City of Wayne Parks & Recreation, Stage Door & Actor's Community Theatre

Announce Open Auditions for

SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL

Book, Music & Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty Co-Conceived by Eric Idle Based on the works of Dr. Seuss

Monday, October 5, 2009 - 7:00 PM, Tuesday, October 6, 2009 - 7:00 PM
Register: 30 minutes before audition time
Call Backs, if needed: Wednesday, October 7, 2009 - 7:00 PM

State Wayne Theater
35310 W. Michigan Avenue
Wayne, MI 48184
Theatre is located on the north side of Michigan Ave. west of Wayne Road and east of I-275.

Bring: A headshot or recent photo of yourself. If you do not have a photo, one will be taken for $1.00.

Prepare:
Music: Please see Character Descriptions for audition songs.
Dance: You will be taught a short dance routine.
Readings: Cold readings will be from the script.

To request audition materials in advance please contact Colleen Meyer (cmeyer@ci.wayne.mi.us) starting September 21, 2009. Otherwise materials will be provided at auditions.

Please Come Prepared

Performance Dates:
December 4, 5*, 11, 12* - 8:00 PM
December 5, 6, 12, 13 - 2:00 PM
* = Saturday matinee as well as evening show

Rehearsal Schedule:
Please be prepared to indicate all possible conflicts on your audition form.

Production Staff:
Michael A. Gravame, Director 248-506-0885
Ken Pletzer, Music Director 734-620-0175
Colleen Meyer, Producer cmeyer@ci.wayne.mi.us
Dan Fowler, Technical Director 734-564-1503

"Seussical" is a fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza! Tony winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty ("Ragtime," "Once On This Island") have lovingly brought to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, Mayzie La Bird, and a little boy with a big imagination--Jojo. "Oh, the Thinks You Can Think" captures the show's spirit of imagination, as the colorful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the invisible world of the Whos.

The story centers around Horton the Elephant, who finds himself faced with a double challenge--not only must he protect his tiny friend Jojo (and all the invisible 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, the only one who recognizes "his kind and his powerful heart."
Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and triumphant, in a story that makes you laugh and cry.

This musical has wonderful character parts and great music to excite and delight even the Grinchiest of Grinches.

Character Breakdown

THE CAT IN THE HAT: The narrator of the show. The Cat is a true showman and is the essence of mischief, fun, and imagination. Looking for a physically adept actor who must be able to play many comic cameos, do impressions and who can improvise with the audience. Can be played by male or female. Audition Song: Oh, the Thinks You Can Think and How Lucky You Are

GERTRUDE McFUZZ: Very self-conscious and aware that her one-feather tail isn't perfect. She is awkward, clumsy, perky, cute, and a lovable nerd. She is in love with Horton. Need an actress who can sing in a character voice as well as belt. Audition Song: Notice Me Horton

HORTON THE ELEPHANT: Gentle, good natured, and appealing. Think of him as 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, receptive to the world around him, and believes in goodness. Audition Song: Alone in the Universe

JOJO: (10-12) is a "Thinker" with a wild imagination. He is a loner and simply a kid whose 'Thinks' gets him into constant trouble. He learns what it means to be a responsible member of his world, using the power of his own ’Thinks.’ Looking to cast a child actor who has strong stage presence, and can sing and move well. Audition Song: It’s Possible

MAYZIE LA BIRD: Self-centered, selfish, and vain, Mayzie will never admit to her own flaws. She manipulates anyone she can into doing what she wants. But Mayzie isn't all bad; she is fun, flirty, and sassy. A cross between Charo and Christina Aguilera. Audition Song: Amazing Mayzie

THE BIRD GIRLS: Are like the popular girls in any school--a clique of pretty, self-centered "back up birds" who do whatever Mayzie does. They are silly, sassy, and have much attitude. Must be good singers and movers and be able to hold their own in 3 part vocal trio. Vocal Range: Soprano/Mezzo/Alto Audition Song: Horton Hears A Who

GENERAL GENGUS KHAN SCHMITZ: 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 thinks he is doing the right thing for his boys and making the world a better place! This makes him a comical character, because it's clear he's so misguided. Audition Song: The Military

SOUR KANGAROO: Brash female who has an attitude; excellent singer with soulful type voice; she has a lot of attitude. She's loud and brassy and lots of fun! This role is a combination of any singing ’Diva’ we have today - Aretha Franklin, Bette Midler, Patti LaBelle, etc. Vocal Range: Mezzo with a big belt Audition Song: Biggest Blame Fool

THE WICKERSHAM BROTHERS: Mischievous monkeys who steal Horton's clover from him. They are not bad guys! They're simply a lot like kids who tease, play pranks, and get a kick out of making mischief. Must be funny and animated with good dancing and singing skills. Special skills such as tumbling or hip-hop ability a plus. Vocal Range: Tenor/Baritone/Bass Audition Song: Monkey Around

MAYOR & MRS. WHO: Are 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. Fun, quirky with hearts of gold. Audition Song: Here On Who

Ensemble: Adults: A strong acting/dancing/singing adult ensemble consisting of 4 to 8 men and 4 to 8 women. The roles of: Whos, Jungle Creatures, Vlad Vladicoff, The Grinch, Judge Yertle the Turtle will be cast from this ensemble. Acrobatics, character voices, and silliness a plus. Audition Song: Green Eggs and Ham

Children: Kids ages 8 and up needed to fill the roles of Thing One and Thing Two, members of the Whoville community and Jungle Creatures. Must be able to move well and carry a tune, enthusiasm and charismatic stage presence a plus. Audition Song: One will be taught at auditions

SEE YOU AT AUDITIONS - Have Fun and show us your best Seuss Characters!