Book and Lyrics by: Tom Eyen / Music by: Henry Krieger
PERFORMANCE DATES: September 18, - October 11, 2015
Directed by: Terrence Spivey
AUDITION DATES
Friday July 24, 2015 6:00pm - 9:00pm Actors/Singers
Saturday July 25, 2014 10:00pm -1:00pm Actors/Singers
Dance Auditions: to be announced
AUDITION PREPARATION
Karamu is seeking African American and Caucasian actors/singers. Actors/Singers must
prepare a vocal selection of 32-bars [ Choose a song that highlights your skills.] Please do
not choose a song from the show. Singers must also be prepared to sing acappella if asked.
An accompanist will be provided. All Actors/Singers will be asked to
do a cold reading from the script. No monologue is needed. Please come prepared
for light movement. Those that are auditioning for Dance must come dressed and
prepared for movement. All who are auditioning must bring a Headshot and Resume’.
LOCATION 2355 east 89th Street, Cleveland Ohio
ABOUT THE PLAY
Th is Tony Award winning musical classic and movie hit is based on the show business
aspirations and successes of acts such as The Supremes, Th e Shirelles, and James
Brown.The story follows a young female singing trio from Chicago who get their big
break at an amateur competition and begin singing backup vocals for James “Thunder”
Early. However, things begin to spin out of control when their agent, Curtis Taylor,
Jr., makes Deena and not Effie, the star of what will become known as “The Dreams."
CAST OF CHARACTERS
PRINCIPALS
EFFIE WHITE – African American woman, 20-30. Vibrant young woman who is as oversized in talent as she is
in person. Effie should be full-fi gured, and her size carries with it a true sense of sexuality. Must have a huge gospel belt
voice. Must move very well.
DEENA JONES – African American woman, 20-30. Th e young, thin, beautiful member of the dreams. Happy
singing backup to Effie until Curtis puts her in the lead and grooms her as star of the group. Mezzo, big full belt.
Must move very well.
LORRELL ROBINSON – African American woman, 20-30. Th e third member of Th e Dreams. Sexy, flirtatious
girl from the projects of Detroit who has been singing with her best friends Effie and Deena for years. Soprano, on
top of most triad harmony, big full belt. Must move very well.
CURTIS TAYLOR, JR. – African American man, 30-40. Handsome, and very sexy. Slick car salesman who
becomes the Dreams’ manager. Has a appreciation of R & B music and a sense of what it sells. Motivated by
dreams, he takes over the management of Jimmy Early’s career and also oversees the rise to stardom of Th e
Dreams. Baritone. Must move well.
JAMES “THUNDER” EARLY – African American man, 30-40. James Brown-like R & B star. Th e Dreamettes
become his backup singers. Has an aff air with Lorrell. Charismatic, sexy, high energy. Rock and R & B tenor.
Must move well.
C.C. WHITE – African American man, 20-30. Effie’s songwriter brother; writes all the dreams hit songs.
High baritone. Must move well.
MICHELE MORRIS – African American woman, 20s. Effie’s replacement in the dreams. Thin and beautiful, she
sings bottom in the harmonies. Mezzo soprano, big belt. Must move well.
MARTY – African American man, 30-45, street savvy, long-time manager who oversaw Jimmy’s career and rise
to R & B stardom. Represents an earlier age of black entertainment. Baritone. Should move.
DOUBLING ROLES
CAUCASIAN MAN AND 2 CAUCASIAN WOMEN – Strong singers who move well to play Dave and Th e
Sweethearts (Pat Boone singer and his backup girls) who sing the all American pop version of “Cadillac Car”.
Will play other ensemble roles such as reporters, press agents, etc.
CHARLENE- Backup singer for J.T. Early
JOANN- Backup singer for J.T. Early
M.C.- Master of Ceremonies, Apollo Theatre
WAYNE- Record producer, non-speaking
FRANK- Press Agent
FIVE TUXEDOS- Male quintet, non-speaking
LES STYLES- Girls backup quartet, non-speaking
EDNA BURKE- Applause meter reader, non-speaking
MR. MORGAN- Effi e’s lawyer
STAGE MANAGER- TV Studio
ENSEMBLE- Chorus Men & women, fans, reporters, stagehands, party guest, photographers, fi lm executives, deejays
REHEARSALS
Consists of a 8 week rehearsal schedule, 3-6 time per week. Th e cast will receive
a Rehearsal schedule by the fi rst cast meeting or fi rst rehearsal.
If you have any Questions feel free to contact Richard H. Morris at
216.795.7070 ext.236.