Kentwood Players will host open auditions for “Mame” with book by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Sunday, Jan. 11 from 6 to 10 p.m. Callbacks will take place on Monday, Jan. 12 from 7 to 10 p.m. First cast read through will be on Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 7 p.m.
Auditions are open and performances will take place at the Westchester Playhouse, located at 8301 Hindry Ave. in Westchester.
Performance dates are March 13-April 18, 2015 with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. There may be Thursday performances late in the run. The production will be directed by Ben Lupejkis and produced by Lori A. Marple-Pereslete by special arrangement with Tams-Witmark Music Library, Inc.
“Mame,” the 1966 multiple Tony Award winning musical, based on the biographical novel “Auntie Mame: An Irreverent Escapade” by Patrick Dennis and subsequent play and film “Auntie Mame” by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, is a wonderful, warm, and witty narrative enhanced with Jerry Herman’s evocative, lively, and sentimental music and lyrics. Bohemian Mame Dennis is a larger-than-life personality living in New York City during the Great Depression.
Mame has a collection of eccentric, wealthy society friends and her life is one endless party; that is until her young nephew Patrick “walks into her life.”
Her mad-cap, free spirited lifestyle with its focus on “today” changes while looking after her brother’s son, leading to a “new window” opening for both in this life-affirming tale seen through Patrick’s eyes.
Casting is non-union with all roles open. Those auditioning should arrive early to sign-in with no advance appointment required. Bring a current headshot, resume, and dance shoes.
All candidates please prepare 32 bars from classic Broadway musical theatre repertoire (no Weber, Rent, or rock-influenced). Accompanist will be provided; please no pre-recorded tracks. All candidates should be prepared to move.
The director requests that you be familiar with the musical and its characters. Please visit the Kentwood Players website at www.kentwoodplayers.org for more information about the auditions.
Character Breakdown is as follows:
Mame Dennis – (40 – 60, alto) – woman of the world, free-thinker, charismatic, lover of life.
Vera Charles – (40 – 60, alto) – woman of the stage, free-drinker, lover of fun and hooch, Mame’s bestie.
Agnes Gooch – (30 – 40, mezzo) – cloistered woman and nanny of Patrick; will live with a little help and Mame’s influence
Young Patrick Dennis, age 10 – (10 – 15, boy soprano) (will play Peter in Act 2) – orphaned ward of Mame. Her heartthrob, her raison d’etre. He changes her life, and she enriches his.
Patrick – (19–29, baritone) (will double in Ensemble in Act 1) – Patrick grown and changed by a conservative world.
Ito – (35 – 55, baritone) – through thick and thin, riches and rags, loyal house servant to Mame. Asian-American actor a must. No yellow-face.
Dwight Babcock – (45 – 60) (will double with Uncle Jeff) – appointed conservator of young Patrick. Tries to protect him from Mame’s influence.
M. Lindsay Woolsey – (40 – 50) – Confidante of Mame, possible romantic interest, but more a close friend.
Beauregard J.P. Burnside – (45-55, baritone) (will double with Bishop) – Handsome, hale, hearty, jovial, and life-affirming romantic alliance with Mame.
Mother Burnside – (character f to play 70, alto) – Southern mint juleps and brash.
Cousin Fan – (35-45, soprano) – Southern kin of Beau
Sally Cato – (25-40, mezzo) – Southern kin of Beau and his one time intended.
Uncle Jeff – (40-60, baritone) – Southern kin of Beau.
Junior Babcock – (19 – 21) (will be male Ensemble, double with Gregor) – older Patrick’s boarding school roommate.
Mrs. Upson – (40-50) – uptight, upstate, New Yorker. Blue blood and careful to maintain it.
Mr. Upson – (40-50) – uptight, upstate, New Yorker. Blue blood and careful to maintain it.
Gloria Upson – (20 -30) (will be female Ensemble) – daughter of ultra conservative parents, shares their views, engaged to Patrick.
Pegeen Ryan – (25-30, will be female Ensemble) – interior designer and older Patrick’s savior from a conservative life.
Singers, dancers and actors include- (Ensemble, m/f, 20-60, all vocal ranges).
Other Roles to be cast from Ensemble include.
Ralph Devine – (will double with male Ensemble).
Bishop – (will double with Beau).
Dance Teacher – (45 – 50) (will double with Madame Branislowski, others).
Madame Branislowski – (will double with Dance Teacher, other roles).
Gregor – (will double for Ensemble male, Junior Babcock)
Peter Dennis – (10-15, will double for Patrick, Act 1).
Leading Man – (male Ensemble).
Stage Manager – (male Ensemble).
Doorman – (male Ensemble)
Elevator Boy – (male Ensemble).
Messenger – (male Ensemble)
Art Model – (will double with female Ensemble).
For more information about Kentwood Players including our current production and upcoming auditions, please visit the Kentwood Players website at www.kentwoodplayers.org. You can also find Kentwood Players information on Facebook and Twitter.
To meet the “Mame” production team and learn more about Kentwood Players and what goes on at the Westchester Playhouse, the public is invited to attend our general membership meetings, which are free and held on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Westchester Playhouse, located two blocks west of the San Diego Freeway and two blocks north of Manchester at 8301 Hindry Ave. in Westchester.