‘The Wedding Singer’ Kicks Off Season 29 at Great Plains Theatre

Abilene, KS–Great Plains Theatre cordially invites you to a wedding. Entertainment will be provided by The Wedding Singer which launches GPT’s 29th season.

The Wedding Singer (based off the 1998 movie of the same name) tells the story of Robbie Hart, New Jersey’s most popular wedding singer. When he’s jilted at the altar, he falls to pieces and proceeds to cause every wedding he works to become a shambles. When a winning waitress begins to thaw his heart, he vows to win hers before she marries a Wall Street shark. With a score written by Matthew Sklar (music) and Chad Beguelin (lyrics) and a book written by Chad Beguelin & Tim Herlihy, The Wedding Singer is the June wedding to remember.

Where: Great Plains Theatre (215 N Campbell St, Abilene, KS)
When: June 2-11 (Showtimes are 7:30pm Thurs-sat & 2pm Wed, Sat, and Sun)
Tickets: $40 and they can be purchased here.

Directed by: Mitchell Aiello

Cast

Keegan Sells as Robbie Hart
Hannah Hill as Julia Sullivan
Delaney Bigley as Holly
Braden C. Andrew as Sammy
Hunter Quinn as George
Ronald Spoto as Glen
Kristina Miranda Sloan as Rosie
Erica Lee Bigelow as Linda
Also featuring the talents of: Sheldon Mba, Griffin Krause, Zoi Neely, Becca Worthington, Lela Campbell, Jacobi Robinson, Lexi Tyler, Scarlett Randolph, and Tyrel Immel

‘Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are In a Play!”‘ Opening at Topeka Civic Theatre

Topeka, KS— Get ready for a musical experience, ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved, award-winning, best-selling children’s books, that will leave audiences doing the “Flippy Floppy Floory” dance all night long! In Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!”, Gerald and Piggie take to the stage in a rollicking adventure that is perfect for young audiences. An elephant named Gerald and a pig named Piggie are best, best, “bestus” (a word Gerald and Piggie made up that means “very best”) friends, but Gerald worries that something could go wrong that would end their friendship. Piggie is not worried at all. She’s even happier and more excited than usual. That’s because she and Gerald are invited to a party hosted by the Squirrelles, three singing squirrels who love to have a good time. And so begins a day when anything is possible.

The production runs from May 12-21. Showtimes are 7pm Fri-Sat and 2pm for the performance on May 21. Tickets can be purchased here. Topeka Civic Theatre is located at 3028 SW 8th in Topeka, KS

Directed by: Cassie Hermes

Cast

Gerald-Andy Huff

Piggie-Melissa Quirarte

Squirrelle #1: Lesley Ayala

Squirrelle #2: Kelly Huff 

Squirrelle #3/Dog: Aaron Cook

Squirrelle #4/Pengu: Shelton Byrnes

‘Artifice’ Opening at Topeka Civic Theatre

Topeka, KS–Topeka Civic Theatre announces the opening of Artifice on April 27 in the Helen Hocker Theatre.

Struggling artist Payne Showers finally gets his Big Break. He dies. Fortunately, Payne’s death greatly inflates the value of his work. Unfortunately, his estranged wife, Maggie, must sell it all to avoid bankruptcy. Just days before the auction, Maggie and her high-strung gallery manager, Richard, host a private showing. The guests of honor are influential newspaper maven Judith Fontaine; the fabulously rich real estate mogul Mick Fitzgerald; Trent, a gorgeous but dim-witted soap opera actor; Graciela, a streetwise cocktail waitress; and Emma, a humorless art critic. To Maggie’s delight, Mick Fitzgerald buys dozens of paintings. Not only will the deal rescue her financially, but Judith Fontaine is covering the story. The resulting publicity will put Maggie’s gallery on the map! At this point, the only thing that could go wrong would be if Payne Showers were to walk through the door. Then Payne Showers walks through the door. Artifice is a farcical take on celebrity and success and an affectionate tribute to loyalty and love.  

Dates: April 28, 2023 to May 7, 2023

Showtimes: Fri-Sat at 7pm, Sundays at 2pm

Tickets cost $13 and may be purchased here or by calling 785.357.5211.

Directed by: Joanna Lassley

Cast

Maggie La Rue – Karen Bartlett

Richard – Tom McElroy

Graciela – Cristin Belnay

Trent Matlock – Christian Johanning

Judith Fontaine – Linda Boyd

Mick Fitzgerald – Todd Wiechman*

Emma – Amanda Garvey

Payne Showers – Shawn Nyberg 

*denotes TCT/HHT debut

The Helen Hocker Theatre is located at 700 SW Zoo Parkway in Topeka, KS.

