GROUP DANCE REHEARSAL/AUDITION
Monday, August 28, (2-3pm), on main stage Tuesday, August 29, (2-3pm), on main stage Wed, August 30, (2-3pm), on main stage Thur, August 31, (2-3pm), on main stage Fri, September 1, (2-3pm), Dance auditions on main stage |
INDIVIDUAL AUDITIONS UPSTAIRS
Monday: (2:30-4:30pm) Tuesday: (2:30-4:30pm) Wednesday: (2:30-4:30) Thursday: (2:30-4pm) |
**Please be dressed appropriately for all dance rehearsals. If you do not have the proper dance clothing, you will not be allowed to dance onstage. **Please sign up for your individual audition as soon as possible. Auditions are MANDATORY. In order to be in the show, you must audition.
Character Breakdowns
- MAN IN CHAIR: (M, 30-60) The Man In Chair narrates the show as he listens to the record on vinyl. He is essentially a neurotic shut-in but he is truly happy listening to his collection of soundtracks from classic Broadway shows. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of stage musicals and offers factoids and opinions on both his own life and the musical we're watching. He is defined by his own contradictions, ranging from soft-spoken to passionate and from turmoil to detachment. We are seeking a strong character-actor capable of understatement. This is the only principal character that is not a stock character from 1920's musicals, and his mannerisms should be funny and charming but also realistic. Vocal range: (minimal singing)
- MRS. TOTTENDALE: (F, 45-60) A wealthy widow and the elderly hostess of the wedding. She is air-headed, eccentric, oftentimes forgetful, and funny. She is absolutely charming, bubbly and oblivious to the confusion her behavior generates in other people. Character voice. Vocal range: Alto (G3-Db5)
- UNDERLING: (M, 50s-60s) Mrs. Tottendale’s unflappable butler. He is stoic, dry-humored and sarcastic with a wonderfully understated sense of humor. Vocal range: Tenor character voice (Ab2-G4)
- ROBERT MARTIN: (M, 30-40) The groom-to-be who is deeply in love with Janet. He is the token 1920s leading man – debonair, dashing, and a matinee idol. He is cheesy, cheerful, and optimistic. Must be able to roller skate. Dancing skills required. Vocal range: Tenor (C3 – Ab4)
- GEORGE: (M, 30s-40s) Robert’s anxious best man. He is loyal, sincere, and nervous. Makes looking out for Robert’s interests his top priority so that the wedding will come off without a hitch. Dancing skills required. Vocal range: Tenor (F3-Bb4)
- MR. FELDZIEG: (M, 40s-50s) Broadway producer who will do anything to stop the wedding in order to keep Janet in his show. He is nervous, sarcastic, impatient, overbearing, and insensitive. Vocal range: Baritone (Db3-Db4)
- KITTY: (F, 30s) 1920s dumb blonde who has hopes of being Mr. Feldzieg’s next star. Strong character voice. Vocal range: Soprano comedic belt (Bb3-F5)
- GANGSTERS 1 & 2: (M/F, 30s-40s)(Both males and females may audition for these roles.) Two jovial gangsters who are posing as pastry chefs. Typical 1920s Broadway gangsters full of word play and stylized movements. Good comic timing and dancing skills required. Vocal range: Tenor (Db3-Gb4)
- ADOLPHO: (M, 40s) A self proclaimed “Ladies Man,” who appears to have wandered into the wedding by accident. Adolpho is the sort of person who would invent his own theme song. He is confident, vigorous, and a buffoon. Vaudeville-style acting and fake Spanish/Italian accent required. Should have great comic timing and improvisation skills. Vocal range: Bass/Baritone + great falsetto (A#2-G4)
- JANET VAN DE GRAAFF: (F, 30s) Star of Feldzieg’s Follies who is conflicted about giving up her life on the stage to marry Robert Martin. Attractive, vivacious, outgoing personality. She loves being the center of attention and is the consummate 1920s starlet. Strong movement and special skills (acrobatics, juggling, etc.) a plus. Vocal range: Alto with big belt (G3-E5)
- THE DROWSY CHAPERONE: (F, 40s-50s) Janet’s maid of honor. The Chaperone is care-free, often because she has had too much to drink. The Chaperone can barely string together coherent advice for the bride, but manages to seduce Adolpho and win the heart of the Man in Chair with her unhelpful but rousing anthems. Eternally melodramatic, she commands the stage whether the scene was originally about her or not. Seeking a diva with a strong belt. Great comedic role! Vocal range: Alto with strong belt (F3-D5)
- TRIX THE AVIATRIX: (F, 35-50) The brave and brash female aviator. She is sassy, sleek and a take charge kind of gal. May double in the ensemble. Vocal range: Alto (Ab3-Eb5)
- FEATURED DANCERS/ENSEMBLE: (M/F, Ages 30-50's ) Mrs. Tottendale’s Staff, Mrs. Tottendale’s Guests, Reporters, Photographers, Magic Assistants, Monkey Dancers, Wedding Singers, more.
