Open auditions for The Marvelous Wonderettes, written & created by Roger Bean, directed by Foster Evans Reese, will be held Sunday, September 29th at 7 PM and Monday, September 30th at 7 PM at The Ridgefield Theater Barn, 37 Halpin Lane, Ridgefield, CT 06877.
The play takes you to the 1958 Springfield High School prom where we meet Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy, four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts! As we learn about their lives and loves, the girls serenade us with classic ‘50s hits including “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “Stupid Cupid,” and “Lipstick on Your Collar.” In act two, the Wonderettes reunite to take the stage and perform at their ten-year reunion. We learn about the highs and lows the girls have experienced in the past decade and are charmed to find that no matter what life throws their way, they will conquer it together. The play features over 30 classic ’50s and ’60s hits.
Audition Requirements:
Please prepare 1 minute of an appropriate musical theatre song — or a pop song from the 1950s or ’60s — that best showcases you, as well as the character’s personality; bring a second selection as a backup. You may sing a song from the show; however, you are encouraged to familiarize yourself with the show’s approach. Bring sheet music in your key; an accompanist will be provided. No a cappella auditions. You may be required to learn a short dance/movement combination, so please come prepared to move; there may also be cold reading from the script. Bring a résumé of onstage experience, as well as a list of all potential conflicts including travel, etc.
Character Breakdown:
BETTY JEAN (Female, Adult [to play 18 and 28]): Betty Jean is the self-anointed clown of the group, always vying for attention from her best friend Cindy Lou. Cindy Lou steals Betty Jean’s boyfriend away, causing a lot of the friction at the prom; she holds this grudge against Cindy Lou until they make up at the 10-year reunion. (Alto with strong low range)
CINDY LOU (Female, Adult [to play 18 and 28]): Cindy Lou is the “bad girl” of the group. It seems that things always go her way, making Betty Jean crazy. She makes the biggest change between Acts I and II, having learned the lessons of true love and loss. (Mezzo-Soprano with belt; sings melody line on most songs)
MISSY (Female, Adult [to play 18 and 28]): Always the over-achiever of the group, Missy is the one to cover for mistakes and is always ready to jump in and save the day. Head of the prom decorations committee, and absolutely smitten with her music teacher. She has been best friends with Suzy since elementary school. (Soprano with a wide range and very high vocals; also needs the ability to belt/mix)
SUZY (Female, Adult [to play 18 and 28]): Gum-chewing Suzy is happy-go-lucky, a little giddy, and a little silly. She finds great pleasure in everything she does; the sillier it is, the more fun she finds it. Her best friend is Missy. (Please note: We are not looking for a stereotypical “ditzy blonde.”) (Mezzo Alto with a sweet, soulful sound, and big belts)
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