SYNOPSIS:

A “musical within a comedy”, this five-time Tony Award-winner is a celebration of the American musical that manages to both satirize and pay homage to the wildest and wackiest era of Broadway: the “Golden Age” of the 1920s. The ingenious narrative framework has the audience brought into the musical through the eyes of an adoring fan as one of his favorite old records comes to life in his living room.

Click HERE to fill out the digital audition form. There will also be printed copies available on the day of auditions.

EXPECTATION AND PREPARATION:

Prepare: If auditioning for a leading or supporting role, please come prepared with at least 32 bars of a tune from either the Drowsy Chaperone (encouraged, especially if you are going out for a specific role) or another show tune with a comparable energy (this website has a good list of suggested audition songs). If you are interested in the role of Man in Chair, you may also audition with one of his monologues provided in our sides. 

Bring: Please bring sheet music if you have elected to sing a song that is not in the show, and come wearing comfortable clothing and shoes to move in. Auditions are done in a supportive group setting; we will work to complete the audition process as promptly as possible. 

Scheduling and rehearsals: Please be completely honest about your conflicts. As a community theater production working on nights and weekends, we will have less than half the rehearsal time of a professional production, spread out over more than twice as many weeks. Because we therefore rely even more heavily on the commitment and teamwork of our cast members, we ask that upon accepting the role that you make rehearsals and the show your priority – it will pay off!

Additional Notes: Cast members are required to assist with strike following the final performance on Sunday, July 6th, and may also be asked to assist with costume pieces.

QUESTIONS: 

Questions or concerns (or can’t make auditions and still want to be in the show), please email director Arla Gray at arlajeangray@gmail.com

CHARACTER BREAKDOWNS:

Ensemble: all ages ensemble needed to play news reporters, wedding guests, “monkeys”, and more. Small lines and solos available. Please indicate on your audition form (either online or in person) if you are comfortable with/interested in a small solo or speaking lines.

Man in Chair: 

Tenor/Baritone, 45+. The narrator, Man in Chair is engaged for the entirety (just about) of the play. A huge fan of the long-forgotten 1920s musical “The Drowsy Chaperone”, he frames the story, offers commentary, and finds himself wrapped up in the narrative. A strong comedic character; delicate and melancholy, campy and charismatic. 

Janet Van de Graaff: 

Alto/Mezzo Soprano, 20s-30s. (20s-30s) 

Star of Feldzieg’s Follies, giving up life on the stage to marry. Attractive, vivacious, 1920s starlet. Strong movement and special skills (acrobatics, juggling, etc.) a plus.

Character references: Actresses Clara Bow, Marilyn Miller

Robert Martin: 

Tenor, Late 20s+. The face of a famous toothpaste brand, Janet’s groom-to-be, the token 1920s leading man. Must be able to roller skate, and able/willing to tap dance. 

Character references: Actors Robert Taylor, Gene Kelly

The Drowsy Chaperone: Alto with strong belt, 30s-50s. 

Janet’s alcoholic confidante. Sophisticated, wry, comedic, scene-stealing diva. 

Character references: Most roles played by Marlene Dietrich, Mae West or Beatrice Lille. 

Aldolpho: Bass/Baritone, 40+. 

A latin stereotype of a confident, vigorous lothario. Vaudeville-style comedy role. 

Character references: Raul Roulien (Flying Down to Rio), Alberto Bedinni (Top Hat)

Mrs. Tottendale: Alto, 45+.  

A flighty, eccentric, bubbly, oblivious wealthy widow who is hosting the wedding.

Character references: Billie Burke (Dinner at Eight)

Underling: Tenor, 50+. 

Mrs. Tottendale’s unflappable, dry-humored butler and manservant.  

Character references: Jeeves (Thank You, Jeeves!), Bates (Top Hat)

Mr. Feldzieg: Baritone, 45+. 

Harried producer who is desperate to stop Janet from marrying and leaving the show. Nervous blowhard, yet another vaudeville caricature. 

Character references: Horace Hardwick (Top Hat)

Kitty: Soprano, 20+. 

The ditzy blonde chorine stereotype and Mr. Feldzieg’s companion, desperate to become a leading lady.  and will do anything to be a leading lady. 

Character references: Cassady (Victor Victoria), Lena Lamont (Singin’ in the Rain)

George: Tenor, Late 20s+. 

Robert’s charismatic, anxious, loyal best man. Ideally, someone who can tap dance.

Character references: Actors Eddie Cantor, Donald O’Connor

Gangsters 1 & 2: Tenors, 30+. 

Two jovial gangsters posing as pastry chefs. Vaudevillian comedians full of word play, slapstick and stylized movements. Good dancing skills are preferred. 

Character references: Lippy and Slug (Kiss Me, Kate), Chico and Groucho Marx 

Trix the Aviatrix: Alto, 30+. Sassy, brash female aviator. May double in the ensemble.