Wheaton Drama

Auditions for the Musical Mystery, The Mystery of Edwin Drood are being held Saturday, March 5^th at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, March 6^th at 6:00 p.m. with callbacks, if necessary, set for March 7^th, at 7:00 p.m.  Auditions are by appointment.  Audition slots will run every hour on the hour. Auditions will take place at Wheaton Drama’s Playhouse 111 located at 111 N. Hale Street, Wheaton, IL 60187.

Please email WDIDrood@gmail.com  with your preferred appointment times, i.e., 6:00 p.m or 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 6^th.   We will respond to your request with an email containing an audition form as well as your scheduled appointment time.  We will do our best to honor your choice.  However, we reserve the right to issue a different appointment time if the one you choose is already full.  Appointments will be given on a first come, first serve basis.  If there are walk-ins, they will be seen as time allows.

What to expect at auditions:

1. Cold readings from the script.  Be prepared to read with a British accent.  Most characters will require a standard British accent (Received Pronuciation).  Variations would be acceptable, such as Cockney for Durdles, Deputy and Puffer.  See special note about Helena and Neville in character descriptions.
2. Come prepared to move as there will be a dance audition. The dance will be taught at auditions.  Wear clothes and shoes you can dance in.
3. Come prepared to sing up to 36 bars of music…no more… an accompanist will be provided. Sing any song from a musical that demonstrates your vocal abilities.  You may sing something from the show but it is not requirement.  You must provide your own sheet music.

Show description:

This is a musical version of the last book written by Charles Dickens, The Mystery of Edwin Drood. It is acted out by the Music Hall Royale theatre troupe.  It is a play within a play and every night the ending is decided by audience vote.  Needless to say, the ensemble interacts heavily with the audience throughout the course of the show.

This unique way of telling this tale was conceived and written by Rupert Holmes.  The Mystery of Edwin Drood won several awards including five Tony Awards for musical, book, score, director and actor.

The characters:

Mr. William Cartwright — Chairman of the Music Hall Royale; doubles as Mayor Thomas Sapsea – Male, Age 40 and up, Baritone, (D#3-F#4) – Our host for the evening. He has a quick wit and his dialogue keeps the show moving.  His accent must clear and crisp as he spends much of his time narrating the story for the audience.

John Jasper — doubles as Mr. Clive Paget – Male, Age 35 to 50, Bari-tenor, (A2-A4) Wrongly accused.  He is Rosa Bud’s vocal teacher.  His calm cool exterior hides the fact that he is mad with love for Rosa Bud, despite the fact that she is promised to his nephew, Edwin Drood.

Neville Landless — doubles as Mr. Victor Grinstead – Male, Age 20 to 40, Bari-tenor, (C3-G4) – A suspect.  A stranger from Ceylon, (an Island south of India, now known as Sri Lanka). He is new to Cloisterham and he is taken with Rosa Bud.  He has a questionable past.  Neville must be able to switch from his English accent when he is Victor to his somewhat ignorant interpretation of an East Asian accent when he is playing Neville.  As described in the script, the both Neville and Helena should have an accent with an Eastern feel comprised of Oriental clichés and is “somewhat geographically untraceable.”

Reverend Chrisparkle — doubles as Mr. Cedric Moncrieffe – Male, Age 40 to 60, Baritone, (C3 – G4).  A suspect.  Local clergyman who was once in love with Rosa Bud’s mother.  At first, he seems reverent and yet sometimes he borders on just a little creepy.

Bazzard — doubles as Mr. Phillip Bax and as Waiter – Male, Age 30 to 50, Bari-tenor, (A2 – Eb4, option G4 or Bb4) – A suspect.  Music Hall Royale’s lovable understudy.  Always a bridesmaid, never a bride.

Durdles — doubles as Mr.Nick Cricker – Male, Age 30 to 50, Tenor, (B2 – F4).  He is the local drunk and cemetery caretaker.

Deputy — doubles as Master Nick Cricker  – Male, Age 9 to 13. Durdle’s sidekick a street-wise boy learning about life through Durdles’ eyes.

Rosa Bud — doubles as Miss Deirdre Peregrine – Female, Age 18 to 30, High Soprano, (A3-B5) – A suspect.  Our heroine….a sweet flower….light and airy…or is she?

