Bergen County Players (BCP) of Oradell, one of America's foremost theater groups, will hold open auditions:
A SHAYNA MAIDEL
By Barbara Lebow
Directed by Carol Fisher
WHEN: July 22 and 24 at 7:30 PM (in order of arrival); Callbacks (by invitation only): Monday, July 29, at 7:30 PM
WHERE: Little Firehouse Theatre, 298 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell
Borrowing elements from a number of post-World War II books, this delicate drama about a Polish family split in half for over a decade and then reunited in New York after the liberation of the concentration camps is "an example of heart-on-sleeve theatre, but it's got a big heart, and an ample sleeve, and is irresistible" (Los Angeles Times). Winner of multiple Obie and Outer Critics Circle Awards, A Shayna Maidel is a mesmerizing "exploration of human strength and frailty, softened by moments of humor, leaving you with a sense of hope." (Anchorage Daily News).
Performance Dates: October 26 - November 16, 2013
CAST BREAKDOWN:
- Mordechai: Late 60s but looks wonderful. Father of Rose and Lusia.
Could pass for a much younger man. Religious, devout, elegant. Very old Europe. The hub of the family wheel. He represses any emotions which would betray weakness or vulnerability. This does not mean he doesn't feel them. - Rose: Early to mid 20s. Daughter of Mordechai. Sister of Lusia.
Pretty and bright. Assimilated but not ashamed of /or trying to hide her Jewish identity. Very little memory of her childhood in Poland but deeply curious about it.
Lusia: Late 20s to Early 30s. Sister of Rose. Daughter of Mordechai.
Very much a stranger in a strange world. Haunted by her past but careful not to let others know. Strong and stubborn and hopeful. Not self-pitying.
Duvid: mid 30s. (appears younger in memory sequences) Husband of Lusia. For most of the play only appears as a ghost/dream. Funny, handsome. Deeply loves Lusia. - Mama: Various ages. Mother of Rose and Lusia. Wife of Mordechai.
Pretty and generous woman. Appears only as a memory. - Hannah: Lusia's childhood friend. She ages from 14-late 20s. Only appears in Lusia's memory.
NOTE: Each of the actors with the exception of Rose must be able to sustain a Yiddish accent for various periods of time. Mordechai and Luisa must sustain it for the entire play. Duvid, Mama and Hannah must be able to sustain it for shorter periods of time.
Audition will consist of readings from the script. If you have any questions please e-mail the director at carol.fisher@nyumc.org. Scripts can be emailed or arranged for pick up; please advise of preference.
Rehearsals will begin the end of July or beginning of August.
