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GENESIUS THEATRE – THIS 2024
PRESENTS
"Kinky Boots" | "Beautiful" | "The Spitfire Grill" | "Misery" | "Big"
AUDITIONS: January 4 6:30pm-9:30pm, January 5 6:30pm-10 pm,
January 6 10am-5 pm, January 7 11am - 5 pm
Kinky Boots - June 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29 30
Beautiful - August 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18
The Spitfire Grill - September 27, 28, 29, October 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Misery - October 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26
Big - December 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22
PLEASE READ ALL SHOW INFORMATION BEFORE YOU SIGN UP FOR AN AUDITION
KINKY BOOTS AUDITION INFORMATION
Show Dates: June 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29 30
Kinky Boots is the big-hearted musical extravaganza that won six Tonys including Best Musical, the Grammy for Best Musical Theatre album and London’s Olivier Award for Best Musical. Based on the acclaimed motion picture, Kinky Boots features a joyous, Tony-winning score by pop icon Cyndi Lauper, and a hilarious, uplifting book by four-time Tony winner, Harvey Fierstein.
Charlie Price has reluctantly inherited his father’s shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. Trying to live up to his father’s legacy and save his family business, Charlie finds inspiration in the form of Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. As they work to turn the factory around, this unlikely pair find that they have more in common than they realized… and discover that when you change your mind, you can change your whole world.
SYNOPSIS:
After trying to escape his father’s low-key, family ambitions for him, Charlie Price has suddenly inherited his father’s shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. Charlie must now face the decision of whether to pursue a new life in London with his fiancee Nicola, or return to the town in which he grew up and save his father’s dreams. Ultimately, Charlie decides to try to live up to his father’s legacy and rescue his family business, and, in doing so, he finds unlikely inspiration in the form of Lola. A fabulous drag queen in need of some sturdy stiletto boots, Lola turns out to be the one person who can help Charlie become the man he’s meant to be. As they work to turn the factory around, this unlikely pair find that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible. With the door thrown open and the world at their fingers, Charlie discovers that when you change your mind about someone, you can change your whole world.
THE CHARACTERS:
CHARLIE PRICE (Lead – Tenor) – Charlie is in his late twenties to early thirties. He is engaged to Nicola but clearly not 100% committed or sure of their relationship. He has grown up with his father running a shoe factory, but Charlie is convinced that he does not want to go into the family business. However, when his father dies, Charlie is forced to step up and run the factory. He is initially viewed as a source of amusement by many of the workers at the factory until he proves his commitment to the firm. Charlie meets Lola when he steps in to break up a fight (although completely unneeded on Lola’s part). Although the pair are initially wary of each other, they develop a deep friendship that transcends boundaries and expectations. Charlie’s decision to turn to making boots for drag queens ultimately saves the factory and the jobs of those who work there. After splitting from Nicola, Charlie finds a new love interest in Lauren, a worker at the factory. Must have a great rock belt.
The Soul of a Man (original key)
LOLA/SIMON (Lead – Tenor) – Lola is a successful drag queen who performs in a club in London. She has her own troupe of dancers–the Angels–and is a force to be reckoned with. Emotionally complex, she has the strength and training of a boxer (thanks to her father) and the spirit of a diva. Lola’s real name is Simon and, despite possible social expectations, is fiercely heterosexual. Although Lola initially views Charlie as a source of amusement, she is intrigued by his idea of producing good quality boots for drag queens. She is drawn in by the idea of adding another string to her professional bow–by becoming a designer–and the project draws Lola and Charlie closer together until a real bond of friendship develops. However, the two men still argue and annoy each other on a daily basis. Lola is glamorous, extravagant, and cares deeply about her friends. Despite Charlie’s resistance to the idea, Lola knows that she and her Angels should model the boots at the fashion show in Milan and they arrive to save Charlie and his factory. Must have star presence for this very challenging role.
Hold Me in Your Heart (lower key)
Hold Me in Your Heart (original key)
I’m Not My Father’s Son (lower key)
I’m Not My Father’s Son (original key)
LAUREN (Supporting – Mezzo Soprano/Belter) – Lauren is in her twenties and works at the Price & Son shoe factory in Northampton. She is kind and loyal and immediately develops a crush on Charlie, who takes over the factory after his father dies. However, she questions her judgment as she has a track record of choosing the wrong type of men. She is funny and smart, and has a series of good ideas about developing the new range of good quality boots for drag queens that Charlie has devised. Because of this, Charlie promotes her to manage the project. Finally, at the fashion show in Milan, Charlie and Lauren give in to their feelings for each other and get together. Must have a good pop voice with belt.
Lauren – The History of Wrong Guys
NICOLA (Supporting – Mezzo Soprano/Vocal) – Nicola is a woman who knows what she wants and she will drag those along with her. She is desperate to get out of Northampton and move to the bright lights of the capital. Along with her fiance, Charlie, she gets a job in marketing in London and they move to a small flat there. Despite being at the beginning of her career, Nicola has expensive tastes in shoes. She is the dominant partner in her relationship and she gets frustrated by Charlie’s lackluster attitude to their new London life. She does not understand why he decides to take over the shoe factory after his father’s death and the couple grow further and further apart. Eventually, Nicola ditches Charlie for a male colleague.