Edwin Drood — doubles as Miss Alice Nutting – Female, Age 20 to 40, Mezzo (B3-E5) – The victim.  Edwin is played by Ms. Alice Nutting, London’s leading male impersonator.  Drood is Jasper’s nephew.  He is also Rosa Bud’s intended.  Drood must command the stage with equal parts of youthful exuberance, ego and charm.

Helena Landless — doubles as Miss Janet Conover  – Female, Age 20 to 35, Mezzo, (G3 – D5/E5) A suspect.  Neville’s sister, also from Ceylon, a newcomer with a mysterious past.  She becomes good friends with Rosa Bud.  Like Neville, Helena must be able to switch from her English accent of Janet Conover to her “somewhat geographically untraceable” interpretation of what Helena’s accent.  In other words, it is the Music Hall Royale’s interpretation of what the accent should be based on their limited knowledge.

Princess Puffer — doubles as Miss Angela Prysock – Female, Age 40 to 55, Low Alto, (F3-D5).  A suspect.  Puffer is owner of the local opium den.  She is rough around the edges in all her glory.  She also has a previous history with Rosa Bud as her nanny.

Throttle – (Male or Female, Age 25 to 45) Music Hall Royale’s stage manager. A reliable sort, (s)he’s always at the ready to keep the show running smoothly.

Wendy — Female, any age (C4 – D5) Opium den dancer and citizen of Cloisterham; Sings Moonfall quartet with Rosa and Helena.

Beatrice — Female, any age (C4 – D5) Opium den dancer and citizen of Cloisterham; Sings Moonfall quartet with Rosa and Helena.

Flo – Female, any age, Opium den dancer and citizen of Cloisterham

Horace — (Male, any age) Opium den dancer and citizen of Cloisterham

Please note, this is an ensemble cast.  Ages listed above are approximations.  Ages could be skewed depending on those auditioning.

Any questions, please contact the director, Susan Able Barry, at WDIDrood@gmail.com.

Director Chuck Bergland will hold auditions for Rabbit Hole on Nov. 22 & 23 at 7 PM at Wheaton Drama’s Playhouse 111, 111 North Hale Street in Wheaton.
Callbacks (if needed) will be held November 24.

All the characters in the play are dealing with the accidental death of Becca and Howie’s 4 year son, Danny. They all use coping devices to manage their grief. It may sound heavy and it is at times but humor is used frequently as a powerful coping device.

BECCA – The Wife -late thirties/early forties ( trying to move on after the accidental death of her 4 year old son but too many reminders shatter what fragile self-control she has left.)
IZZY – Her Sister – early thirties (wild with men and partying in her youth and twenties but finally trying to settle down and take a more mature and responsible approach to life now that she’s 30.)
HOWIE – Her Husband – late thirties/early forties (dealing better with the loss of his son than his wife but getting back to a routine and supporting his wife may be rushed while he grieves in private.)
NAT – Her and Izzy’s Mother – mid-sixties (grandmother who is attempting to find a rational, logical and comforting answer for herself and daughter to the tragedy but many of her good intentions backfire.)

JASON – The Boy – seventeen years old (bright, sensitive high school student who writes science fiction good enough to be published in the school lit magazine while trying to manage his sense of guilt.)

Saturday, November 7 from 2-5 at WDI

Sunday, November 8 from 7 to 10

Wheaton Drama, Inc.

Playhouse 111

111 N. Hale Street, Wheaton

Show dates:  December 17, 18, 19, 20

Ben Dooley announces auditions for the radio version of Miracle on 34th Street. 

Groups will be taken every 20 minutes.  First come, first serve.

There will be no callbacks, so bring your best to the audition.

You MUST be available for all rehearsals and shows.

Ben has directed and produced over 100 recreations of old time radio programs and is looking for the following actors:  

MEN: 10-14

Host: 30 – 40s – Charming.  Engaging.  A straight man with personality.  He kicks everything off and keeps the energy of the show running.  Must be likable, energetic, with a touch of authority.  Think perhaps a late night host.

Announcer: 30s – 50s – Keeps the show flowing.  Can make anything sound interesting and inviting and delivers important information without it sounding boring and reading off a list.  Reads with an authoritative smile.

Dr.  Pierce: 40s  – 50s – He cares about Kris.  He’s a good man.  A respected doctor who believes that Kris believe who he says he is, and just may be open to the fact himself.  In any event, he sees Kris as sweet and endearing and posing no threat.  He wants to help Kris however he can.