Character Audition Monologues and Audio Clips
MAN IN CHAIR: Hello. How are we today? I’m feeling a little blue myself. You know, a little anxious for no particular reason, a little sad that I should feel anxious at this age, you know, a little self conscious anxiety resulting in nonspecific sadness: a state that I call “blue”. Anyway, whenever I’m feeling this way, blue, I like to listen to my music. So, I was going through my records this morning – yes, records – and I was about to put on the soundtrack recording of Meredith Willson’s THE MUSIC MAN. I had a craving for a young Ronny Howard. But then I said “No! Let’s have a treat! Let’s disappear for a while into the decadent world of the 1920’s. When the champagne flowed while the caviar chilled and all the world was a party” -for the wealthy anyway. So, I dug about and what did I find but one of my favorite shows, Gable and Stein’s “The Drowsy Chaperone;” Remember? Music by Julie Gable, lyrics by Sidney Stein. It’s a two record set, remastered from the original recording made in 1928. It’s the full show with the original cast including Beatrice Stockwell as the Chaperone. Isn’t she elegant? And this is a full 15 years before she became Dame Beatrice Stockwell. Can you believe it? AUDITION SONG: "As We Stumble Along (Reprise)" |
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MRS. TOTTENDALE:
The Pastry Chefs have been kind enough to provide the liquor for the party, but remember Underling, we have to be discreet. It is prohibition, after all. We’ll have to use code words. For instance, if someone asks for a glass of ice-water, it means they want a glass of vodka. Have you got that? Are you sure? Maybe you should write that down. Well, that’s settled. One less thing to do. Underling, might I please have a glass of...ice-water? I found our meeting with the Pastry Chefs rather tiring and I would enjoy a glass of refreshing...ice-water. (She takes a drink of the water and immediately spits it out.) That was pure vodka, you poop! AUDITION SONG: "FANCY DRESS" |
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UNDERLING SIDE: (Mrs. Tottendale's lines will be read by one of the casting directors.)
SCENE 4: ENTRANCE HALL -- AFTERNOON (TOTTENDALE & UNDERLING Enter. Underling is carrying a tray with a single glass on it ) TOTTENDALE: Underling? UNDERLING: Yes, Madame. TOTTENDALE: The Pastry Chefs have been kind enough to provide the liquor for the party, but remember Underling, we have to be discreet. UNDERLING: Yes, Madame. TOTTENDALE: It is prohibition, after all. UNDERLING: I’m aware of that, Madame. TOTTENDALE: We’ll have to use code words. For instance, if someone asks for a glass of ice-water, it means they want a glass of vodka. Have you got that? UNDERLING: Yes, Madame. TOTTENDALE: Are you sure? Maybe you should write it down. UNDERLING: I understand Madame. A glass of ice-water is a glass of vodka. TOTTENDALE: What’s a glass of ice-water? UNDERLING: Vodka TOTTENDALE: Ice-water? UNDERLING: Vodka. TOTTENDALE: Ice– UNDERLING: Vodka. TOTTENDALE: Well, you see, that’s settled then. One less thing to do. Underling, might I please have a glass of ice-water? I found our meeting with the pastry chefs rather trying and I would enjoy a glass of refreshing ice-water. UNDERLING: Your ice-water madame. (He hands her a glass of water. She takes a sip and spits it in his face) TOTTENDALE: That was pure vodka, you poop! Well now I do need a glass of ice-water. UNDERLING: A glass of “ice-water” madame? TOTTENDALE: Yes, ice-water. Are you going deaf? UNDERLING: Would that I were. UNDERLING hands her the glass ) UNDERLING: Your “ice-water” madame. (She drinks and spits it in his face) TOTTENDALE: That was pure vodka, you poop! UNDERLING: Your “ice-water” madame. (She drinks and spits it in his face) TOTTENDALE: That was pure vodka, you poop! TOTTENDALE: (Spit) That was (Spit) That (Spit) That (3 Head takes) Poop! Where do you think you’re going? UNDERLING: To find some lime juice, madam. TOTTENDALE: Lime juice? For heaven sake why? UNDERLING: I’m going to wring out my eyebrows and make myself a gimlet. AUDITION SONG: "FANCY DRESS" |
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ROBERT MARTIN:
PART 1: Well, I just wanted to thank you all for coming. I tell you I must be some lucky fellow. Why, who would have thought that I, Robert Martin, would be marrying a glamorous showgirl, and that that glamorous showgirl would be giving up a successful career for me, Robert Martin. Gosh. Now, if it wasn’t for Prohibition, I’d say let’s raise a glass to Janet Van de Graaff—the most beautiful girl in the world. PART 2: (Robert is putting on his tux. He stares into the mirror and fumbles with his bow tie.) Hey there, handsome. Show me those pearly whites. Now don't you worry. It is perfectly normal for a groom to be nervous on his wedding day. It is? Of course. (Music begins. Goes right into audition song "Cold Feets.") AUDITION SONG: "COLD FEETS" |
