Wheaton Drama Announces Auditions For Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Wheaton Drama, Inc. (WDI) is holding auditions for its final show of the 2011-2012 season, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. This musical comedy has book by Jeffrey Lane and music and lyrics by David Yazbek.
Based on the popular Michael Caine and Steve Martin movie, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels follows the entertaining antics of two con men. When brash Freddy decides to set up shop on the French Riviera, he clashes with suave and polished Lawrence, the town’s established con. There’s only room for one con man in town, so the men set a challenge: Whoever can first con the agreed mark out of $50,000 will stay; the other will have to seek his fortune elsewhere. The show’s humor escalates along with the challenge as the men try to outwit each other and their mark.
Steve Schroeder is directing, assisted by Amy Royle. Jo-Ann Ledger is the production manager. David Belew is musical director. Harmony Barry is the choreographer. Stage management is by Bruce Ebner and Debbie Trueblood.
Auditions will be March 25 and 26 at 7pm at Playhouse 111, 111 North Hale Street in Wheaton. No appointments are necessary, but participants should have audition paperwork completed and be ready to audition at 7pm sharp.
To streamline the audition process, consider filling out your audition form in advance.
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Participants who arrive after 8:30pm will be seen at the production staff’s discretion.
Participants should prepare 32 bars from a contemporary Broadway musical, preferably up-tempo and comic. Music from Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is acceptable but not required. If singing a selection that is not from Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, participants should bring sheet music for the provided accompanist. All participants will be taught a dance combination, so be sure to dress appropriately.
Callbacks will be held on March 27 at 7pm at Playhouse 111. Callbacks will primarily consist of cold readings from the script. Those called back should also be prepared to learn and perform a musical selection from the show.
GENERAL NOTE ON CASTING
Specific age ranges or physical types do not matter—what matters is casting talented people who sing well, move well, have great comic timing and look great together. All roles are open.
LAWRENCE JAMESON
An experienced con man. Older than Freddy. Elegantly British (a la David Niven) with convincing British, Viennese, and Spanish accents.
FREDDY BENSON
A novice con man. Younger than Lawrence. American, energetic, attractive, enthusiastic and delightfully vulgar without being rude and crude.
CHRISTINE COLGATE
The primary target of the con men. Comparable in age to Freddy. American, genuinely sincere and able to convey exuberant and clumsy naiveté.
ANDRE THIBAULT
Chief of the local police force. Comparable in age to Muriel. Quintessentially French and charmingly corrupt with a French accent just shy of being too thick.
MURIEL EUBANKS
A previous target of Lawrence’s con. Comparable in age to Andre. American, extremely wealthy, very elegant and eminently corruptible.
JOLENE OAKES
Oklahoma oil heiress. Young enough to still have a sexy sizzle and a father who is alive. Enthusiastic with an annoyingly entertaining Oklahoma accent and squeal.
ENSEMBLE
This is going to be an incredibly fun and busy show for the ensemble. Again, we are looking for all ages and types who sing well, move well and have good comic timing. There will be many opportunities for ensemble members to shine as individuals.
Audition questions? Email director Steve Schroeder.
Performances of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels are May 25 through June 17. Shows are Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 3pm. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is licensed by Music Theatre International.
Wheaton Drama’s 2011-2012 season includes Bad Seed (through 2/19) and Black Comedy (3/23 – 4/15).