Kris Kringle: 50s – 60s – Must sound sweet and caring, with perhaps a slight British lilt.  There is a childlike wonder and magic in his voice, but he doesn’t talk down to children.  We have to believe that he just might be Santa.   (When in doubt, watch the movie.  Other roles can be flexible and up to interpretation, but this one needs to deliver pretty much what Edmund Gwenn brought to the screen.  That’s what the audience is going to expect and want.  Not necessarily an imitation, but to capture the character.)

Mr. Shellhammer: 40s – 50s – Nervous.  Always on edge that he’s going to lose his job.  Not a bad man, but cautious and conservative.

Fred Gailey: 30s – 40s – Ever the optimist.  He’s the one man who believes in Kris.  He is open to possibility, rather than probability.  He’s a dreamer who hasn’t lost his childhood faith.

Janitor: 15-18 – A teen boy who still enjoys the magic of Christmas.  He may not believe in Santa Claus, but he believes in the power and joy that Santa brings.  He loves to dress up and play Santa for the kids, so he, too, must be sweet and engaging, but also, perhaps a little shy and uncertain.

Mr. Macy: 50s to 60s – Gruff, but lovable.  He’s the CEO of the company.  At first he’s all about business and the bottom line.  Even when they create the campaign about love and helping others and being “the Friendly Store” it’s about how Macy’s will make money. 

Mr. Sawyer: 40s – 50s – Suspicious.  Nervous.  Shifty.  Doesn’t trust anyone and certainly doesn’t buy into this Santa Claus business.  Is only looking out for his own interests.  If anyone, he is the antagonist of the story who creates problems for our heroes.

Judge Henry X. Harper: 50s – 60s – A good man caught up in a mess.  He’s trying to do the right thing, but is also afraid to make a wrong political move.

Assistant District Attorney Thomas Mara 30s – 50s – Also a good man, just trying to do his job.

Charles Halloran: 40s – 50s – Politically savvy.  He’s Judge Harper’s advisor.

Stage Manager 

Drunk Santa

Parade Announcer

Mr. Gimble 

Photographer

Postman

Louie

WOMEN: 4-6

Doris Walker: late 20s – early 40s – Practical.  Protective.  She has authority and responsibility in her job as well as at home.  She has worked hard to keep her guard up and not get hurt.

These are all open agewise-20s-50s

Mort’s Mama

Girl’s Mama 

Dutch Girl’s Mama 

Mrs. Shellhammer

Secretary Miss Pall

Nurse

CHILDREN: (Ages range from 8-12)

Susan Walker – Precocious.  Very wise and mature beyond her years.

Tommy Mara Jr. – Eager and honest.

ADDITIONAL CHILDREN:

Mortimer (Little Boy)-

Child #1

Child #2

Roller Skate Girl

Little Dutch Girl – Must be able to pronounce the Dutch script comfortably.

Additional children for parade and “letters”

  Jingle Sisters – have already been cast

OVERALL NOTES: 

Descriptions are provided  for major and other important secondary characters.  

Smaller roles will be double, and even triple, cast.

It’s important to be familiar with a 1940s style acting.  

Here is a link to the LUX Radio theater adaptation of “Miracle on 34th Street”.  

https://www.dropbox.com/s/w2s89gc89gtx1ff/Lux_47-12-22_Miracle_on_34th_Street.mp3?dl=0

Listen to the pace, the style of the read, the quality.  It’s different than how we typically act today.

Also, remember this is Radio Style, which is different from stage style.  Everything is conveyed with sound-voice, music and sound effects.  Characters are heightened and exaggerated slightly.

Therefore we are primarily casting for voice.  You don’t have to look like the character, but that will also be considered when it’s appropriate.  (i.e. we are looking for someone who can look like Santa to play Kris.  No 20-somethings need apply for that role.)  The age ranges after some of the roles suggest the age range that you need to sound and look.

This is a 1940s period piece so hair and makeup will be a factor.  You must be able to look period.  If you’re not willing to cut your hair, shave or make other adjustments to fit the period then please don’t audition.

We are also wanting to make sure everyone is consistent with the style and overall sound and read.  

Looking forward to having you attend auditions.

Director, Patrick Stinson, announces upcoming auditions for the hilarious musical Hairspray to be held at Playhouse 111, 111 N. Hale Street in Wheaton on Sunday September 20 and Monday September 21 from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm .  Call backs will be Thursday, September 24 if necessary.