Nicola – The Most Beautiful Thing
HARRY (Supporting – Tenor) – Harry is self-aware and confident. He is a successful discount shoe salesman, and a successful man. A real threat to Charlie.
DON (Supporting – Baritone) – Don is a worker at the Price and Son shoe factory in Northampton. He is the ringleader of the male workers and a strong, burly character. Don takes an immediate dislike to drag queen Lola when she arrives at the factory and his hyper-masculine characteristics kick in as he pokes fun at her outfits and lifestyle. He is also not afraid to publicly mock his new boss, Charlie, when Charlie first takes over the factory after his father dies. After Lola lets Don win a boxing match that he has challenged Lola to, Don also shows a softer, kinder side. He slowly realizes that he has been judgemental and unkind. When all the workers walk out on Charlie days before the fashion show in Milan is due to take place, it is Don who persuades them to return to work. Don also puts aside all prejudices and dons a pair of drag queen boots at the fashion show!
GEORGE (Supporting) – George is the factory manager at the Price and Son shoe factory and has been there for many years. He was very loyal to Mr. Price Snr and has watched Charlie Price grow up around the factory. He, like Charlie’s father, naturally assumes that Charlie will take over the factory when Mr. Price passes away. He likes to uphold traditions and is a reserved, quiet man. It is George who reveals that Mr. Price Snr. had recently lost several contracts but was continuing to keep the factory going and pay his staff.
PAT (Supporting – Mezzo Soprano) – Pat is the office manager at the Price and Son shoe factory in Northampton. She is in her thirties and enjoys bossing others around. She is officious and brusque, especially with those she has no time for. However, Pat proves that she also has a wilder side when given the chance to let her hair down. She is attracted to Lola, a heterosexual drag queen, and allows herself to be seduced by him as Lola proves that he knows what a woman really wants.
TRISH (Supporting – Alto) – Trish has worked at the Price and Son shoe factory for a long time and is a loyal member of staff. She has a husband and a family, and she relies on her job to keep the money coming in. When Charlie tries to fire her, she becomes angry as she feels that this is a knee-jerk reaction to the company’s financial problems. Trish is deeply anxious and quite a comical worrier.
YOUNG LOLA/SIMON (Featured) is a young boy who already knows exactly what he wants. He adores shoes and is eager to try on high heels. And boy, does he work them straight away! His father deeply dislikes Young Lola’s cross-dressing tendencies but this does not put him off. Must have a belt voice and comfortable wearing high heels.
YOUNG CHARLIE (Featured) has grown up with his father running a shoe factory in Northampton. He loves his father deeply and is proud of his business acumen. However, even from a young age, Charlie knows that he does not want to take over the factory when he grows up. He gets frustrated that his father assumes that he will.
THE ANGELS (Ensemble) are six drag performers who perform with Lola at The Blue Angel Nightclub. They are glamorous, extravagant, and sublimely exciting! They all have strong pop/RnB voices and must be talented dancers. Acrobatic skills are a plus as several of them tumble and flip their way around the stage
Beautiful
BEAUTIFUL – The Carole King Musical
Directed by L J Fecho
Music Directed – Kevin Cooper
Choreographer – Jericho Joy
Stage Manager – Sara Huard
August 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, (Sunday’s at 3:00 pm all other performances at 7:30 pm)
Words and Music by – Gerry Goffin, Carole King, Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil & Book by Douglas McGrath
***IMPORTANT – This musical rehearses at the end of June, all of July, and into August. We understand that is SUMMER VACATION TIME, however if you plan to be in this production please try to plan your vacation, before or after, the rehearsal/performance period. We know that this is not ALWAYS POSSIBLE, and we can work around some conflicts, but we need you to try to be at as many rehearsals as physically possible. We require FULL CAST especially for DRESS/TECH week August 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, – Show Opening – August 9. If cast please be honest with us about your schedule. THANK YOU!
Director Comments
When BEAUTIFUL was running on Broadway, I had absolutely no interest in ever seeing this show, let alone direct it. A past Genesius President, the great Abbe Dillon, invited me to New York to hang out, and she surprised me by getting us tickets to see this show. So, I was going to this musical whether I wanted to or not. I mean… how bad could be?
WELL… I LOVED IT. It totally blew me away. What a wonderful story with awesome music! I couldn’t thank Abbe enough for making me go. This is a PERFECT show for the Genesius stage, and I know we can ROCK IT!
This musical needs AN AMAZING CAST! There are the 5 main LEAD ROLES but there are several opportunities for smaller supporting roles that get music solos and scripted lines. The ensemble must have great singing voices and some decent dance or movement abilities.
GENESIUS always wants DIVERSITY in our productions. It’s our MISSION! BEAUTIFUL REQUIRES TALENTED DIVERSITY in the cast for the various African American Boy/Girl groups of the 1960’s, and for additional supporting roles.
“We hope to see many of you come out for this super fun musical, we know it will become a very special memory for everyone involved.” – Larry Fecho – Director
The inspiring true story of Carole King’s journey from teenage songwriter to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Before she was hit-maker Carole King — she was Carole Klein, a spunky, young songwriter from Brooklyn with a unique voice. From the chart-topping hits she wrote for the biggest acts in music to her own life-changing, trailblazing success with Tapestry, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical takes you back to where it all began — and takes you on the ride of a lifetime.
