AUDITION DATES & TIMES:
August 5, 7, 8 at 7:00pm
Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Callbacks (by invitation only-August 9)
... AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:
Prepare 1 minute musical theatre song for the audition. DO NOT SING A SONG FROM THE SHOW. Bring sheet music in your key; an accompanist will be provided. A CD with an accompaniment-only track is also acceptable, provided it is edited and cued correctly. Please also wear or bring comfortable dance attire, as all auditioners will be required to learn a short dance / movement combination.
This is an "open call" audition. NO PAY.
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE:
Rehearse August 13 - October 11, 2012
Weekdays from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Occasional weekend dates as needed.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
Dates October 12 – November 18, 2012
Fri & Sat at 8:00 PM, Sun at 2:00 PM
Director: Erin Fagundes
Producer: Kathee Boyer & Ken Rayzor
Music Director: John Gaston & Noreen Smith
Choreographer: Miriam Durrie-Kirsch
For more information, please contact:
High Street Arts Center
805-529-8700
Email: HighStreetArtsCenter@gmail.com
PLOT SUMMARY:
The characters of Dr. Seuss, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie, and a little boy with a big imagination--Jojo. All come to life with all the colorful Seuss characters and transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos.
The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many "thinks." Horton faces a double challenge--not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left to his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping, and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family, and community are challenged and emerge triumphant.
CHARACTERS:
A number of performers play several characters (circus performers or creatures etc.) The descriptions below are based on the primary characters and do not address the multiple roles. All character ages are “stage ages”- the age the actor appears on stage. These character descriptions reflect initial thoughts and are not set in stone.
GENERAL GENGUS KHAN SCHMITZ (Baritone; 30 – 50) - The General is bursting with pride at the military academy he runs, and the boys he turns out. He is not sadistic, mean or abusive. He is proud! He is doing the right thing for his boys and making the world a better place, even if he is a bit misguided...
GERTRUDE McFUZZ (Soprano; 22 – 33) - Very self-conscious and aware that her one-feather tail isn't perfect. Gertrude changes during the show from a vain, neurotic, nervous and shy bird into one with the power to protect and care for a baby elephant bird and commit herself to Horton. In other words, she stops worrying about her looks and grows up.
HORTON THE ELEPHANT (baritone; 25 – 35) - Gentle and appealing. He is like a big-hearted blue collar guy who is steadfast and responsible and always tries to do the right thing for his friends. He is imaginative and receptive to the world around him. He is very un-self-conscious. Horton's view of the world never changes--he believes in its goodness. But by the end of the show, without even realizing it, he is ready to become a parent.
JOJO (alto; 6 – 12) - Jojo is a "Thinker"--a smart child with a wild imagination whose “thinks” often get him in trouble. He wants to be valued and loved for himself, but he lives in a society that doesn’t seem to notice or care about any of the things he holds dear to his heart. He longs for a friend with whom to share his thoughts, a soul mate who can understand his experience. JoJo stands out in a world that values conformity. When he expresses the wondrous thoughts in his head, instead of inspiring awe and emulation, he is met with disdain and disapproval.
JUNGLE CREATURES (male & female 10 – 80) - The jungle animals are “street-smart” creatures who live by the laws of the jungle. They are motivated by base survival urges and live to be a part of the herd. They follow the pack, needing to fit in, conform to group dynamics and not be ostracized. They know their place in the jungle kingdom hierarchy; they follow the powerful Kangaroo without question and do not cross the Wickershams. They are easily excited into mob frenzy and will enthusiastically join in a hunt or a Kangaroo Court.
MAYZIE LA BIRD (mezzo; 21 – 32) - Self-centered, selfish and vain, Mayzie will never admit to her own flaws. She manipulates anyone she can (especially Horton) into doing what she wants. But Mayzie isn't all bad. In giving up her egg to Horton once and for all, she has a moment of generosity--she realizes she isn't the kind of person who'd be a good parent, and she does the best thing she can do for the egg.
MR. (tenor; 32 – 45) AND MRS. (mezzo; 30 – 40) MAYOR - Parents trying hard to raise a difficult child in a difficult world. They may get aggravated with Jojo, but they love him dearly and try to do the right thing, even if it turns out to be a mistake.
SOUR KANGAROO (soprano; 23 – 35) - She isn't really sour at all. She's just got a lot of attitude. She's loud, brassy and a lot of fun.
