Curtains
Book by Rupert Holmes, lyrics by Fred Ebb, music by John Kander, with additional lyrics by Kander and Holmes
Directed by Robert Gargiullo, Music Direction by Mark McGee, Choreography by BJ Solomon
WHEN: Sunday, November 7, and Monday, November 8, at 7:30 PMWHERE: East Brunswick Community Arts Center at 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.
If you have any questions, please e-mail curtains@playhouse22.org.
PERFORMANCE DATES: February 4–27, 2011. All shows are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 3 PM.
Those auditioning should bring an updated copy of their theater resumé and head shots, if available. In addition, individuals should be familiar with the musical and should be prepared sing a song of their choice in a “traditional Broadway” style. We will provide sides for auditions.
Based on the original book and concept by Peter Stone, the musical is a send-up of backstage murder mystery plots. Set in 1959 Boston, Massachusetts, it follows the fallout when the supremely untalented star of Robbin’ Hood of the Old West is murdered during her opening night curtain call. Can a police detective who moonlights as a musical theater fan save the show, solve the case, and maybe even find love before the show reopens, without getting killed himself?
- LIEUTENANT FRANK CIOFFI (Should read 40s) Local Boston detective who is also a musical theater aficionado. Aside from being exceptionally good at his job, he has also aspired to be a musical theater performer his entire life. He falls in love with Niki. Must move well. Low A flat to high E
- NIKI HARRIS (Should read 20s–early 30s) Pretty, naïve ingénue. Niki is a chorus girl/understudy in the chorus of the show within-the-show during its Boston tryout. She aspires to make it as a performer on Broadway. She meets and falls in love with Dt. Frank Cioffi who is investigating a murder at the theater. Actress must have legit Soprano and good comic timing. Must move well. Middle C to high E
- GEORGIA HENDRICKS (Should read 30s) Female half of our songwriting team. She ends up taking on the leading lady role. She must sing and dance well. Low G natural to high E
- CARMEN BERNSTEIN (Should read 45–65) Brassy Broadway producer. She is a terrific comedic actress who sings well. Low E flat to high E
- AARON FOX (Should read 40s) The composer of the show-within-the-show. His songwriting partner, Georgia, is also his wife from whom he’s separated. He’s a sexy, charming ladies man. Low B flat to high G flat
- SIDNEY BERSTEIN (Should read Late 50s–Mid 60s) The producer of an out of town flop. Sidney is and self-serving. Actor should have good comic timing. Non singing
- CHRISTOPHER BELLING (Should read 40-60) English director. Very camp. Very funny. Requires a good comic lead actor.Low B natural to high E
- BAMBI BERNET (Should read Early 20s–early 30s) Performer in the chorus and daughter of Carmen, the lead producer. Hungry to work her way up to leading performer many think she was only hired because of her mother. Bambi is a good dancer/comedienne who signs well. Middle C to high C
- DARYL GRADY (Should read 30s) A Theater critic for the local Boston newspaper, he enjoys using the power he has to make or break shows during their out of town tryouts. Non-singing
- JOHNNY HARMON (Should read 40s–50s) The Stage Manager of the show-within-the-show. Johnny is a character man who is gruff but lovable. He keeps the company in line and on their toes throughout the rehearsal process. Non-singing
- OSCAR SHAPIRO (Should read 45–65) The general manager. He is an agreeable if slightly gruff man. He is always looking for any angle to find money. Requires a good comic actor who sings. Low B flat to High E
- BOBBY PEPPER (Should read 20s–early 30s) The choreographer and lead dancer. He is a strong singer who dances well. Low A natural to high E flat
- JESSICA CRANSHAW (Should read 30s–40) Fading Hollywood star. A diva, who has no right be one, she is a terrible singer and actress who stars in the show-within-the-show and gets murdered on its opening night. The ability to convincingly sing off key