Beautiful is the inspiring tale about a girl who became King with a stirring book by the late Oscar and Tony-nominated Douglas McGrath and the music and lyrics of icons Carole King, Gerry Goffin, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. Featuring such unforgettable classics as “You’ve Got a Friend,” “One Fine Day,” “So Far Away,” “Take Good Care of My Baby,” “Up on the Roof,” “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” and “Natural Woman,” this Tony® and Grammy® Award-winning musical phenomenon is filled with the songs you remember and a story you’ll never forget.
Synopsis
Act One
At Carnegie Hall in 1971, Carole sings “So Far Away”. Then we go to Brooklyn where 16-year-old Carole tells her mother, Genie, she is going into Manhattan to try and sell a song to Donnie Kirshner. In the long tradition of mothers, Genie is opposed to her daughter’s wish and in the equally long tradition of teenagers not caring about their mother’s opposition, Carole goes anyway.
At 1650 Broadway, she hears the “1650 Broadway Medley”. She then sings her new song “It Might As Well Rain Until September”. Donnie says he will take it and hopes she has others.
At Queen’s College, Carole meets a handsome young lyricist named Gerry Goffin. They agree to collaborate, musically and romantically, which in both cases turns out to be a fertile arrangement. When they go to Donnie’s to play their new song, Carole confesses to Gerry that she is pregnant. Gerry asks her to marry him. It gives her an extra depth of feeling when she sings their new song for Donnie, “Some Kind of Wonderful”, which the Drifters then record.
They get an office at 1650. While there, Carole meets a new lyricist Cynthia Weil (“Happy Days Are Here Again) who is looking for a composer to work with. Gerry and Carole sing their new song “Take Good Care of My Baby”, during which Barry Mann, the composer with the office next door, enters. Barry meets Cynthia and they decide to collaborate. As they begin to work, sparks fly.
Donnie tells them he needs a song for the Shirelles. The couples compete for the job. In Donnie’s office the next morning, Carole and Gerry present “Will You Love Me Tomorrow”. Cynthia and Barry perform “He’s Sure The Boy I Love”. Donnie picks Carole and Gerry’s song for the Shirelles and it goes to Number One.
And so, on either side of the same wall, a competition is born. The two teams turn out an amazing parade of songs: “Up On The Roof”, “On Broadway”, “The Locomotion” and “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling”.
Gerry and Carole are at the taping of a TV special where their new song “One Fine Day” is being performed by the dazzling Janelle Woods. During a break, Gerry confesses to Carole that he is restless in their marriage. He wants to sleep with Janelle, and he doesn’t want to lie about it. Carole is stunned. As the song begins again, she takes it over and sings it herself.
Act Two
Carole is in a recording studio doing a demo of “Chains”. Gerry is off with Janelle but tells her he will meet her later. Nick, a guitarist, asks Carole to come sing at the Bitter End sometime but she declines — she’s a songwriter, not a singer.
The thing with Gerry is getting her down, so she goes and talks to Cynthia, who is also having trouble with Barry — they split up. Carole decides to tell Gerry he has to end the affair with Janelle. As she leaves, Barry comes in. He and Cynthia make up and play their new song, “Walking In The Rain”.
Gerry shows up but he is not making sense. He eventually has a breakdown. At the hospital, he tells Carole he will end the affair with Janelle and that he wants to come home. She suggests they make a new start and move to the suburbs. With that, we hear “Pleasant Valley Sunday”.
Barry, Cynthia and Donnie come to see the new house. Barry plays their new song, “We Gotta Get Out of This Place”. Depressed that he and Carole can’t do that as well, Gerry leaves in a funk for the city. While he is gone, it comes out that Barry and Cynthia have seen him with another woman, a singer named Marilyn Wald. Carole goes to Marilyn’s apartment and Gerry is there. It’s the final straw. She ends their marriage.
At the Bitter End, where Barry and Cynthia hear their song “Uptown”, Carole explains she went to LA for a vacation and has started writing on her own. Nick, the guitarist from the studio who asked her to sing with his group, is playing there and urges her to sing. She sings her new song, “It’s Too Late”.
She decides to move to L.A. At 1650, she says goodbye to Donnie and Barry and Cynthia and plays them a parting present, “You’ve Got A Friend”.
In LA, she records her album, Tapestry. The session goes well until the last song, which she is afraid to sing. It’s a song she wrote with Gerry and she is afraid of the feelings it may stir up. Her producer, Lou Adler, persuades her. She sings “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”.
The album is a smash. Carole is at Carnegie Hall for a concert. Before the show starts, there is a knock at her dressing room door. It’s Gerry. He has brought her a good luck present but has something even more valuable: an apology for all the ways he hurt her. With a full heart he wishes her well.
Carole comes onto the stage of Carnegie Hall alone. She sits at the piano. Then with all the joy inside her, she sings “Beautiful”.