THE BIRD GIRLS (16 – 35) - The popular girls in any school--a clique of pretty, self-centered "back up birds" who do whatever Mayzie does.
THE CAT IN THE HAT (tenor; 18 – 35, Can be male or female) - The essence of mischief, fun and imagination. The Cat stirs things up, causes trouble, but always sets things right again, helping JoJo to discover the power of his imagination as they create the story for the show together. Must be physically adept, good with physical comedy, able to play many comic cameos (Dr. Dake, helicopter reporter, TV interviewer, auctioneer, Mr. McGurkus, etc.) and comfortable improvising with an audience.
THE GRINCH (baritone/bass; 25-45)
The Grinch is a green beastie who lives in Whoville. He is a happy member of the Who community, but this wasn’t always the case. He once lived angrily apart and wished to disrupt the pleasantry of the Whos. His story and change of heart are all part of Who culture now, and happily retold every Christmas.
THE WHOS (5 – 90) - They're a lot like you and me only so small as to be invisible. They are innocent, slightly quirky people who value conformity and clean living. For the most part, they are happy, hard-working, earnest citizens who enjoy their lives and one another. They live simply from day to day and depend on those in charge to lead them. Like white, middle class Americans in the 1950s, they live in a bubble of pleasant uniformity. Their thinking is restricted to what is known and familiar to them; any deviations from the norm are viewed with confusion and suspicion.
THE WICKERSHAM BROTHERS (14 – 40) - These are not bad guys! They're simply a lot like kids who tease, play pranks and get a kick out of making mischief, although often at others' expense. They enjoy hanging around with one another, making music together on the street corner, and playing off one another.
YERTLE, THE TURTLE (baritone/bass; age 20 -40)
Yertle believes he has been endowed with some superior gifts not shared by the other animals and deserves a higher stature. He has a sense of entitlement and has a need for order. He likes to be the one who is looked to for decision-making and setting things right.
VLAD VLADIKOFF (age 19-35)
Vlad Vladikoff does the Wickershams’ dirty work. In his full glory, with his large imposing wing spread, he is scary and formidable.
OTHER ROLES Cadets, Hunches, circus animals, interviewees, etc.
August 5, 7, 8 at 7:00pm
Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Callbacks (by invitation only-August 9)
... AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:
Prepare 1 minute musical theatre song for the audition. DO NOT SING A SONG FROM THE SHOW. Bring sheet music in your key; an accompanist will be provided. A CD with an accompaniment-only track is also acceptable, provided it is edited and cued correctly. Please also wear or bring comfortable dance attire, as all auditioners will be required to learn a short dance / movement combination.
This is an "open call" audition. NO PAY.
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE:
Rehearse August 13 - October 11, 2012
Weekdays from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Occasional weekend dates as needed.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
Dates October 12 – November 18, 2012
Fri & Sat at 8:00 PM, Sun at 2:00 PM
Director: Erin Fagundes
Producer: Kathee Boyer & Ken Rayzor
Music Director: John Gaston & Noreen Smith
Choreographer: Miriam Durrie-Kirsch
For more information, please contact:
High Street Arts Center
805-529-8700
Email: HighStreetArtsCenter@gmail
PLOT SUMMARY:
The characters of Dr. Seuss, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie, and a little boy with a big imagination--Jojo. All come to life with all the colorful Seuss characters and transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos.
The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many "thinks." Horton faces a double challenge--not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left to his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping, and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family, and community are challenged and emerge triumphant.
CHARACTERS:
A number of performers play several characters (circus performers or creatures etc.) The descriptions below are based on the primary characters and do not address the multiple roles. All character ages are “stage ages”- the age the actor appears on stage. These character descriptions reflect initial thoughts and are not set in stone.
GENERAL GENGUS KHAN SCHMITZ (Baritone; 30 – 50) - The General is bursting with pride at the military academy he runs, and the boys he turns out. He is not sadistic, mean or abusive. He is proud! He is doing the right thing for his boys and making the world a better place, even if he is a bit misguided...
GERTRUDE McFUZZ (Soprano; 22 – 33) - Very self-conscious and aware that her one-feather tail isn't perfect. Gertrude changes during the show from a vain, neurotic, nervous and shy bird into one with the power to protect and care for a baby elephant bird and commit herself to Horton. In other words, she stops worrying about her looks and grows up.