Performance dates are:  November 20 – December 13 on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The show is primarily cast with teenagers of all ethnic backgrounds, ages 14-plus (or must look like a teenager). Hairspray is about breaking racial barriers.  A key factor in delivering this message is having a cast of diverse races.  ALL ETHNICITIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO AUDITION.

Auditions will be by appointment. Email hairspraywdi@gmail.com to arrange for an audition appointment.   All interested in auditioning should prepare a 16 bar snippet of a song from any show (please bring sheet music for the accompanist) and be prepared to learn a dance. 

Featured Performers: 

Tracy Turnblad ‐ A pleasantly plump teenager with a big heart who has dreams of being a dancing star … as soon as she’s out of detention for her big hair. Tracy isn’t afraid to be herself and stand up for what she believes in. She must be friendly, relentless, and goodhearted with a vibrant, lovable personality and love to sing and dance.  Tracy is on stage for much of the show so she must have stamina and talent – she performs in 10+ numbers including “Good Morning Baltimore,” “I Can Hear The Bells,” and many more!  It is truly a BIG role!   

Mezzo‐Belt  

Stage Age: 16‐19

Edna Turnblad ‐ Tracy’s kind, plus‐sized mother; runs a laundry business out of her home but hasn’t been out in a while. Played by Harvey Fierstein on Broadway, and John Travolta in the movie, this drag role requires a strong comic male performer who is ready for his inner woman to take the spotlight  Edna is not a man pretending to be a

woman, she is all woman!  Just, you know, with a distinctive voice.  Performs in 5+ numbers including “You’re Timeless To Me.”  

Tenor.  

Stage Age: 40+

Wilbur Turnblad ‐ Tracy’s goofy father, who owns the Har‐De‐Har Hut joke shop and is still madly in love with his wife, Edna. He encourages Tracy to follow her dreams.  Performs in 2+ numbers including “You’re Timeless To

Me.”  

Baritone.  

Stage Age: 40+

Corny Collins ‐ the exciting, confident dancing and singing host of his own TV dance show (think American

Bandstand at its inception). Corny is in favor of Tracy and racial integration. Performs in 4+ numbers including

“Nicest Kids In Town” and “Hairspray.”  Tenor.   Stage Age: 25+

Penny Pingleton ‐ Tracy’s slightly dorky, but lovable best friend who is often by her side (when not grounded for life by her mother, Prudy). Falls head over heels for Seaweed.  Performs in 4+ numbers including “Mama, I’m A Big Girl Now” and “Without Love.”  

Belt. 

 Stage Age: 16‐19

Amber von Tussle  ‐ bratty, selfish resident princess of The Corny Collins Show.  Her mother’s daughter through and through, she is willing to do anything to win the Miss Teenage Hairspray pageant. Council Member.  Performs in 7+ numbers including “Cooties.”  

Belt.  

Stage Age: 16‐19

Velma von Tussle – Amber’s slim and attractive but overbearing mother who pushes her daughter to seek stardom. Velma is the scheming producer of The Corny Collins Show who tries to steer it in the “white” direction.  Her sensitivities are offended at the very sight of Tracy.  A great villainess role.  Performs in 4+ numbers including

“Miss Baltimore Crabs”. 

 Belt.  

Stage Age: 40+

Link Larkin ‐ Teenage heartthrob, aspiring young Elvis, and male lead dancer on The Corny Collins Show.  Falls in love with Tracy (Amber is soooo jealous!). Council Member.  Performs in 7+ numbers including “It Takes Two.”  

Crooning Baritone.  

Stage Age: 16‐21

Seaweed J. Stubbs ‐ Motormouth Maybelle’s son and a talented dancer on The Corny Collins Show, but only allowed on “Negro Day.”  Ends up in detention with Tracy.  Falls in love with Penny.  Performs in 4+ numbers including “Run And Tell That.”  

Tenor.  

Stage Age: 16‐19

Motormouth Maybelle ‐ the sassy Corny Collins “Negro Day” DJ.  Owner of a record store and mother to Seaweed and Little Inez. Plus‐sized, she helps Edna find pride in herself.  Performs in 3+ numbers including “Big,Blonde & Beautiful” and “I Know Where I’ve Been.”  

Soulful Alto.  

Stage age 40+

Little Inez – Seaweed’s little sister and just as talented a dancer.  Tries to audition for The Corny Collins Show but is turned away by Velma because she is African American..  Performs in 3+ numbers including “Run And Tell That.” 

 Belt. 

 Stage Age: 13‐15