Please prepare a short (1 minute) Broadway style song, you will be taught and asked to perform a short dance number, so dress appropriately or bring a change of clothes. There will be cold readings from the script.
Performances run Aug. 31-Sept. 9.
DREAMGIRLS is a show about a time in American musical history when rhythm and blues blended with other styles of popular music creating a new American sound. Act One is set in the fabulous sixties — a time when we were still screaming at Elvis and listening to the Beatles, but were dancing to the new beat of countless girl and boy groups like The Supremes, The Marvelettes, The Temptations and The Shirelles. DREAMGIRLS is not just about the singing and the dancing and the performing. The play is also about the behind-the-scenes reality of the entertainment industry — the business part of show business that made possible this cultural phenomenon. Act Two shows the creation and the arrival of disco — though the word is never used in the script. The subject matter of this play deals with a musical contribution to America of such importance that only now — decades later — are we beginning to understand.
EFFIE MELODY WHITE: Female, 20-40ish, African American – powerful belt, large and in charge, lead singer of The Dreamettes. Journeys from snappy confidence to depths of betrayal, but triumphs in the end. Seeking actor with willingness to dig deep emotionally as well as belt.
DEENA JONES: Female, 18-40ish, African American – mezzo soprano, initially modest backup singer for Dreamettes. Replaces Effie, under pressure. And falls for Curtis, knowing Effie had him. The Diana Ross-esque character, so must move from innocent to “star.”
LORRELL ROBINSON: Female, 18-30ish, African American – soprano, the youngest backup singer. Speaks her mind. Eager for success, swept off her feet by married James Thunder Early. High energy and attitude encouraged for this role, with a touch of the romantic.
MICHELLE MORRIS: Female, 18-40ish, African American – soprano, replacement backup for Effie. Wants to stay out of in-fighting. Falls in love with C.C., and helps bring brother and sister together in the end.
CURTIS TAYLOR: Male, 25-45ish, African American – tenor/high baritone, a Cadillac dealer turned Dreams’ brilliant manager, then music mogul. Charming, smooth, and funny, he’s ruthless in the pursuit of his dreams. Dumps Effie and James in pursuit of glory.
C.C. WHITE: Male, 20-30, African American – tenor, talented song writer for the Dreamettes/Dreams and is Effie’s brother. Initially enthralled by Curtis’ business smarts.
JAMES “THUNDER” EARLY: Male, 30-50, African American – tenor/strong falsetto, a James Brown-like flashy star of early R&B that Curtis steals from Marty. A trendsetter, but trends pass him by. Be ready to be a showman, and let loose.
MARTY MADISON: Male, 40’s-60’s, African American – baritone, early manager of James Early, cleans up after many of James’ messes, old-school, honest and loyal.
Male Ensemble (Chorus / Ensemble): Male, 20-50
to play various characters, all vocal types, some require African American actors, some open to other ethnicities.
Female Ensemble (Chorus / Ensemble): Female, 20-40
to play various characters, all vocal types, some require African American actors, some open to other ethnicities.
SEUSSICAL The Musical
THE ODD COUPLE
Rewatch your favorites or catch the ones you wish you’d seen with Fringe Encores! Performances are Sunday, June 10th.
July 9 & 10 at 7pm
Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 