Auditions for Memphis, the musical
Jan. 11 - Jan. 12 (2016)
Memphis is set in the places where rock and roll was born in the 1950s: the seedy nightclubs, radio stations and recording studios of the musically-rich Tennessee city. With an original score, it tells the fictional story of DJ Huey Calhoun, a good ole’ local boy with a passion for R&B music and Felicia Farrell, an up-and-coming black singer that he meets one fateful night on Beale Street. Despite the objections of their loved ones (Huey’s close-minded mama and Felicia’s cautious brother, a club owner), they embark on a dangerous affair.
Directed by Rebecca Trinidad.
MEMPHIS AUDITIONS JANUARY 11 AND 12 2016 AT 7 P.M.
SHOW DATES APRIL 8 – MAY 8
Dance auditions will begin promptly at 7 p.m.
Actors should prepare 16-32 bars from a song appropriate to the style of show. Please bring sheet music (an accompanist will be provided) or a track (without voices).
Individuals of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds are needed and encouraged to audition for all roles.
Characters Needed:
HUEY – Caucasian, 20s-30s. Frenzied, bombastic, motor-mouthed hero, who talks his way into becoming a DJ at a local white Radio station. Ignores race barriers and eventually falls in love with Felicia, a talented black singer, which causes a whole new set of problems for Huey in a segregated 1950s Memphis. Tenor with a great feel for pop/rock/r&b style.
FELICIA – African American, 20s-30s. Beautiful, wide-eyed. Fiercely gifted singer. Follows her heart and falls in love with Huey, despite knowing deep down that a relationship between a white man and a black woman in prejudiced Memphis is doomed. High r&b belt.
DELRAY – African American man, 30s-40s. Felicia’s older brother. Owns the club on Beale Street where she sings. Realistic, cautious, protective, and aware of the realities of the segregation that exists in Memphis and the world beyond. Baritenor with great pop/rock/r&b voice.
GLADYS – Caucasian, 40s-60s. Huey’s stern, traditional blue-collar, Southern mother. Has worked her entire life to be able to support herself and her son, whom she loves, but about whom she constantly worries. Strong singer with alto-belt mix; excellent actor with comic skills.
GATOR – African American man, 20s-30s. Bartender at Delray’s – hasn’t spoken since age five, when he saw his father killed. As the story progresses, Gator finds his voice again. Requires an excellent actor and singer (great r&b Baritenor); comic timing a plus.
BOBBY – African American, 30s-40s. Janitor at Mr. Simmons’ radio station. Full of personality and heart. Great gospel voice. Role requires an actor who is comfortable with physicality, as he has a dance break in his show-stopping number ”Big Love”; comic skills a plus.
MR. SIMMONS – Caucasian, 40s-60s. Conservative owner of the radio station where Huey gets his start. The strong, Southern, commanding businessman becomes willing to take a chance on Huey when he realizes the audience Huey reaches and the money he can command. Great actor who is comfortable singing.
MALE ENSEMBLE – All ethnicities, 20s-40s. Male dancers who sing very well, to play various ensemble characters. Seeking excellent, athletic dancers who sing.
FEMALE ENSEMBLE – All ethnicities, 20s-40s. Female dancers who sing very well, to play various ensemble characters. Seeking excellent, athletic dancers who sing.
Contact/More Information: chris@woodlawntheatre.org