HORTON THE ELEPHANT (baritone; 25 – 35) - Gentle and appealing. He is like a big-hearted blue collar guy who is steadfast and responsible and always tries to do the right thing for his friends. He is imaginative and receptive to the world around him. He is very un-self-conscious. Horton's view of the world never changes--he believes in its goodness. But by the end of the show, without even realizing it, he is ready to become a parent.
JOJO (alto; 6 – 12) - Jojo is a "Thinker"--a smart child with a wild imagination whose “thinks” often get him in trouble. He wants to be valued and loved for himself, but he lives in a society that doesn’t seem to notice or care about any of the things he holds dear to his heart. He longs for a friend with whom to share his thoughts, a soul mate who can understand his experience. JoJo stands out in a world that values conformity. When he expresses the wondrous thoughts in his head, instead of inspiring awe and emulation, he is met with disdain and disapproval.
JUNGLE CREATURES (male & female 10 – 80) - The jungle animals are “street-smart” creatures who live by the laws of the jungle. They are motivated by base survival urges and live to be a part of the herd. They follow the pack, needing to fit in, conform to group dynamics and not be ostracized. They know their place in the jungle kingdom hierarchy; they follow the powerful Kangaroo without question and do not cross the Wickershams. They are easily excited into mob frenzy and will enthusiastically join in a hunt or a Kangaroo Court.
MAYZIE LA BIRD (mezzo; 21 – 32) - Self-centered, selfish and vain, Mayzie will never admit to her own flaws. She manipulates anyone she can (especially Horton) into doing what she wants. But Mayzie isn't all bad. In giving up her egg to Horton once and for all, she has a moment of generosity--she realizes she isn't the kind of person who'd be a good parent, and she does the best thing she can do for the egg.
MR. (tenor; 32 – 45) AND MRS. (mezzo; 30 – 40) MAYOR - Parents trying hard to raise a difficult child in a difficult world. They may get aggravated with Jojo, but they love him dearly and try to do the right thing, even if it turns out to be a mistake.
SOUR KANGAROO (soprano; 23 – 35) - She isn't really sour at all. She's just got a lot of attitude. She's loud, brassy and a lot of fun.
THE BIRD GIRLS (16 – 35) - The popular girls in any school--a clique of pretty, self-centered "back up birds" who do whatever Mayzie does.
THE CAT IN THE HAT (tenor; 18 – 35, Can be male or female) - The essence of mischief, fun and imagination. The Cat stirs things up, causes trouble, but always sets things right again, helping JoJo to discover the power of his imagination as they create the story for the show together. Must be physically adept, good with physical comedy, able to play many comic cameos (Dr. Dake, helicopter reporter, TV interviewer, auctioneer, Mr. McGurkus, etc.) and comfortable improvising with an audience.
THE GRINCH (baritone/bass; 25-45)
The Grinch is a green beastie who lives in Whoville. He is a happy member of the Who community, but this wasn’t always the case. He once lived angrily apart and wished to disrupt the pleasantry of the Whos. His story and change of heart are all part of Who culture now, and happily retold every Christmas.
THE WHOS (5 – 90) - They're a lot like you and me only so small as to be invisible. They are innocent, slightly quirky people who value conformity and clean living. For the most part, they are happy, hard-working, earnest citizens who enjoy their lives and one another. They live simply from day to day and depend on those in charge to lead them. Like white, middle class Americans in the 1950s, they live in a bubble of pleasant uniformity. Their thinking is restricted to what is known and familiar to them; any deviations from the norm are viewed with confusion and suspicion.
THE WICKERSHAM BROTHERS (14 – 40) - These are not bad guys! They're simply a lot like kids who tease, play pranks and get a kick out of making mischief, although often at others' expense. They enjoy hanging around with one another, making music together on the street corner, and playing off one another.
YERTLE, THE TURTLE (baritone/bass; age 20 -40)
Yertle believes he has been endowed with some superior gifts not shared by the other animals and deserves a higher stature. He has a sense of entitlement and has a need for order. He likes to be the one who is looked to for decision-making and setting things right.
VLAD VLADIKOFF (age 19-35)
Vlad Vladikoff does the Wickershams’ dirty work. In his full glory, with his large imposing wing spread, he is scary and formidable.
OTHER ROLES Cadets, Hunches, circus animals, interviewees, etc.
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