The McAdo
by Gilbert & Sullivan Austin
Feb. 25 - Feb. 26 (2023)
It’s the show you love, in a brand new setting! The Mikado has been moved to the highlands of Scotland and becomes The McAdo. Gilbert’s libretto and Sullivan’s score will be kept virtually intact, while the scenery and costumes will reflect the Scottish moors. It’s a farcical tale of a wand’ring minstrel, a cowardly executioner, an iron-fisted ruler, and some of the greatest songs in musical theater!
Auditions Announcement for “The McAdo”
(Principal roles and chorus)
Auditions to be held on February 25, 2023
Gilbert & Sullivan Austin
Gilbert & Sullivan Austin (GSA) announces additional auditions for The McAdo, a modified version of the ever-popular G&S work The Mikado. Auditions, by appointment only, will take place in south Austin at Abiding Love Lutheran Church, 7210 Brush Country Road. Candidates will be assigned to ten-minute slots on Saturday, February 25, between 12:00 PM and 5:45 PM. Callbacks may be scheduled on Sunday, February 26, beginning at 2:30 PM.
The production is set in the Scottish Highlands (kilts and bagpipes!), but the libretto and score are essentially unchanged, with fewer than twenty textual adjustments. Michelle Haché, distinguished winner of three of Austin’s B. Iden Payne theatre awards for her work with GSA, will direct; Dr. Jeffrey Jones-Ragona returns as music director.
Click HERE for the auditions page at www.gilbertsullivan.org.
The McAdo was cast in February 2022, but performances were cancelled because of the pandemic. Many of the original cast have confirmed they will participate in the 2023 production. Some principal and chorus roles remain to be filled. The auditions page will be updated in the first week of February 2023 to indicate all available roles.
COVID policy. Those participating in The McAdo are jointly responsible for protecting one another by scrupulously observing COVID protocols. All cast and crew must be vaccinated against COVID-19. Temperature and health checks will be conducted before each rehearsal, and everyone will wear a mask (KN-95 or equivalent). Social distancing is required. Anyone experiencing symptoms of illness must report those. GSA coordinators have attended training on COVID procedures for theatre production recommended by Actors Equity. Equity standards stipulate that a COVID Compliance Officer should monitor all rehearsals.
Music rehearsals will begin with a table read on April 17 followed by rehearsals in April and May. Staging rehearsals start in the second week of May. The McAdo will be performed nine times between June 9 and June 18, 2023.
All performers will be compensated.
Candidates should bring with them a completed audition form (soon to be posted HERE, the GSA auditions page) , as well as a resume and headshot. The auditions page already has the libretto and a complete description of the opera and characters, including characters’ vocal ranges.
To schedule an audition, you may text or call Sarah Slaughter at (806) 557-0306 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. or email audition@gilbertsullivan.org to request a time slot.
Those auditioning should memorize a song from Gilbert & Sullivan or something similar (aria or art song, English preferred) that will show their voice and range to best advantage. It is mandatory to provide a copy of the music for the accompanist. Although the accompanist will be provided, singers are welcome to bring their own if they wish. Please note that no unaccompanied (a cappella) or self-accompanied auditions will be heard.
Audition Form, Staging Conflicts Questionnaire, and Music Rehearsal Schedule must be completed and turned in at the audition. These forms will be provided before the audition. A résumé and headshot are requested. Notes and tips for auditionees, a complete description of the opera (including characters and vocal range) and other important information are available at the website. Those considered for principal roles will be asked to read dialogue and sing selected musical cuts as part of our initial audition process. Please perform all sides in dialect; British RP or Scottish (preferred). All sides and musical cuts will be provided.