And that’s the end, except at the end of the curtain call, when the cast and audience sing “I Feel The Earth Move”.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
CHARACTER: Carole King
GENDER: Female
AGE RANGE: Young Adult, Adult
ROLE SIZE: Non-Dancing, Lead
VOICE: Mezzo-Soprano
HIGH/LOW NOTE: F5/F3
ANALYSIS – Carole begins the musical as an enthusiastic, young songwriter of 16 years old and ends at 29 years old. She is from New York City and lives with her Jewish mother in Brooklyn. Young Carole is an aspiring singer-songwriter, with an ambitious drive for success. She is unique, funny, and often vulnerable, although she is determined to ‘make it’ in the tough music industry. Carole is a talented pianist and prefers writing the songs to performing them. As such, she becomes shy and slightly overwhelmed singing her own music. However, she grows in confidence throughout the show and finds the courage to sing her own music live. By the early 1970s, she is a confident, powerful, and passionate performer.
Carole meets Gerry Goffin at college and the two begin to write music together, while also starting a relationship. Carole falls pregnant unexpectedly while the pair are still teenagers, but she is delighted when Gerry proposes. Carole and Gerry have a very fruitful and successful writing relationship, churning out hit after hit. They are given an office at the exclusive 1650 Broadway and work for record producer, Donnie Kirshner. The pair also become good friends with fellow songwriters, Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann. Carole is devastated when Gerry admits that he wants to have an affair with singer, Janelle Woods, but agrees to accept his infidelity in a bid to save her marriage. When Gerry has a breakdown, she is determined to help him and moves the family to the New York suburbs to get away from the craziness of the city. However, his next affair breaks her and Carole leaves her marriage and her life in New York behind to move to Los Angeles and find her own voice.
Sides
CHARACTER: Genie Klein
GENDER: Female
AGE RANGE: Mature Adult
ROLE SIZE: Non-Dancing, Supporting
VOICE: Spoken
ANALYSIS – Genie is Carole’s mother. She lives with her daughter and husband in Brooklyn, New York. Genie taught Carole to play the piano and she is proud of her daughter’s talent but also fiercely protective. She does not want Carole to go into the notoriously tough music industry, but she is powerless to stop her headstrong daughter. Genie is heartbroken by her husband’s infidelity and the uninspiring course her life has taken. She does not want Carole to repeat her own mistakes. Genie is Jewish and has raised Carole in the faith.
Sides
CHARACTER: Don Kirshner
GENDER: Male
AGE RANGE: Adult
ROLE SIZE: Non-Dancing, Supporting
VOICE: Baritone, Bass
HIGH/LOW NOTE: C4 (Middle C)/A2
ANALYSIS – Don Kirshner is a very successful record producer and music publisher who runs the studios at 1650 Broadway. He is a powerful man who has the ability to make or break a person’s career. Don knows what will work musically and what will sell, and he is always honest about his opinion. He is fast-talking and an energetic force of nature. Although he comes across as a little intimidating at first, he is passionate about the artists he signs and gives them his full support. Don recognizes Carole’s talent and agrees to take her one if she can produce more music like the first song she plays for him–”It Might As Well Rain Until September”. He becomes her friend and ally and is there to say goodbye to Carole when she moves to Los Angeles–”You’ve Got a Friend”.
Sides
CHARACTER: Gerry Goffin
GENDER: Male
AGE RANGE: Young Adult, Adult
ROLE SIZE: Dancing, Supporting
VOICE: Tenor
HIGH/LOW NOTE: G4/C3
ANALYSIS – Gerry begins the show as a late teen but must believably be in his late twenties by the end. He is Carole’s boyfriend and songwriting partner. He is a cheeky, handsome rebel, which attracts Carole. The couple meet at college and find themselves about to become parents soon after. Gerry is in love with Carole and proposes to her when she announces her pregnancy. However, Gerry struggles with settling down and soon finds himself restless in their marriage. He is honest about his wish to have an affair and proceeds with Carole’s permission. However, he is not able to shake his demons and has a breakdown soon after. When he and Carole move out to the suburbs, Gerry finds mundane, everyday life even harder and embarks on another affair, unbeknownst to Carole this time. After their divorce, Gerry recognizes his crass behavior, and apologizes to Carole for treating her so badly. While they are together, Gerry and Carole form a highly successful songwriting partnership, churning out hit after hit. However, as in his personal life, Gerry is always seeking something more.
Sides
CHARACTER: Cynthia Weil
GENDER: Female
AGE RANGE: Young Adult, Adult
ROLE SIZE: Non-Dancing, Supporting
VOICE: Mezzo-Soprano
HIGH/LOW NOTE: E5/F3
ANALYSIS – Cynthia begins the show as a late teen but must believably be in her late twenties by the end. She is a determined lyricist who shows up at the office of record producer Don Kirshner, determined to impress him (“Happy Days Are Here Again”). She is looking for a composer to collaborate with and soon join forces with Barry Mann. Although she initially resists his charms, Cynthia and Barry also become romantically involved. However, their relationship is rocky, as Cynthia is not as keen to settle down as Barry. Cynthia is competitive, and she and Barry develop a healthy competition and friendship with fellow songwriters, Carole and Gerry. Cynthia soon becomes Carole’s best friend and supports Carole through her troubled marriage to Gerry.