‘The Crucible’ Opening at Topeka Civic Theatre

Topeka, KS–Arthur Miller’s classic play, The Crucible, opens on April 21 at Topeka Civic Theatre.

Synopsis

The story focuses upon a young farmer, his wife, and a young servant-girl who maliciously causes the wife’s arrest for witchcraft. The farmer brings the girl to court to admit the lie—and it is here that the monstrous course of bigotry and deceit is terrifyingly depicted. The farmer, instead of saving his wife, finds himself also accused of witchcraft and ultimately condemned with a host of others.

Dates: April 21, 2023 to May 6, 2023
Showtimes: Thurs at 7pm, Fri-Sat at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2pm (no show on April 23)

Tickets cost $25 ($46.50 for dinner and the show or $40.50 for Sunday brunch and show) and may be purchased here.

Directed by: Shannon Reilly

Cast

Tituba – Laura Wallingford Cluke

Reverend Samuel Parris – Drew Bosack*

Betty Parris / Girl Ensemble – Charlotte Jackson* & Adela Vance*

Abigail Williams – Anna Sage*

Susanna Walcott – Kaci Hodgson

Ann Putnam – Erin McGinnis

Thomas Putnam – Dusty Nichols

Mary Warren – Elizabeth Fawl*

Mercy Lewis – Gracie Braden*

John Proctor – Devan R. Garcia

Rebecca Nurse – Penni Hansen

Giles Corey – Raymond Remp Jr.

Reverend John Hale – Dylan Hart

Elizabeth Proctor – Alexandra Reilly

Francis Nurse – Michael H. Mathewson

Ezekial Cheever – Kirby Whitt

John Willard – Kermit Crane

Judge Hathorne – Jayme Green

Deputy Governor Danforth – DJ Canfield

Girl’s Ensemble – Elvira High

Sarah Good – Paige Blevins-Jones *

Hopkins – Cade Graber*

Martha Corey – Elizabeth Ross

Female Ensemble – Mohri Exline*, Lynda High*, Maribeth Murphy*, 

Elizabeth Ross*, Ariel Smith*

* Denotes TCT Debut

Topeka Civic Theatre is located at 3028 SW 8th in Topeka, KS.

Youth Production of ‘Comic Book Artist’ Opening at Topeka Civic Theatre

Topeka, KS–The incredibly popular comic-book genre comes to life with this hilarious action-packed superhero saga! Stanley Leonardo Sappovitz wants nothing more than to become a comic book artist. When he gets a job as a janitor at Wonder Comics, he anxiously awaits the day that his boss, D.C. Wunderman, will notice his drawings and discover his artistic genius. It seems like that day will never come until Wunderman invests in a shipment of magical pens, guaranteed to bring to life any character his artists create. When the staff artists unwittingly unleash the dreaded Doctor Shock Clock, it is up to Stanley to create his own team of superheroes. Will they have the superpowers to conquer this dastardly super-villain, who can stop time with the snap of his fingers? Only time will tell! Doctor Shock Clock is off to where else but Times Square to pull off the greatest heist of all time. Watch as the egotistical Star Guy and his “Charisma Ray,” Triple Time with his superfast speed, environmentally correct Blossom with her magical sleeping potion flowers, and the slightly grouchy but goodhearted Wombat Woman combine their special powers to try to stop the dastardly deed! Your audiences will cheer and laugh out loud when the superheroes battle Shock Clock and his henchmen, the Minutos, only to be saved in the end by the greatest superhero of them all – Eraser Man (a.k.a. Stanley Leonardo Sappovitz)!

Showtimes are 7pm Thurs-Sat and 2pm on Sunday (No Easter Sunday show).

Tickets can be purchased here

Topeka Civic Theatre is located at 3028 SW 8th in Topeka, KS.