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GEORGE:
Ah, Mrs. Tottendale. Now, don’t worry. I have this whole wedding planned out. The key is organization. See? (holding up his fingers, each with a string tied around it) Each string represents a task yet to be completed. Pay the musicians, yell at the florist, book the Minister. This whole wedding’s going to run like clockwork. (Phone Rings) Hello, Oh good I was just….. what! You're not coming? You don’t say? Well, why don’t you just slime back into your mud hole, you backstabbing worm! (He hangs up) Well, now I have to find another minister. Boy is this tough. You got the easy part! I’ve still got to get rice, boutonnieres, and a minister! I have the weight of the wedding on my shoulders! (Looking at Robert) What are you doing, dancing? Well stop it, you could’ve snapped an ankle. Tap dancing is too dangerous. (Beat) Why don’t you go out for a skate instead? That’s what I do when I want to blow off some steam. Wait a minute. What was I thinking? Oh, no. You’re not going out like that, my friend. You might see Janet. Here, put on this blindfold. AUDITION SONG: "COLD FEETS" |
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MR. FELDZIEG
Okay, begging and groveling didn't work. On to plan B. And for that I am going to need an accomplice. Someone gullible with loose morals I need a, what do you call 'em, a European. (Adolpho enters) Excuse me. I don't believe we've met. You are Adolpho? The Adolpho? Funny, you don't look like a scoundrel. Why just now I overheard the Groom saying that Adolpho is a scoundrel. I just heard him say that. Those very words. You must take matters into your own hands. But don't kill him. Just hurt him enough so he can't get married. But wait! You're a lover not a fighter. Well, you know what they say, the best way to get revenge on a man is through his....woman. AUDITION SONG: "TOLEDO SURPRISE" |
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KITTY:
Mr. Feldzieg just has to give me a shot at being the leading lady. I mean, he is putting gangsters in the show and not me, I don’t understand it. He said it himself —I’m useless in the chorus. I been taking lessons just to be sure; Singing. Acting. Ballet. Yeah. I’m pretty good too. Last week I auditioned for Swanee Lake. I’ve also been working on a Mind Reading act. Presenting “Kitty, the Incomprehensible.” (speaking to audience) I’ll prove it to you… Now, think of something. (closing her eyes and concentrating) Wait! I’m getting it… “pick up some milk … and a loaf of rye bread … and don’t forget to shave your legs.” (she opens her eyes with a confused look, she slaps her head) Oh… I am reading my own mind, how silly! No wonder it was so easy. AUDITION SONG: "TOLEDO SURPRISE" |
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GANGSTERS:
A petite four, Mr. Feldzieg? Perhaps a nice profiterole. Perhaps we could give you something else to chew on. Something that ain’t food. Your confusion is to be expected. Although we stand here before you in the guise of innocent pastry chefs, we are also – and primarily – employees of a certain individual. A certain individual who happens to be the largest single investor in Feldzieg’s Follies. He has sent us here – As pastry chefs – to express his concern about Ms. Van de Graaff’s impending nuptials. Specifically, that if she gets married and leaves the show, then there ain’t no show. We have your word she won’t leave, but, to go back on that word would be a recipe for disaster. Now, one cannoli hope we have made ourselves perfectly Eclair. AUDITION SONG: "TOLEDO SURPRISE" |
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ADOLPHO:
(With bad Spanish/Italian accent) I am Aldolpho. What? De groom, he insult me. He call me… Aldolpho…. A scoundrel? This is outrageous! He is saying this to peoples … to beautiful ladies, with lips for making love. Why, I must… I must… I must take-a this groom into my hands and kill him! (To himself) No… not kill him Aldolpho might get in trouble… Just hurt him, like he hurt Aldolpho. I will go to him. Wait…. What kind of man is this groom? A big man? A burly fellow? No. No. No. Aldolpho will not fight big men — small, pale, wheezy, little dwarf people that Aldolpho can (mimes swinging a golf club) punt far away. But no big men! Aldolpho is a lover of beautiful ladies. (he gets an idea) Some say I am King of Romance. I will hurt him through his woman!! Yes Aldolpho must seduce his woman! Aldolpho will make love to the bride! That will show people Aldolpho is no scoundrel! I go! I wait! What kind of woman is this bride? A big woman? A burly woman? Aldolpho bruises easily. Aldolpho likes the attractive woman, how you say. The cat in the pajamas (pronounced pa-yamas). I will go to this cat in pajamas. (he purr’s). AUDITION SONG: "I AM ADOLPHO" |
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JANET VAN DE GRAFF:
