Fort Wayne Theater Hosting Auditions For 'Chicago'
Posted
Staff Report-
FORT WAYNE – The Fort Wayne Civic Theatre has announced auditions for its production of “Chicago”. “Chicago” the musical, set during the roaring twenties and the age of prohibition, tells the story of Roxie Hart’s quest for fame and fortune through the unlikely means of adultery, murder and incarceration. As she awaits her trial, Roxie vies with another murderess, vaudeville entertainer Velma Kelly, for the spotlight and the headlines. The jazz score includes the hits “All That Jazz,” “Cell Block Tango” and “Razzle Dazzle.” Chicago was winner of six Tony Awards (1996) including Best Revival. (Content Advisory: occasional strong adult language, deals frankly with topic of sexuality and deals humorously with topic of violence) Sign up for auditions by contacting Eunice Wadewitz, music director, at 260-422-8641, Ext. 226, or ewadewitz@fwcivic.org Auditions will be at 5 p.m. Aug. 21, with call backs at 7 p.m. Aug. 22. Auditions will be held at the Arts United Center (formerly the Performing Arts Center) at 303 E. Main St., Fort Wayne. Enter from the rear of the building, using the glass doors to the Green Room. Arrive early to check in and fill out an audition form. Rehearsals will be Sept. 12 through Oct. 28, Monday through Friday, from 7 to 10 p.m. Some Sunday rehearsals, Oct. 9 and 16; 2 to 6 p.m. Performances are scheduled for Oct. 29 through Nov. 13; Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. It is very important that the theater have all conflicts at the time of the audition. The production is seeking strong dancers/singers/actors. Prepare and memorize one verse of an up-tempo song or ballad which shows off your voice, range and personality. Standard Broadway show tunes are best. Be sure to bring sheet music (not just lyrics but actual piano music) in the correct key – do not expect the pianist to transpose your music on sight. Have all cuts or repetitions clearly marked. Place your music in a binder or tape the sheets together for the benefit of the accompanist. Pianist is provided. Arrive dressed and ready to dance first, wearing clothes that shows your body type (no baggy clothes). Wear clothing you can move in for the choreography portion of the audition, which will be taught on site. Cast of nine females and nine males. The theater encourages actors of all ethnicities to audition. Anyone auditioning that is younger than 18 must have parental approval by signing the audition form at the time of auditions. The role of Velma Kelly (Alto): A vaudevillian and murderess who is on trial for killing her cheating husband and sister. She is represented by Billy Flynn and competes with Roxie Hart over him. Must be a triple threat; a strong singer/dancer/actor. Roxie Hart (Mezzo): A wannabe vaudevillian and murderess who kills her ex-boyfriend after a spat and is sent to jail. Must be a triple threat; a strong singer/dancer/actor. Billy Flynn (Baritone): Velma and Roxie’s lawyer who has a perfect track record and makes celebrities of his clients to win sympathy and sway public opinion. Must move well, non-dancer, be a strong actor with leading man qualities. Amos Hart (Baritone): Roxie’s faithful and good-natured, but simple husband to whom nobody pays attention. He spends most of the play trying to make Roxie take interest in him or even just acknowledge his existence. Must move well, non-dancer, be a strong character actor.Matron “Mama” Morton (Alto): The matron of the Cook County Jail who believes that all favors she gives should be reciprocated. Must move well, non-dancer, be a strong character actor. Mary Sunshine (Falsetto Tenor or Soprano – Operatic style): The newspaper reporter who follows the trials of both Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly. In most productions, Sunshine is revealed to be a male at the end of the show, but could be played by a female. Must be a strong singer, non-dancer, who is able to sell a song. Ensemble roles from chorus: All chorus members must dance and sing well; be willing to wear tight-fitting dance clothing apparel. Includes Fred Casely, Sergeant Fogarty, Liz, Annie, June, Hunyak (Hungarian accent), Mona, Go-To-Hell Kitty, Harry, The Doctor, Aaron, The Judge, The Bailiff, Martin Harrison, Court Clerk and The Jury. If you would like to serve on the backstage crew for this production, call Screech at 260-422-8641, Ext. 227.
