Auditions for 'The King and I' at the Thomaston Opera House

Landmark Community Theatre will be holding auditions for its fall show, The King and I on Sunday, June 24, 2012 beginning at 6 PM and Tuesday, June 26 beginning at 7PM at the Thomaston Opera House.  The show will be directed by Lucia Dressel and choreographed by Cheri Forbush with musical directed by Lynne Kearney.  The show will open on September 22, 2012 and run through October 7, 2012 for a total of 8 performances.

Casting requirements call for 9 featured characters 4 adult males and 3 female adults, as well as 2 male children.  Casting also calls for 11 children approximately ages 6-14, and multiple minor adult character roles both male and female. There is also a need for experienced dancers both male and female.

All roles are open for audition.  No appointments are necessary.  Additional audition times may be arranged if needed. For additional information you may call 860-283-8558, email: landmarkcommunitytheatre@yahoo.com or find us on Facebook. 

What to Expect: Be prepared to sing a song of your choice from the show or a song of similar style to that of the show. An accompanist will be present with music from the show, otherwise, please bring your own sheet music. Please no instrumentals on CDs, iPods, or digital recorders. Please bring a resume if you have it, if not, don't worry about it! Also, please be prepared to learn and perform a brief dance combination taught at the audition.
 
About the play: With book and lyrics by the famed Oscar Hammerstein II and music by the acclaimed Richard Rodgers, The King and I is a classic story of finding common ground and learning to understand and respect differences.  Based on the novel “Anna and the King” by Margret Landon, the story opens in the 1860's with the western world closing in on Thailand. Hoping to give his family the necessary knowledge to survive in this “new world”, the King of Thailand hires a British Governess for his children, Anna. At first Anna and the King struggle to find a common bond between them as both are stuck in their separate cultural ways. Interwoven in the story of acceptance is the hidden and forbidden romance of TupTin and Lun Tha. The score includes such timeless songs as “Getting to Know You”, “Something Wonderful”, “A Puzzlement” and the beautiful ballet of “The Small House of Uncle Thomas”.
 
Casting needs for The King and I:
The King of Siam:  A king who is secure in his power, serious and intelligent.  Has a vision of a civilizing Siam with Western scientific knowledge. Is challenged by Anna’s modernism and wit, but develops a deep affection and appreciation for her nature. Mature actor. Voice range baritone (flexible).
Anna:  A worldly and modern British woman. She is confident and maternal and always feels she is correct; her flaw is her temperament. She has a deep appreciation for the King which develops into an affection. Mature actress. Vocal range mezzo to high soprano.
TupTim:  A young princess sold in servitude to the King but in love with another. Vocal range mezzo to high soprano.
Lun Tha:  A young servant and lover to TupTim. Vocal range low to high tenor.
Lady Thiang:  The first wife of the King of Siam and mother to the crown prince. Very loyal to her son and the King and sees Anna as an equal. Vocal range mezzo soprano.
Kralahome:  The Prime Minister to the King. He is fiercely loyal to his country and skeptical of Anna’s intentions.
Sir Edward: A friend and former suitor of Anna who visits Siam to judge allegations that the King is a barbarian.
Louis:  The son of Anna. Devoted to his mother and to Western ideas. Is sincerely polite and friendly. Needs to be able to sing. Approximate age: 10 to 14 (flexible).
Chulalongkorn:  The Crown Prince of Siam and the King's oldest son. Outranked only by the King. Needs to be able sing. Approximate age: 12 to 16 (flexible).
Children: A total of twelve children, including the Prince. Need to be able sing and to move/dance. Approximate ages: 6 to 14.
Minor character parts:
The King’s Wives – Ages: 16-40 (flexible)
Captain Orton
Interpreter
Phra Alack - secretary to King
Amazon guards who protect the King's wives
 
Dancers:
The King and I has an extensive modern ballet entitled “The Small House of Uncle Thomas” based on Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin.  There is a need for many experienced dancers, both male and female. There will be focused choreography rehearsals.