THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS
AUDITION NOTICE
Book by: Julian Fellowes
Music by: George Stiles
Lyrics by: Anthony Drewe
Show Dates: November 15-17 and 21-24
Please note that the November 21 show will be during the day for students at local schools.
Audition Date: Saturday, August 3 at 2pm
Please arrive by 1:45 pm to fill out the necessary forms.
Please prepare a 1 minute cut of a song. Please bring your cued up music on a CD or mp3. There will not be an accompanist.
There will be cold readings after the music portion of the audition.
Everyone will learn a dance combination. Please wear something you can move well in.
If you have any questions about the show, auditions, or are unable to attend on the scheduled date, please contact the director, Anne Fitzgerald at 540-255-5398 or
annetaetzsch@gmail.com
Location:
ShenanArts
300 Churchville Ave, Staunton, VA 24401
Email:
theatre@shenanarts.org
www.shenanarts.org
540.712.0001
SYNOPSIS
Stunningly brought to life in a spectacular new musical by Oscar-winning screenwriter and creator of Downton Abbey Julian Fellowes and Olivier-award winning composer and lyricist George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS will delight audiences of all ages!
This riotous comedy follows Mole, Rat, Badger, and the impulsive Mr. Toad, whose insatiable need for speed lands him in serious trouble. With his beloved home under threat from the notorious Chief Weasel and his gang of sinister Wild Wooders, Toad must attempt a daring escape leading to a series of misadventures and a heroic battle to recapture Toad Hall. Full of humor, wit, a gorgeous, soaring score, and heartwarming lessons of friendship, THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS is the perfect fit for family audiences everywhere.
This is intended to be a family production. We want moms, dads, grandparents, and children to have the opportunity to be in a show together (onstage and backstage). We will be casting adults in the principal roles, and children in the ensemble. The age range is 6 to 76 (ish). We are looking for a mixture of talent—both vocal and dance. You don’t have to be a triple threat to be in this production.
Director: Anne Taetzsch Fitzgerald
Music Director: Don Roe
Choreographer: Mandy Ruckman
Casting Information for principals:
Mole20’s-30’s, Tenor
Mole is a sensible animal, yet generous and extremely loyal to his friends. He is closest of all to Rat, the animal who teaches him the value of exploration after he leaves his home. Since Mole is an underground animal by nature, his journey into the upper world near the river poses the first main conflict. A 'younger' character than Rat or Badger, Mole serves as our first lens into the story, as he slowly matures from a frightened animal into a self-reliant, brave and clever companion.
Rat 30’s-40’s Baritone
The river animal Rat is kind, sociable, and accommodating. He has a strong sense of manners and responsibility, so he wants to make sure everyone around him feels comfortable and included. Rat prefers to stay near the water because it is his home, but he also enjoys traveling with his friends. Though loyal to all his friends, Rat cares most for Mole, whom he invites to live with him and to whom he acts as mentor. In this way, he is an 'older' animal than Mole is.
Toad 40’s-60’s Tenor
Toad is the flightiest and pettiest character in The Wind in the Willows, due to a combination of immaturity and unrestrained wealth. He represents the British upper class, as he is an aristocrat living in his large inherited estate, Toad Hall, and has a snooty attitude towards those of lower class. He is quick to pick up and then dismiss expensive hobbies, most notably with motorcars. And yet he also cares deeply for his friends. They in turn worry about his habits, and eventually help him embody a more mature and grounded attitude towards life.
Chief Weasel 30’s-50’s Tenor
Chief Weasel in the head antagonist. HE leads the Weasels, Stoats, and Foxes in taking over Toad Hall.
Portia late teens, early 20’s. Soprano 1
Portia is Mrs. Otter's daughter who goes missing. She is young, carefree, and naïve.
Mrs. Otter 40’s-60’s, Soprano 2
Mrs. Otter is a part of the central friends group. SHe is quick and bright, and gains the respect of other animals by always being on hand to help when needed.
Badger50’s-80’s, Bariotne/Bass
The 'oldest' of the animals, Badger is a stoic and solitary character who lives in the Wild Wood. While he is friendly and hospitable, caring deeply for his friends, he also eschews proper etiquette as a result of his removed, underground life. Because of both his seriousness and his gruffness, he is the one who works hardest to reform Toad's habits.
Mrs. Hedgehog/Gaolers Daughter 20’s-50’s, Alto
Mrs. Hedgehog is a sensible woman who looks after her 2 small children.
The Gaoler's Daughter feels an affection for Toad when he is imprisoned, and hence helps him devise an escape plan involving her aunt the washerwoman.
Cheryl Stoat 20’s-40’s, Soprano
She is the side-kick to Chief Weasel. Needs to be a strong dancer.
Lesser Weasel 20’s-40’s
He is the second in command to Chief Weasel. Needs to be a strong dancer.
Please note we will be casting a number of roles including Car Driver, Mr. Hedgehog, Barge Woman, police officers, rabbit footmen, and The Wild Wooders. We are looking for dancers to be fill the roles of The Wild Wooders (weasels, stoats, and foxes).
Videos
