **Range: A2-F#4.*

*Gussie: **Early 30’s. Female. ** Range: G3-C5.*

*Frank Jr:* *11-13 years. Male. *



*The ENSEMBLE**: 6-8 individuals (male and female evenly divided) that will
play a multitude of characters and will have much to sing. Each ensemble
member needs the vocal stamina and acting strength of the lead roles. Every
ensemble member has multiple featured moments. Mid 20’s to mid-40’s. This
is not a chopped liver ensemble.*



*Production and Rehearsal Dates and Additional Information:*

*Merrily We Roll Along **will open on Friday, February 2, 2018 and run
through February 18, 2018. There will be nine (9) shows; that is three (3)
weeks of performances. *

 *There will also be two presentations at NIGHTTOWN (in Cleveland Heights)
on Monday, January 8 and Monday, January 23.** DECONSTRUCTING MERRILY is
and evening of discussion and song centered around the triumphs and the
failures of this unique Sondheim piece. **The roles of Frank, Mary, Charlie
and Beth will be required to attend, but others may be asked to
participate. You will be compensated for this work.*

*REHEARSALS WILL BEGIN IN EARLY NOVEMBER.*

*REHEARSALS WILL BEGIN IN EARLY NOVEMBER. Due to the musical demands of
this piece, early rehearsals are imperative. A detailed schedule for calls
will be assigned according to availability. This music rehearsal time will
address company moments but will mainly focus on detailed featured moments.
These rehearsals may take place at a more central location with details to
follow. *

*November 3: 7-10:30pm*

*November 4: 12noon- 4pm*

*November 13: 7-10:30pm*

*November 20: 7-10:30pm*

*December 4:  7-10:30pm*

*December 11: 7-10:30pm*

*December 18: 7-10:30pm*

*OUR NIGHTLY REHEARSAL SCHEDULE WILL BEGIN ON JANUARY 2nd @ LAKELAND
COMMUNITY COLLEGE. **Rehearsals will run nightly. YOU WILL ONLY BE CALLED
WHEN YOU ARE NEEDED. A detailed rehearsal schedule will be available. Week
nights, 7-10:30p, Saturdays **11am-4pm and Sundays 1-7pm.*

*PARKING FOR AUDITIONS: For primary auditions you may park in the
Faculty/Staff parking lot after 7pm, when the gate is open to the public.
If you want to come earlier, or if you are bringing a young man for
auditions, you can park in the student parking which is free. Auditions are
being held in Building D which is the PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (PAC).  *



 For more information please feel free to contact me, Martin Friedman at
martinfriedman98 at gmail.com or at 216/233-5441. Please also feel free to
contact Jordan Cooper at jcooper27 at me.com.
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