The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 Auditions
AUDITION INFORMATION
Sunday, January 4 @ 6PM
Monday, January 5 @ 6PM
Callbacks, if needed, will take place in the evening on Tuesday, January 6.
Performers should plan to arrive at the start of the audition time. Please contact casting@thegrandoperahouse.com if you cannot be there at the top of the audition time.
Actors will be notified if they are needed for callbacks. If you are not called back, it does not mean you are not being considered for a role.
Location:
Auditions will be held at The Grand Opera House, 135 W 8th Street.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:
- Fill out the digital audition form HERE prior to your arrival to save time at auditions. Those auditioning should be prepared to list all conflicts or potential conflicts that overlap with a production’s rehearsal and performance schedule.
- Actors will be asked to read from a selection of short sides from the piece.
Alternate Audition and Video Submissions:
Actors unable to attend auditions may submit an audition video to casting@thegrandoperahouse.com. Video submissions should include a 1-2 minute comedic monologue and must be received no later than 6pm Monday, January 5.
GENERAL PRODUCTION INFORMATION:
Director – Jacob Herrmann
This production is open to adult actors, ages 18 and above.
Performances
March 6, 7, 13 and 14 @ 7:30PM
March 8 and 15 @ 2:00PM
Full company rehearsals will begin tentatively January 19
Dress/Technical and Brush-up Rehearsals are March 2-5 and 12
Availability for dress/technical rehearsals and all performances is mandatory
Detailed Rehearsal schedules will be made available upon the completion of casting.
CASTING INFORMATION:
The creative team seeks a diverse company of adult actors, ages 18-above. Actors of all ethnicities will be equally considered for all roles and actors of color are encouraged to audition. All roles are open.
Helsa Wenzel (female-identified, any ethnicity, 30s-50s) – The German maid of the house, Helsa is mysterious, efficient, and a bit sinister. She has a strong accent and is seemingly everywhere at once.
Elsa Von Grossenknueten (female-identified, any ethnicity, 40s-60s) -The eccentric and wealthy widow who owns the mansion. Elsa fancies herself a patron of the arts and amateur sleuth. Enthusiastic, scatterbrained, and theatrical, she hosts the evening’s “audition” to find new talent—but her motives may not be as simple as they appear.
Michael Kelly (male-identified, any ethnicity, 30s-50s) – Initially appears to be a police officer helping with security, but he’s more than he seems. Kelly is clever, dryly humorous, and quick-thinking, with the vibe of an old-school detective in a screwball comedy.
Patrick O’Reilly (male-identified, any ethnicity, 20s-50s) – A comic Irish tenor—or is he? O’Reilly’s Irish accent and identity are suspect, and he has his own mysterious agenda. He brings big energy, broad comedy, and possibly multiple accents depending on the scene.
Ken De La Maize (male-identified, any ethnicity, 30s-50s) – A self-absorbed Broadway director known for melodrama and pretentiousness. Ken is slick, theatrical, and full of himself, always trying to steal the spotlight.
Nikki Crandall (female-identified, any ethnicity, 20s-30s) – A pretty, perky chorus girl with surprising depth. At first she seems like the stereotypical ingénue, but she proves resourceful and brave as chaos unfolds.
Eddie McCuen (male-identified, any ethnicity, 20s-30s) – A struggling comedian desperate for a break. Nervous, bumbling, and endearingly clueless, Eddie is the classic cowardly hero type who eventually rises to the occasion.
Marjorie Baverstock (female-identified, any ethnicity, 40s-60s) – A famous Broadway producer known for her flair and eccentricity. She’s loud, enthusiastic, and convinced of her own brilliance, often mixing up people and facts.
Roger Hopewell (male-identified, any ethnicity, 30s-50s) – The witty, sarcastic composer of the previous show. He’s jaded, clever, and constantly trading barbs with his writing partner, Bernice.
Bernice Roth (female-identified, any ethnicity, 30s-50s) – The lyricist half of the composer/lyricist team, and Roger’s professional partner. Bernice is neurotic, easily spooked, and often a little tipsy.