Sides
Cynthia He’s Sure the Boy I Love
CHARACTER: Barry Mann
GENDER: Male
AGE RANGE: Young Adult, Adult
ROLE SIZE: Dancing, Supporting
VOICE: Tenor
HIGH/LOW NOTE: A4/C3
VOCAL TECHNIQUE: Pop
ANALYSIS – Barry begins the show in his late teens and must believably be in his late twenties by the end. Barry is a songwriter who comes to work at the music studios in 1650 Broadway. He soon teams up with Cynthia Weil, a determined and ambitious lyricist. Barry falls for Cynthia and their professional relationship develops into a romantic one. However, it is not always straightforward, as Barry is keen to settle down now that he has found love, unlike Cynthia. Barry is a likable, good-natured fellow, if a little neurotic. Like Cynthia, he is ambitious and the pair develop healthy, competitive relationship with Carole King and Gerry Goffin. Barry and Cynthia support Carole when her marriage to Gerry breaks down
Sides
CHARACTER: Neil Sedaka
GENDER: Male
AGE RANGE: Young Adult
ROLE SIZE: Non-Dancing, Featured
VOICE: Tenor
HIGH/LOW NOTE: G4/G3
VOCAL TECHNIQUE: Pop
ANALYSIS – Neil Sedaka is a phenomenally successful singer-songwriter and he appears in the musical as a young man. He dated Carole King in high school and wrote a song–”Oh! Carol”–about their relationship. Like Carole, Neil was born and raised in New York City.
CHARACTER: Lucille
GENDER: Female
AGE RANGE: Young Adult, Adult
ROLE SIZE: Non-Dancing, Featured
VOICE: Spoken
ANALYSIS – Lucille is Don Kirshner’s secretary. She works in the busy music industry and is used to people trying to get an appointment to see Don at any cost. Lucille is efficient at her job and does not suffer fools gladly.
Sides
CHARACTER: Little Eva
GENDER: Female
AGE RANGE: Late Teen, Young Adult
ROLE SIZE: Dancing, Featured
VOICE: Mezzo-Soprano
HIGH/LOW NOTE: E5/B3
ANALYSIS – Little Eva is a pop singer in the 1960s. She began working as a babysitter for Carole King and Gerry Goffin but, when they realized she could sing, became a pop singer. She sings on records produced at 1650 Broadway by Don Kirshner. Carole and Gerry wrote “The Loco-motion” for her.
Sides
Little Eva Ensemble Women the Locomotion
CHARACTER: Janelle Woods
GENDER: Female
AGE RANGE: Young Adult, Adult
ROLE SIZE: Dancing, Featured
VOICE: Alto
HIGH/LOW NOTE: D5/G3
ANALYSIS – Janelle Woods is a pop singer in the 1960s. She performs “One Fine Day”, a hit single written by married songwriters, Carole King and Gerry Goffin. Janelle begins an affair with Gerry, with the begrudging consent of Carole.
Sides
CHARACTER: Nick
GENDER: Male
AGE RANGE: Adult
ROLE SIZE: Non-Dancing, Featured
VOICE: Spoken
ANALYSIS – Nick is a resident guitarist in the music studios at 1650 Broadway. He also plays live sessions at a New York club, The Bitter End. Nick realizes that Carole King is a talented singer, as well as songwriter, and he encourages her to sing live at the club. He is disappointed when she refuses, but does not give up trying. Nick is successful after Carole’s marriage breaks up and her career takes a new direction.
CHARACTER: Marilyn Wald
GENDER: Female
AGE RANGE: Young Adult, Adult
ROLE SIZE: Dancing, Featured
VOICE: Alto
HIGH/LOW NOTE: C5/G3
ANALYSIS – Marilyn is a pop singer in the 1960s. She sings on many of the tunes churned out of the music studios at 1650 Broadway. Marilyn is revealed to be having an affair with Gerry Goffin, Carole King’s husband. Carole goes to Marilyn’s apartment to confront her husband.
Sides
Marilyn Pleasant Valley Sunday
CHARACTER – Lou Adler
GENDER: Male
AGE RANGE: Adult
ROLE SIZE: Non-Dancing, Featured
VOICE: Spoken
ANALYSIS – Lou Adler is an influential record producer and businessman in Los Angeles. He becomes Carole King’s producer when she moves to California after her marriage breaks down. Lou encourages Carole to embrace her heartbreak and the emotions personal songs stir up inside of her to produce the best music.
CHARACTER: Betty
GENDER: Female
AGE RANGE: Late Teen
ROLE SIZE: Non-Dancing, Featured
VOICE: Spoken
ANALYSIS – Betty is the childhood friend of Carole King. Like Carole, she is a New Yorker and goes to school with Carole. She is supportive of her friend and excited that Carole is trying to make it in the music business.
Sides
CHARACTER: Ensemble
GENDER: Either Gender
AGE RANGE: Young Adult, Adult
DANCING
VOICE RANGES: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass
Ensemble roles include: The Drifters, The Shirelles, The Righteous Brothers, “One Fine Day” Backup Singers, “Uptown” Singer.
