Open auditions for MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG at
Beavercreek Community Theatre
3868 Dayton-Xenia Rd.
Beavercreek, OH 45432
Auditions are July 13-14 at 7PM
Directed by Matthew Owens
Performance Dates: September 18-27, 2015
MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG begins in 1976 and works its way backwards to 1957. This musical follows the lives of three best friends: Frank, the composer; Charley, the playwright; and Mary, the novelist. We see how these three go from young, driven optimists who set out to change the world, to a wealthy but jaded producer, an estranged but Pulitzer-winning playwright, and a bitter, alcoholic critic.
ROLES & REQUIREMENTS:
As with all Sondheim shows, we require strong actor/singers, who have exceptional clarity (both diction and intent) and expression while singing. Your audition will require you to prepare ONE MUSICAL THEATRE SONG that showcases your voice and demonstrates your ability to interpret character. It doesn’t have to be a Sondheim piece, but something of comparable complexity would be advantageous.
Note on Ages: As the six lead roles have to decrease in age approximately 20 years over the course of the show, we aren’t looking for any specific age group. It will be a casting balancing act, but the general idea is that Frank, Mary, Charlie, and Beth should all look around the same age, while Gussie and Joe should seem slightly older.
FRANKLIN SHEPHERD: Vocal Range: Natural High Baritone to F#
Handsome, charismatic, and charming, he is one of the movers and shakers. This composer-turned-Hollywood-producer barrels forward, climbing the ladder of success – perhaps leaving a few people behind in the dust. He exudes suave confidence, but is deeply sad and flawed.
MARY FLYNN: Vocal Range: Two Octave, from F below middle C to the F two octaves higher
A successful novelist-turned-critic who is hopelessly in love with Frank. Having an excessive personality, this sardonic softie goes from a caring, optimistic friend to an embittered alcoholic. Fiercely loyal and quietly reminiscent, Mary implores the boys to forget their differences and get back to the good ol’ days. She is the support system, perhaps at the expense of her own well-being.
CHARLES KRINGAS: Vocal Range: Natural High Baritone to G
Easily-agitated and stubborn, he is passionate almost to the point of a fault. Charley is more comfortable in his own artistic bubble than in being out on the town doing the “business” of show business. This playwright is constantly fighting for things to go back to the way that they were. Rarely budging, he can be quite the hot-head.
BETH SPENCER: Vocal Range: Soprano who must have a solid chest/head mix (A3 – G5)
Once a Midwestern hopeless romantic trying to make her way in NYC, she becomes the breadwinning wife who longs to settle down and live a “normal” life. She is feminine, but strong. Naïve and tense. At the core of Beth is a set of good, moral values that she holds on to very tightly – which is reflected in her unforgiving honesty. She is Frank’s champion.
GUSSIE CARNEGIE: Vocal Range: Big Broadway belter (G3 – C5)
An unapologetically narcissistic Broadway star who absolutely thrives off of attention. This secretary-turned-star is flamboyant to the point of insensitivity, feeling empowered by her own ingenuity. She is certainly talented, but also incredibly resourceful. She never changes herself, just the people around her. Gussie is ruled by her impulsive, rarely satisfied, and often unattainable desires.
JOE JOSEPHSON: Vocal Range: Baritone(G3 – C5)
A big-talking producer whose business-smarts are unparalleled in the commercial theatre. Probably smokes a lot of cigars. His marriage to Gussie castrates him, and Gussie’s leaving him sucks him dry. He ends up poor, pathetically begging for a handout from his ex-wife.
FRANKLIN SHEPARD (8-12 yrs old)
Son of Beth and Frank. Energetic and eager to please. Innocent. Should sing well.
ENSEMBLE (10-15 M/F of varying ages)
Aside from the above listed roles we require an additional 10-15 versatile actors to play a variety of roles with solos and speaking parts and to act as the chorus who sing the Merrily transitions. They include:
- Jerome: Frank’s lawyer
- KT: Ambitious TV personality
- Meg Kincaid: Young starlet looking for success in LA.
- Ru: Aspiring screenwriter
- Scotty: Frank’s hot shot agent
- Frank’s Friends: Bunker, Dory, Terry, Tyler
- Others: Judge, Photographer, Mr. and Mrs. Spencer, Auditioner, Pianist, Roommate, Minister, TV Crew, Party-goers
Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 