AUDITION NOTICE:
BRIGHT STAR
book, music and lyrics by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell
directed by Kate Swan
music direction by Markus Grae-Hauck
WHEN: Sunday, March 10, and Sunday, March 17, from 4:00-7:00 pm; auditioners only need to attend one of those days. Sign-up begins at 3:30 each day, and anyone auditioning must arrive by 5:30 to be seen. Callbacks will be Saturday, March 23, beginning at 4:00 pm.
WHERE: Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair (67 Church Street, Montclair) in the annex’s Rotunda. Please visit the following web page for directions and parking information: www.4thwalltheatre.org/auditions.htm.
4th Wall Theatre, a non-union NJ theatre company, will hold open auditions for all roles in the final production of its 2018-19 season.
Rehearsals will begin in late April, and six performances are scheduled for June 7-16.
Inspired by a real event, Bright Star is an original bluegrass-style musical that tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and 1940s. The story follows Alice Murphy, a literary editor in Asheville, North Carolina, whose relationship with a young soldier, just home from World War II, awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand some turning points in her childhood in the Blue Ridge Mountains. What she finds has the power to transform both of their lives.
4th Wall is seeking an ethnically diverse cast of 6 women and 8 men to play the characters in the breakdown below. Please prepare two 32-bar selections, one in a country or folk style and one from a classic musical theatre song, which together show off your acting ability and vocal range. Bring sheet music in your key. An accompanist will be provided. Also bring a headshot and resume stapled together, and be prepared to provide all potential conflicts for weekday evening and weekend daytime rehearsals beginning April 21st. Non-union; no pay.
Visit www.4thwalltheatre.org/auditions.htm for more information.
NOTE: As an organization, 4th Wall is committed to diverse and inclusive casting; casting decisions, as much as possible based on the show, are made regardless of disability, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, size, or shape.
Please address questions to Kate@4thWallTheatre.org.
Character Breakdown
WOMEN
ALICE MURPHY: (LEAD; 30-40; Female; Alto with high mix G3-E5; any ethnicity) is the adventurous, rebellious 16-year-old girl growing up in the remote Blue Ridge Mountains, and also, 22 years later, the successful, professional woman running The Asheville Southern Journal with a firm hand and a dry wit. She has a sense of melancholy about her. Must be able to move well.
MAMA MURPHY: (FEATURED; 50-65; Female; Alto G3-D5; any ethnicity) is Alice’s mother, the center of the family, and a fierce protector of Alice, even though she is a handful. Non-Dancing Role.
MARGO CRAWFORD: (SUPPORTING; 20-35; Female; Alto G3-C5; any ethnicity) is a small-town bookstore owner and the childhood friend of Billy Cane. When he returns from the war, she is overjoyed to see him but her hopes of a romantic reunion are quickly dashed when she learns of his plans to move to Asheville. Must be able to move well.
LUCY GRANT: (FEATURED; 25-40; Female; Alto B3-C#5; any ethnicity) is a whip-smart, dynamic, funny junior editor at The Asheville Southern Journal. She and Darryl are close friends. Together, they are very loyal to Alice and extremely proud to be working for her. Must be able to dance.
2 ENSEMBLE WOMEN (ages 20-65, any ethnicity, who can sing and move well) to play FLORENCE—Friend of Margo (Doubles as the Government Clerk)—and EDNA—Friend of Margo (Doubles as the Well-Dressed Woman)
MEN
BILLY CANE: (LEAD; 20-35; Male; Bari-tenor B2-F#4; any ethnicity) is a charming, optimistic young man who returns home from WWII a hero and ready to make his mark on the world. He is good friends with Margo, whom he does not realize carries romantic feelings for him. Must be able to move well.
JIMMY RAY DOBBS: (LEAD; 20-35; Male; Tenor C3-G#4; any ethnicity) is flirtatious and handsome, the local heartthrob of Zebulon, and an independent thinker. He and Alice have a passionate love affair that ends tragically when their baby is taken from them and given up for adoption. Must be able to move well.
MAYOR JOSIAH DOBBS: (SUPPORTING; 50-65; Male; Baritone Bb2-F4; any ethnicity) is Jimmy Ray’s distinguished and overbearing father. He disapproves of Alice Murphy and her wild ways, rightly assuming that she is angling for Jimmy Ray, for whom he has big plans. Non Dancing Role.
DADDY MURPHY: (FEATURED; 50-65; Male; Baritone C3-D4; any ethnicity), a farmer, is Alice’s father and a devoutly religious disciplinarian. When Alice returns home late from a date with Jimmy Ray Dobbs, he and his wife fear for Alice’s future. Non Dancing Role.
DARYL AMES: (FEATURED; 25-40; Male; Tenor E3-G4; any ethnicity) is a drily saucy, officious, keenly intelligent assistant at the Ashville Southern Journal. He and Lucy are close friends. Together, they are very loyal to Alice and extremely proud to be working for her. Must be able to move well.
DADDY CANE: (FEATURED; 55-70; Male; Baritone C3-E4; any ethnicity) is Billy’s gentle, supportive father. He loves to read and keeps important things secret. Non Dancing Role. Doubles as Dr. Norquist.
2 ENSEMBLE MEN (ages 20-65, any ethnicity, who can sing and move well) to play MAX—Young man who has a crush on Margo (Doubles as the Stationmaster)—and STA—Mayor Dobbs’ Assistant.