Sides
Ensemble Men Drifters Righteous Brothers
Little Eva Ensemble Women the Locomotion
The Spitfire Grill
Percy Talbot has just been released from a five year prison sentence for manslaughter. She is trying to find a place for a fresh start, and based on a page from an old travel book, travels to the small town of Gilead, Wisconsin. The local sheriff, Joe Sutter, who is also Percy’s parole officer, finds her a job at Hannah’s Spitfire Grill – the only eatery in this struggling town. The Spitfire Grill is for sale. But with no interested buyers, Hannah decides to raffle it off. Entry fees are one hundred dollars and the best essay on why you want the grill wins. Soon, mail is arriving by the wheelbarrow full and things are definitely getting hot at the Spitfire Grill. This musical triumph is an inspiring celebration of fresh starts and the power of what one person can do. *All characters, other than Percy, have a standard Mid-Western accent. The director would prefer Percy to have a slight Appalachian accent
Show Dates: September 27, 28, 29, October 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
PERCY TALBOTT – early to mid-20s. Strong-minded parolee determined to start over. Kind but feisty and perhaps a bit rough-edged, her past has given her wisdom and sadness beyond her years., (strong folk/country belt to ‘D’, some head voice required.)
Sides
HANNAH FERGUSON – late 50s to 70. The tough-skinned owner of the Spitfire Grill. A fiery old bird with a short, no-nonsense manner bordering on the bitter. (Mezzo/alto chest range.)
Sides
SHELBY THORPE – early to mid-30s. Caleb’s meek, but soulful, wife. She begins to show confidence under Percy’s influence. A plain, soft-faced creature with a shy, almost ethereal manner. (Shimmering folk soprano with strong high belt to ‘D’.)
Sides
EFFY KRAYNECK – 40s to 50s. Gilead’s Postmistress and resident busybody. A nosy and opinionated woman with narrow eyes and a sour tongue. (Solid singer in mezzo/alto chest range. Must be able to carry close harmony.)
Sides
CALEB THORPE – mid-30s to early 40s. Hannah’s bitter nephew, an out-of-work foreman of the stone quarry. Fiercely protective of his aunt, he is frustrated as he loses control over most aspects of his life and tends to exert control over his wife. (Solid folk/rock baritone with an edge (Top ‘G’).
Sides
JOE SUTTER – mid-20s to 30s. The local sheriff and Percy’s parole officer. A likeable sort with an appealing intensity and a restless nature, eager to leave the town of Gilead for good. (Strong folk tenor to a ‘G’ (touches an ‘A’).
Sides
THE VISITOR – mid-40 early 50’s. An important, central, nonspeaking role requiring very strong acting ability. An actor with powerful eyes and a very strong sense of his body.
Misery
Directed by Bill Eschbach
October 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, (Sunday October 20 at 3:00 pm all other performances at 7:30 pm)
A Play by William Goldman based on the novel by Stephen King
Director Comments:
We are excited to bring this play to the Genesius stage in 2024. MISERY has been adapted into a play by William Goldman, who first adapted the Steven King novel into the 1990 movie. Kathy Bates won an oscar for her portrayal of Annie Wilkes in the film. MISERY the film is generally considered to be one of the best Steven King film adaptations. Laurie Metcalf and Bruce Willis portrayed Annie and Paul in the Broadway production which opened in 2015.
MISERY the play is a 3 person cast: Annie Wilkes, Paul Sheldon, and Buster (the local Sheriff). Misery will have a tight rehearsal schedule starting in September. Due to that, rehearsals may take place in alternative venues. Small cast with fantastic acting opportunities.
Overview
Show Information
Playwright
William Goldman based on the novel by Stephen King
Category- Play
Number of Acts-1
Setting: a Cabin outside of Silver Creek, Colorado
Cast size- 3 people
Synopsis
Misery follows successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon, who is rescued from a car crash by his “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes, and wakes up captive in her secluded home. While Paul is convalescing, Annie reads his latest book and becomes enraged when she discovers the author has killed off her favorite character, Misery Chastain. Annie forces Paul to write a new Misery novel, and he quickly realizes Annie has no intention of letting him go anywhere. The irate Annie has Paul writing as if his life depends on it, and it does.
Character Breakdowns
Gender: Female
Age Range: 30’s to 50’s
Character Analysis:
King characterizes Annie Wilkes as a cunning, brutal and devious woman who hides her malice behind a cheery façade. Both the novel and the film portray her as extremely paranoid, and also suggest that she may have borderline personality disorder. In the novel, she has day-long bouts with depression, during which she is seen maiming herself; Sheldon also finds evidence that she gorges herself on vast quantities of food. She has an unhealthy obsession with romance novels, particularly Sheldon’s Misery series.
She abhors profanity, to the point that she will fly into fits of rage if it is used in front of her. She instead expresses anger with childishly strange words and phrases like “cockadoodie”, “mister man”, “dirty bird”, “dirty birdy”, “oogie”, “fiddely-foof” and “rooty-patooties”. In the novel, however, she lets more conventional profanities slip on occasion. And in both the book and the film adaptation, she curses Sheldon as a “cocksucker” while threatening to kill him during the final fight scene. She has violent tantrums over insignificant matters. For instance, when Sheldon complains that the packet of Eaton’s Corrasable Bond paper she bought for him is smudge-prone, she smashes his still-healing knee; in the book, when he mentions that her typewriter is missing a key, she cuts off his thumb.
