Tag Archives: Middletown Lyric Theatre

THE NANCE at Middletown Lyric Theatre Runs June 26-28

THE NANCE
Middletown Lyric Theatre
June 26-28
Sorg Opera House [Middletown]

Directed by Charley Shafor

Cast: Bill Brewer as Chauncey Miles,  Brock Bornhorst as Ned,  Steve Deckman as Efram, Charmien Byrd as Sylvie, Jocelyn Wright as Carmen,  Zella Younce as Joan &  Heather Adams as Rose

A bold, heartfelt comedy/drama set in 1930s New York, where burlesque and politics collide. At its center is Chauncey Miles, a witty performer who plays the flamboyant “Nance” caricature onstage, an outrageous stereotype of a gay man, while secretly living as one in a world that refuses to accept him. As Mayor LaGuardia cracks down on “indecency” in entertainment, Chauncey grapples with the rising tide of censorship, the costs of hiding his true self, and a surprising romance that threatens his carefully constructed facade. A sharp blend of comedy, tragedy, music and showbiz sparkle, The Nance explores identity, repression, and the fight for dignity with unflinching honesty. This play deals with mature themes, gay & political issues and suggestive humor of the era. Recommended for 16+.

  • Fri, June 26 at 8pm
  • Sat, June 27 at 2pm & 8pm
  • Sun, June 28 at 2pm

Official page | Facebook event |

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Auditions Announced for PIPPIN at Middletown Lyric Theatre

PIPPIN
Directed by Ryan Heinrich

AUDITIONS

  • Sunday, May 17, 2026 –  1pm – 4pm
  • Monday, May 18, 2026 –  6:30pm – 8:30pm
  • Tuesday, May 19, 2026 –  6:30pm – 8:30pm

First Meeting: Saturday, June 6 11am
Rehearsals will be 3-4 times a week beginning in mid June
You must be CONFLICT FREE: July 19 – August 2, 2026

All auditions are held at:
The SORG Opera House
63 South Main Street
Middletown, Ohio 45044
Enter through the front doors on South Main Street.

SYNOPSIS:
Pippin is a bold, theatrical musical that follows a young prince on his quest to find purpose and meaning in life. Guided and manipulated by a mysterious troupe of performers and their charismatic Leading Player, Pippin tries everything from war to love to revolution, searching for his “corner of the sky.” With a dazzling score by Stephen Schwartz and a story that blends spectacle, satire, and soul-searching, Pippin is a high-energy journey through fantasy and reality that dares its hero and its audience to ask what truly makes a life extraordinary. This show deals with mature themes, war, and death. Recommended for 13+

AUDITION REQUIEMENTS:

  • You must complete an audition form & sign up for an audition time slot
  • ALL auctioneers should prepare 24 – 32 measures of 2 Broadway style songs; one upbeat and one ballad.
  • Please have music prepared for the provided accompanist. Also be prepared for a movement and or dance audition.

CHARACTERS

LEADING PLAYER:
The ultimate ‘ring leader.’ Masterfully charming and manipulative, the Leading Player is a chameleon of sorts. Guides Pippin through his own story and tries to intervene at the end. excellent dancer. Obsessed with putting on a great show for the audience.
Gender: any – Vocal range top: Ab4 – bottom: Db3

PIPPIN:
Our story’s young and confused protagonist. He is longing to find his purpose in life. Naive, innocent, and discontent. Eventually finds love, and meaning in life, with Catherine and Theo. Gender: male Age: 18 to 20’s – Vocal range top: Ab4 – bottom: G2

CHARLES:
Pippin’s demanding father. As the King of the Holy Roman Empire, Charlemagne is more comfortable wielding a sword than breaking bread. He wears his years with great pride. Gender: male – Age: 50 to 60 – Vocal range top: E4 – bottom: G2

LEWIS:
Pippin’s half-brother. Athletic, a little daft and a lot vain. Gender: Male 20’s May sing in group numbers.

FASTRADA:
Pippin’s conniving stepmother. A seductress, who is no stranger to deceit and betrayal, she is both sexy and smart. Skilled at using her sexual appeal to benefit her and her son. Gender: female – Age: 40 – low 50’s – Vocal range top: F5 – bottom: A3

BERTHE:
Pippin’s saucy grandmother. A brassy broad full of wisdom, grace, and sass. She tries to help Pippin and encourages him to live his life to the fullest. Gender: female – Age: low mid 60’s and up. Vocal range top: C5 – bottom: E3

CATHERINE:
A widow and mother. She is a beautiful and a hopeless romantic, who possesses graceful elegance. Encounters Pippin at his lowest point and eventually falls in love with him. Gender: female – Age: 25 to 35 – Vocal range top: Db5 – bottom: F#3

THEO:
Catherine’s son. Gender: male Age: 6 to 10

ENSEMBLE:
Charlemagne’s Army, Monks, Nobility, Peasants, The Players

Official page |

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Cast Announced for YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN at Middletown Lyric Theatre

The cast includes:

  • Mary Grace Griffith –  Ensemble
  • Henry Hanks – Ensemble
  • Addie Imundo  – Lucy
  • Nicholas Knox – Schroeder
  • Greg Nelson – Snoopy
  • Ava Ramsey – Sally
  • Nolan Todd – Linus
  • Annie Wildermuth – Ensemble
  • Drew Williams Orozco – Charlie Brown

Directed by Charley Shafor with vocal direction by Abbie Miller, performances run May 1 to 3 at the Sorg Theatre.