Yes. Robert and I met on the lido deck of the Ile de France. He amused me with stories of his father’s oil interests. We spooned, briefly, and then he proposed. So, I won’t be returning to the stage. Ever. In a few hours I’m going to be Mrs. Robert Martin. Oh, my head is spinning. I’m so full of apprehension, but I suppose that’s normal, considering the circumstances. Have you ever been married, Chaperone? No, don’t answer… I know it seems crazy to give up a successful career to marry a man I hardly know, but somehow, for some reason when I look into his eyes … his big, monkey eyes … ah gee … I get all woozy. And that’s love isn’t it? I suppose I’m just looking for a sympathetic ear or anything that pertains to my situation. Really, you’re not being the least bit helpful Chaperone. Couldn’t you at least allay my fears with a few choice words of inspiration? I’m so conflicted. Oh. Please. Just tell me. Is Robert the man for me? AUDITION SONG: "SHOW OFF" |
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THE DROWSY CHAPERONE:
(Being philosophical) Yes, marriage, like life, is a mad whirlwind. No I have never married, I drink for pleasure, not out of necessity. You're woozy with love? ha, Not necessarily. The wooziness could be caused by any number of things. I mean, I’m woozy right now and I’m certainly not in love. Inspiration? Really, dear, that’s not my forte. They are your feelings and something you’ll have to decide for yourself. If you are that worried why don’t you ask him? Why don’t you say, “Roger, do you love me?” Now I know you shouldn’t see the groom before the wedding and as the Chaperone that is my job and I take the responsibility very seriously. However, I’m just this moment feeling terribly, terribly drowsy. I’m afraid I have to have a lie-de-down. Now whatever you do, don’t go wandering through the garden seeking out your fiancé to ask him the question upon which your future happiness depends. (She watches her leave) Such a skinny little fool. Still, I envy her. Oh, when will love come crashing through my door? AUDITION SONG: "AS WE STUMBLE ALONG" |
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TRIX THE AVIATRIX:
Oh, it's a Powerbar. I have a bit of a blood sugar issue. I have to eat small meals all day long or I get jittery. I know it's rude, but you wouldn't like the alternative believe you me. Believe you me. I remember my wedding day. I didn't eat breakfast and the ceremony wasn't until four in the afternoon. Aaaah! I do, I do! Are you surprised that I was married? Well, there you are: you shouldn't go making assumptions about people, should you? I'm a very complicated person. I have to pee now. I'll be quick, I promise, and while I'm gone, you can listen to the beginning of Act two. AUDITION SONG: "I DO, I DO IN THE SKY" |
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FEMALE FEATURED DANCER:
Mr. Feldzieg just has to give me a shot at being the leading lady. I mean, he is putting gangsters in the show and not me, I don’t understand it. He said it himself —I’m useless in the chorus. I been taking lessons just to be sure; Singing. Acting. Ballet. Yeah. I’m pretty good too. Last week I auditioned for Swanee Lake. I’ve also been working on a Mind Reading act. Presenting “Kitty, the Incomprehensible.” (speaking to audience) I’ll prove it to you… Now, think of something. (closing her eyes and concentrating) Wait! I’m getting it… “pick up some milk … and a loaf of rye bread … and don’t forget to shave your legs.” (she opens her eyes with a confused look, she slaps her head) Oh… I am reading my own mind, how silly! No wonder it was so easy. MALE FEATURED DANCER: A petite four, Mr. Feldzeig? Perhaps a nice profiterole. Perhaps we could give you something else to chew on. Something that ain’t food. Your confusion is to be expected. Although we stand here before you in the guise of innocent pastry chefs, we are also – and primarily – employees of a certain individual. A certain individual who happens to be the largest single investor in Feldzieg’s Follies. He has sent us here – As pastry chefs – to express his concern about Ms. Van de Graaff’s impending nuptials. Specifically, that if she gets married and leaves the show, then there ain’t no show. We have your word she won’t leave, but, to go back on that word would be a recipe for disaster. Now, one cannoli hope we have made ourselves perfectly Eclair. AUDITION SONG FOR ALL FEATURED DANCERS: "I DO, I DO IN THE SKY" |
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ENSEMBLE:
Alright now, let's visualize. Imagine if you will, it's November 1928. You've just arrived at the doors of the Morosco Theatre in New York. It's very cold —remember when it used to be cold in November? Not anymore. November's the new August now. It's global warming —we're all doomed— anyway... It's very cold and a heavy gray sleet is falling from the sky but you don't care because you're going to see a Broadway show! Listen! Isn't this wonderful? It helps if you close your eyes. AUDITION SONG: "I DO, I DO IN THE SKY" |
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