King has noted that Wilkes “may seem psychopathic to us, but it’s important to remember that she seems perfectly sane and reasonable to herself – heroic, in fact, a beleaguered woman trying to survive in a hostile world filled with cockadoodie brats”
In a special feature on the collectors’ edition DVD, forensic psychologist Reid Meloy said that Wilkes’ personality (as portrayed by Kathy Bates) is a virtual catalog of mental illness. According to Meloy, Wilkes has bipolar disorder, where someone can have manic psychoses as well as depressions. He also believes her profile is typical of people who stalk celebrities, although she more accurately depicts borderline personality disorder, often confused for bipolar disorder.
Sides
Gender: Male
Age Range: 40’s to 50’s
Character Analysis
Paul Sheldon is an author of novels, “good ones and best-sellers.” He’s is twice divorced, and an alcoholic. Paul has a “vivid imagination,” which he’s used to write a series of best-selling romance novels centered on Misery Chastain,” darling of the dump bins and sweetheart of the supermarkets.” When the play begins, Paul has just finished writing his first non-Misery novel, which he hopes will garner him the critical praise he desires. During his time as Annie’s prisoner, Paul swings between utter terror, hopelessness, and depression and inspiration, hope, and bravery. Paul also expresses himself as a writer, giving the reader an idea of what it’s like to write under extreme duress.
Sides
Gender: Male
Age Range: 30’s to 60’s
Character Analysis
Sheriff of small town. Easy going, likable, cheerful,folksy, and never-met-a-stranger type. But do not let his laid back demeanor fool, Buster is a very competent lawman with a keen intuition.
Sides
BIG-THE MUSICAL
Directed by Bill Eschbach
Music Directed-TBA
Stage Manager-TBA
December 13,14,15,18,19,20,21,22
Book by John Weidman
Music by David Shire
Lyrics by Richard Maltby jr.
Director Notes
Based on the 1987 Movie directed by Penny Marshall and starring Tom Hanks, this is a great family friendly show that is perfect for the holiday season. Featuring a witty, moving and insightful book by John Weidman (Assassins; Pacific Overtures; Road Show) and a dazzling, energetic, heartfelt, contemporary score by David Shire and Richard Maltby, Jr. (Baby; Closer than Ever; Starting Here, Starting Now) Big is a perfect show for all ages. The show offers excellent opportunities for a cast of all ages .
Overview
Show Information
BOOK
John Weidman
MUSIC
David Shire
LYRICS
Richard Maltby, Jr.
BASED ON THE PLAY/BOOK/FILM
Big (1987 Film)
CATEGORY
Musical
NUMBER OF ACTS 2
FIRST PRODUCED
1996
GENRES
Fairy Tale/Fantasy, Comedy, Romance
SETTINGS
Multiple Settings
TIME & PLACE
New Jersey, New York City
CAST SIZE
Medium
ORCHESTRA SIZE
Medium
DANCING
Some Dance
CASTING NOTES
Mostly Male Cast
Includes Early Teen, Adult, Mature Adult, Late Teen, Young Adult Characters
SYNOPSIS: Josh Baskin is a youngster on the brink of adolescence and suffering from all the awkward teenage anxiety that comes with it. Frustrated at still being made to feel “little”, he makes a wish to a Zoltar machine at the carnival to become “big”. When Josh wakes up the next morning, he is astounded to discover that his wish has been granted–he now has the body of a 30 year old man. After an awkward beginning, Josh realizes that he is now required to do “adult” things, like getting a job and a girlfriend. He soon grows in confidence and maturity, and briefly considers not returning to his childhood body. However, he ultimately discovers that there’s much more to being an adult than he bargained for and learns that we must all grow up at our own pace, in our own time.
Character Breakdowns
CHARACTER: Josh Baskin
GENDER: Male
AGE RANGE: Adult
ROLE SIZE: Dancing, Lead
VOICE: Tenor
HIGH/LOW NOTE: B4 – A#2/Bb2
ANALYSIS: Josh is the protagonist of the show. When his wish to grow up is unexpectedly granted, Josh is stuck with the mind, spirit, and innocence of a 13 year-old trapped in the body of a 30 year-old. After an awkward beginning, Josh realizes that he must now do “grown-up” things, such as getting a job and a girlfriend. Josh is best friends with Billy and works hard to convince him that he really is Josh in an adult body. Josh initially feels alone and scared but he soon grows in confidence and maturity. Knowing what a child really wants from a toy lands him the job of the new Vice-President in charge of Product Evaluation at MacMillan Toys. He also battles with his growing feelings for his colleague, Susan, and soon begins to alienate Billy by choosing to spend more time with Susan. However, in the end, Josh realizes that being grown up isn’t all it’s cracked up to be and that everyone must grow up at their own pace and in their own time.
Sides
CHARACTER
Young Josh Baskin
GENDER: Male
AGE RANGE: Early Teen
ROLE SIZE: Dancing, Supporting
HIGH/LOW NOTE: G5 – F3
ANALYSIS: Young Josh is an insecure, hip-hop loving, seventh grade pre-teen, who is frustrated by his age. He no longer feels like a child and resents his parents for treating him like one. Josh desperately wants to grow up and explore his new adolescent interest in girls. He has a huge crush on 14 year old Cynthia Benson, but has no idea how to talk to her. Every time he tries, he freezes and becomes awkward. Josh is jealous when he sees her at the carnival with an older boy and desperately wishes that he was bigger. Young Josh appears at the beginning of act one, before his transformation, and then again at the very end of act two when he is reunited with his mom.