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YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN Runs May 1-3

YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN
Middletown Lyric Theatre
May 1-3
Sorg Opera House [Middletown]

Directed & Musical Staging by Charley Shafor
Vocal Direction by Abbie Miller

Cast: Addie Imundo as Lucy, Nicholas Knox as Schroeder, Greg Nelson as Snoopy, Ava Ramsey as Sally, Nolan Todd as Linus & Drew Williams Orozco as Charlie Brown
Ensemble: Mary Grace Griffith, Henry Hanks & Annie Wildermuth

You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, finds the beloved Peanuts gang in this fresh, high-energy revival. With updated musical arrangements and vibrant choreography, this heartwarming musical captures the simple joys and everyday adventures of childhood. From Charlie Brown’s eternal quest for happiness to Snoopy’s soaring imagination and Lucy’s comic crush on Schroeder, each scene bursts with humor, heart, and timeless charm. Packed with catchy songs like “My New Philosophy,” “Suppertime,” and “Happiness,” this revised version delivers fun for all ages and reminds us that being a “Good Man,” is more about kindness and connection than perfection

  • Fri, May 1 at 8pm
  • Sat, May 2 at 2pm & 8pm
  • Sun, May 3 at 2pm

Official page | Facebook event |

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Auditions Announced for THE NANCE at Middletown Lyric Theatre

THE NANCE
By Douglas Carter Beane
Original Music by Glen Kelly​

Directed by Charley Shafor​

AUDITIONS

  • Sunday, March 29, 2026 – 1pm – 4pm
  • Monday, March 30, 2026 – 6:30pm – 8:30pm
  • Tuesday, March 31, 2026 – 6:30pm – 8:30pm

First Meeting: April 6, 2026
Rehearsals will be 3-4 times a week beginning in May
You must be CONFLICT FREE: June 13 – June 28, 2026

SYNOPSIS:
A bold, heartfelt comedy/drama set in 1930s New York, where burlesque and politics collide. At its center is Chauncey Miles, a witty performer who plays the flamboyant “Nance” caricature onstage, an outrageous stereotype of a gay man, while secretly living as one in a world that refuses to accept him. As Mayor LaGuardia cracks down on “indecency” in entertainment, Chauncey grapples with the rising tide of censorship, the costs of hiding his true self, and a surprising romance that threatens his carefully constructed facade. A sharp blend of comedy, tragedy, music and showbiz sparkle, The Nance explores identity, repression, and the fight for dignity with unflinching honesty. This play deals with mature themes, gay & political issues and suggestive humor of the era. Recommended for 16+​

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
You must complete an audition form & sign up for an audition time slot cold reading from the script

CHARACTERS
While this is a play with music. Musical abilities is a bonus as there is light singing and movement. The three female burlesque performers will be costumed in “burlesque style” costumes. (no nudity) They are bold, brash and unapologetic. They all have been around the block and then some. This is an historic piece and deals with burlesque style humor, there is no room for being offended by jokes and dialogue that may be considered inappropriate by today’s standards. When it comes to singing the males are baritones and there are 2 mezzo-sopranos and one alto. Do not let your fear of singing keep you from auditioning.

Chauncey Miles:
Should appear to be in his mid 40’s. He is a closeted gay comic who plays a “nance” on-stage. Witty, quick humored, sarcastic and a little bitter about life. On stage he is over-the-top. This will be a challenging but albeit rewarding role for even the most seasoned performer. The actor must be comfortable with male intimacy.

NED:
Should appear to be in his 20’s. Good-looking, fit and a little innocent. He was once married but now shares in a secret relationship with Chauncey. He later becomes a stage performer. Role will require the illusion of being nude. Must be comfortable with male intimacy.

EPHRAIM:
Should appear to be in his 50’s. Straight, homophobic, a little gruff and is the lead comedian and theatre manager.

SYLVIE:
Should appear to be in her mid 20’s to early 30’s. A burlesque dancer and member of the communist party. Not afraid to argue politics.

JOAN:
Should appear to be in her 20’s. Somewhat innocent, perky and vivacious.

CARMEN:
Should appear to be in her mid 20’s to early 30’s. On stage she specializes in playing with an exaggerated Latin-American accent.

There are two additional roles one female and one male. These are non-singing roles who may play a variety of characters both verbal and non-verbal. Both should range in age from 30’s to 50’s

Official page |

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