Current Open Auditions

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.

Audition Sides

 

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.

Step One (lower key)

Step One (original key)

The Soul of a Man (lower key)

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)

The Land of Lola

 

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

Ensemble – Raise You Up

 

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

Carole Music Sides

Carole Reading

 

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

Genie Reading

 

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

Don Reading

 

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

Gerry Reading

Gerry Music

 

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

Cynthia Reading

 

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

Barry Music Sides

Barry Reading

 

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

Lucille Reading

 

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

Janelle One Fine Day

 

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

Marilyn Reading

 

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

Betty Reading

 

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

Joe Percy Act 2 Scene

Percy Hannah Scene 2

Percy Joe Scene 1

Percy Music

Percy Scene 8

Shelby Percy Act 2 Scene 2

Shelby Percy Scene 4

 

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

Caleb Hannah Scene

Hannah Joe Scene

Hannah Effie Music

Percy Hannah Scene 2

 

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

Shelby Caleb Scene 3

Shelby Percy Act 2 Scene 2

Shelby Percy Scene 4

Shelby Music

 

 

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

Effie Joe

Hannah Effie Music

 

 

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

Caleb Hannah Scene

Caleb Hannah Scene

Caleb Music

Shelby Caleb Scene 3

 

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

Effie Joe

Hannah Joe Scene

Joe Percy Act 2 Scene

Joe Music

Percy Joe Scene 1

 

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.

 

 

 

 

Ensemble Welcome to MacMillan Toys