Sides
CHARACTER: Billy Kopecki
GENDER: Male
AGE RANGE: Early Teen
ROLE SIZE: Dancing, Supporting
HIGH/LOW NOTE: F5 – F#3/Gb3
ANALYSIS: Billy is Josh’s best friend and confidant. He and Josh are always together and have developed their own secret hip-hop routine. Billy tries to coach Josh how to speak to girls, but his efforts are unsuccessful. He is amazed when Josh transforms into an adult, but remains a supportive friend. He is forever optimistic, inventive, and encouraging. Billy reminds Josh how cool it is that he gets to experience grown-up life early and the duo have great fun binging on junk food and testing out toys as part of Josh’s new job. However, Billy feels increasingly alienated and jealous after Josh develops feelings for his colleague and spends more time with her. However, he reconciles with Josh and helps him transform back into his young body.
Sides
CHARACTER: Susan Lawrence
GENDER: Female
AGE RANGE: Adult
ROLE SIZE: Moving, Lead
VOICE: Mezzo-Soprano
HIGH/LOW NOTE: F5 – G3
ANALYSIS: Susan is the Vice President of Marketing at MacMillan Toy Company. She is a successful, business-oriented professional, who is very good at her job. She is initially in a relationship with Paul, Vice President of Product Development, but soon ends the relationship. Susan finds herself falling for Josh, the new Vice President of Product Evaluation and finds his simplicity and innocence refreshing. Their relationship reveals a secret giddy, school-girl innocence about her. Susan is unaware that he is really a 13 year old trapped in an adult body and refuses to believe him when he reveals the truth. However, she is persuaded to come and watch his transformation back into a teenager. Susan realizes that she must let Josh go, but promises never to forget him.
Sides
CHARACTER: Paul Seymour
GENDER: Male
AGE RANGE: Adult
ROLE SIZE: Moving, Supporting
VOICE: Baritone
HIGH/LOW NOTE: D#4/Eb4 – G#3/Ab3
ANALYSIS: Paul Seymour is the Vice President for Product Development at the MacMillan Toy Company. He starts the show in a relationship with Susan, the Vice-President of Marketing but is annoyed when she dumps him. Paul is handsome, aggressive, and completely self-absorbed. He takes an instant dislike to Josh, whose arrival discredits Paul’s position in the company. He tries to convince Mr. MacMillan that Josh is a fraud but is constantly undermined at every step. When Susan and Josh grow close, Paul becomes increasingly jealous and hot-tempered. His temper gets the better of him at the black-tie company party as he jumps on Josh and starts beating him up.
Sides
CHARACTER: Mrs. Baskin
GENDER: Female
AGE RANGE: Adult
ROLE SIZE: Non-Dancing, Supporting
VOICE: Alto
HIGH/LOW NOTE: F♯5/G♭5 – G3
ANALYSIS: Mrs. Baskin is Josh’s protective and loving mother. She is struggling with parenting a moody pre-teen and a young baby. Mrs. Baskin feels tired, overworked, and taken for granted by her son. However, when Josh goes missing, Mrs. Baskin is thrown into sheer panic. After bumping into a transformed, grown-up Josh trying to sneak out the house, she assumes this person to be a stranger who has kidnapped her son and calls the police. Mrs. Baskin remains frantic with worry until Josh (having now transformed back into a child) finally returns home.
Sides
CHARACTER: George MacMillan
GENDER: Male
AGE RANGE: Adult, Mature Adult
ROLE SIZE: Moving, Supporting
VOICE: Tenor
HIGH/LOW NOTE: G4 – C3
ANALYSIS: George MacMillan is the owner of the MacMillan Toy Company in Manhattan. His company is having trouble developing a new Christmas toy that will be a hit with children and he is now fighting to save the business. MacMillan bemoans that he has trouble understanding what children will find fun and he is therefore overjoyed to bump into Josh, a 30 year old man who seems to be able to get inside the mind of a child. MacMillan has no clue that Josh really is a child trapped in a man’s body and hires him on the spot. MacMillan is kind, distinguished, and delightfully playful. He and Josh dance on a giant toy floor keyboard, showing off MacMillan’s moves.
Sides
CHARACTER: Ensemble
GENDER: Either Gender
AGE RANGE: Early Teen, Late Teen, Young Adult, Adult
DANCING: Dancer
VOICE: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass, Bass-Baritone
ANALYSIS: The ensemble showcases performers of all ages. They play Josh’s school friends, sales people, junior executives at the MacMillan Toy Company, carnival revelers, and party guests.
Sides
Ensemble Welcome to MacMillan Toys
Genesius is a 501-C-3 Non-Profit organization. Genesius is handicapped accessible and there is some PARKING aside of Genesius, otherwise there is street parking!
L J Fecho
Artistic Director – Genesius Theatre
610-780-7627
LJFecho@FechoProductions.com