The Road to the Show: Time to Audition

It was such an enlightening experience to sit on the "other side of the table" at the second day of open auditions for all three of the upcoming musicals at Musicals at Richter (MAR.) After I spoke at length with Executive Director Janice Gabriel in the registration area about the history of the 29-year-old outdoor theatre, I was honored to be allowed to sit with the directors of the shows. 

MAR artistic director Donald E. Birely of New York City and MAR veteran Lauren Sherwood of Norwalk are co-directing and staging "Some Enchanted Evening," a show that celebrates the beloved music of Rogers and Hammerstein (June 21-29) Mr. Birely will also direct and stage 9 to 5, Dolly Parton’s hilarious musical comedy based on the hit movie about friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era (July 5-20.) “Cats,” Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s groundbreaking musical and the second longest-running musical in Broadway history (July 25-August 10) will be directed and choreographed by Broadway and MAR veteran Jeri Kansas of Danbury.

I sat next to all three of these theatre veterans, who were joined by Ms. Gabriel as they conducted auditions for three hours in the gym of a recently closed private school that was called Melrose School in Brewster NY. The nuns that own the property in a residential neighborhood generously allow the theatre company to use the space for auditions every year. The modern design of the school that featured lots of beautiful wood was in sharp contrast with the livestock that grazed behind the parking lot. I learned that the nuns use the milk to make cheese. Having done all my auditions at theatres, I must admit that it was not exactly the space that I had expected, but it was perfect for Richter. They could not exactly hold auditions in their outdoor space in March.

Those auditioning for main stage shows were asked to prepare two contrasting songs from traditional and contemporary musical theater that show their range, bring sheet music in their key, and be ready to sing only their best 16 measures if necessary. The accompanist who sat facing us behind a portable keyboard was Richard Grasso, the Musical Director for Cats. MAR veteran Dan Koch of Millbrook, NY will serve as Musical director for "Some Enchanted Evening" and “9 to 5.”

Auditionees arrived with a completed application (click here) that they had filled out at home, with a picture and resume (stapled) if they had them. Those who wanted to dance were told to be comfortably attired to learn a short dance combination and actors were warned to be prepared to read from the script if asked. The postings also included this information: "All ethnicities are encouraged to attend and all roles are open; please note that positions are unpaid and housing is not available. The volunteering your time and providing your own housing is pretty standard for a non-profit, but I was impressed to read in an audition notice that all ethnicities are encouraged to try out.

Jen Turey of Newtown’s Dance Etc, director of MAR’s “42nd Street,” will return to choreograph “9 to 5." but unfortunately was not able to be at auditions. Her able substitute was the supremely mellow Christina Donovan. The wonderful lady bringing in the auditioner was MAR Secretary Jennie Lozier; she did her best to put them at ease, as did every member of the casting team.

The goal of the team is to cast all three shows after the auditions are complete; this is a monumental task. Casting one show is difficult enough; here it is multiplied by three. Those who came to audition were allowed to indicate on their paperwork for which shows they wished to be considered. Some had conflicts, some may not have been interested in a particular show. In theory, a part for which they would be perfect may be in a show they hadn't requested, or there may not be a part available in the shows that they had requested.

Mr. Birely was so nice to all the auditioners (and to me, as well) and probably more helpful than most directors. He allowed a few to start over, he asked what the problem was when some fumbled, and let many finish their songs. He did his best to put them at ease, although it did not always work for the most nervous, like I would have been had I worked up the courage to try out.

Each person put their name on the list when they arrived (or worked up the gumption thereafter.) Then they waited their turn outside the gym. When their number came up, Ms. Lozier led them into the large (and very cold) gym and handed their resume to Mr. Birely. Singers handed their sheet music to Mr. Grasso and many quietly discussed with him how they wished him to play it (note to self: I should do this next time.) When they were ready, they sang what they had prepared. Sometimes Mr. B asked for another song in a contrasting tempo and most complied with aplomb. He gently told one young singer to do something more age-appropriate and helped another to understand proper technique.

If they passed this part of the audition, some were given a copy of "the sides" and were provided time to go over the lines they would perform. After they prepared in the waiting area, they returned to perform the short scene with Ms. Gabriel and/or Mr. Birely. I was impressed by just about everyone's acting ability on such short notice and found myself ignoring the script pages that they read.

Some ladies dressed in their Sunday best; the guys and younger people were a bit more casual. I said out loud that anyone who came in without a coat or had short sleeves should get extra points for toughing out the cold temperature in the gym. One young lady came just to dance and had to be freezing but she danced beautifully anyway to the music on her CD.

And then there was the dancing. Auditionees who wished to dance in the shows were asked to go into another (slightly warmer) room with Ms. Donovan to learn a short combination from the show. The first two groups emerged to perform in front of the table and did quite well; in the interest of time, the remaining small groups worked on the dance in the other room and Ms. Kansas checked in with them regularly.

I couldn't possibly report on every actor/singer/dancer I saw that afternoon and it is difficult to predict who will make it into the show,  although I secretly had my favorites. Mr. Birely admitted that cast is always difficult at best and many factors need to be taken into consideration. I would certainly never want the job and admire those who can make the cuts.

I will say that I had the pleasure of watching the audition of one Chuck Stango, who I have often called "charming" and the best Mr. MacAfee in Bye Bye Birdie ever. I had spoken to Mr. Stango, who serves as a MAR board member, in the waiting area before the doors opened, but didn't know that he hadn't already auditioned. When he entered the room, Mr. Birely teased him that his "biggest fan" was there to observe. "You got my text," he quipped to me. Mr. Birely then joked I might be Mr. Stango's only fan, as even his wife vacillates in her opinion. Despite the ribbing, Mr. Stango went on to give a great and relaxed audition and reminded my why I enjoy each and every one of his performances.

Another audition I felt lucky to witness was by Ms. Sherwood. She had been a wonderful Rose in BBB at MAR; a great dancer with a lovely voice and a fine actress to boot. After sitting on the casting side of the table for most of the afternoon, her number came up and she sang beautifully. After she was done, she gratefully put on warmer clothes.

It was so interesting to me to watch the entire process. The team never knew who was going to walk in next; sometimes it was a young actor who had grown up before their eyes. Some were members of the same family, as is often the case at MAR. A few people got a hug from Ms. Gabriel as she recognized them, while others were brand new names and faces for the entire group. I had always imagined that decisions were held off until after everyone had auditioned, but in fact, discussions about roles happened and perhaps some decisions were made throughout.

I stayed to see the vast majority of those who came out in the hope that I will recognize some of the members of the cast when I crash rehearsals and finally see the final product. Then I can write that I knew them when.

Auditions continue this weekend:

2013 SEASON AUDITIONS

Thanks to everyone who came to auditions March 9 and 10.

Additional auditions for high school (age 15 and up), college and adult performers will be held Saturday, March 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Vitti's Dance Studio, 10 Precision Street, in Danbury.

All roles still open except Judy and Violet in "9 to 5" and Grizabella and Old Deuteronomy in "CATS."

If you attended the March 9-10 auditions, you are still under consideration and do not need to audition again.

If you are a male singer/dancer or a male singer who moves well and are interested in our summer season but unable to attend the March 16 audition, please send a picture and resume to info@musicalsatrichter.org.

Click here to download and complete an audition form to bring to auditions.