Comic Book Artist

Directed by: Dakota Mumford

Cast

Narrator: Aria Lillo-Nasser

Stanley Leonardo Sappovitz: David Erwin

Mr. Wunderman: Leo Edmonds

Artist 1/Jewlery Customer: Wheeler Benson-Ross

Artist 2/Bank Customer: Jonah Slack

Artist 3/woman with purse: London Welch

Viola: Anna Rosenow

Doctor Shock Clock: Rhys Green

Minuto 1: Tennessee Swedlund

Minuto 2: Ava Everett

Star Guy: Jake Abbey

Triple Time: Liam Nixon

Blossom: Carolyn Rohleder

Wombat Woman: Pearl Platz

Kid/ Bank Teller: Sam Boast

Kid/Gold Warehouse Manager/ Rotten Penny: Max Boast

Kid/Gold Warehouse Employee/ News Boy: Owen Nussbaum

Kid/ Salesclerk/ Emcee: Blake Bundy

Kid/ Gladys: Tallulah Benson-Ross

Kid/ Police: Brantley Austin

Kid/ Police: Shashwat Chaurasia

Crowd Members: Wheeler Benson-Ross, Jonah Slack, London Welch, Tallulah Benson-Ross, Sam Boast

Pugilistic Playwrights

Nick Bottom has hit, well, bottom.  Unable to write a hit play and deep in debt, he discovers he and his wife are about to have a baby.  Desperate to achieve success he consults a soothsayer to discover the next great thing in theatre and Shakespeare’s greatest play (so he can get one over on his hated rival).  However, Bottom is going to discover that you can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs.  This is Something Rotten! and it is playing at Topeka Civic Theatre.

This seems to be my season for serendipitous discoveries.  For the second time this year, I discovered a theatre doing a show that caught my fancy while en route to another assignment and managed to squeeze in an extra review.  And, for the second time, I found myself having a marvelous time.

Shannon J. Reilly really gets this show.  He has a good grip on the show’s disparate elements and blends them together well.  Reilly knows when to lean into the absurdity and when to treat the show with heart attack seriousness.  He stages the show very simply as he focuses on the storytelling and uses a backdrop and a few simple set pieces (designed by Bryce Korf) to help enhance it.  Reilly has also had his actors create some truly delightful characters destined to leave their mark on your memories.

Some of the memorable performances in the supporting cast come from Bruce Smith who brings a childlike excitement to Shylock, the Jewish moneylender who is tickled pink to finally be part of theatre (in the form of his financial support).  Jayme Green makes for a fine Minstrel as he frames the show’s two acts for the audience.  Jaryl Perkins is outstanding as Brother Jeremiah whose overenunciating prudishness seems to barely mask his own sexual appetites.

Bethany Ayers nearly steals the show with her rendition of Portia, the daughter of Brother Jeremiah with a love for poetry.  Ayers’ Portia is a combination of Melissa Rauch and Carol Kane and she has comedic timing that can’t be taught.  Whether she’s getting soused at a party or waiting the precise number of beats for a humorous farewell, Ayers had the crowd laughing heartily at her wit and antics.  She also has a beautiful singing voice with “We See the Light” and “I Love the Way” being particular standouts.

Brett Broadbent makes his Nigel Bottom a bashful milquetoast at the top of the show, but his performance really begins to soar in Act II when the bashfulness gives way to his gentleness.  Broadbent just shines in the show’s quieter and sweeter moments and he has a wonderful tenor and falsetto.  His solo performance in to “To Thine Own Self Be True” is a bit of musical mastery.

Adam Groves is a cocky prick as William Shakespeare.  Shakespeare was a rock star of his era and this show takes that idiom literally as Shakespeare behaves and is adored as a rock star.  Groves comes off as a hybrid of David Bowie and Mick Jagger as he gyrates and heats up the audience with his poetry.  Groves’ Shakespeare isn’t afraid to take a few shortcuts to success as he enjoys the fruits of fame more than the work of fame.  Groves also has a blistering rock tenor which he uses well in “Will Power” and “Hard to Be the Bard”.

Daniel Kooser gives a superlative performance as Nick Bottom.  Kooser understands Bottom’s multifaceted nature and is able to project his decency, his frustrations, his fears, and his regrets.  His delivery is extremely extemporaneous and he has a gift for nimble wordplay.  Kooser also easily transitions from one emotional beat to another.  His hallmark moment is “Bottom’s Going to Be on Top” where he not only croons a fine tune, but engages in an epic tap and verbal joust with Shakespeare.

I enjoyed the period correct costumes of Chelle Decker which were replete with jerkins, tights, cod pieces, and billowing dresses.  Marilyn Foree and her orchestra hit all the right notes (pun intended) of the score and were epic and intimate as the need arose.  Kristin Ross has some fairly effective choreography with the tap battle in “Bottom’s Going to Be on Top” and the sweeping “A Musical” and “We See the Light” being the top moments.  Lauren McCauley-Jones has some nice lighting moments with the rock concert feel of “Will Power” being my favorite.

Act I seemed to suffer from a bit of the Thursday doldrums and needed a bit more energy at some points.  That being said, they found their full groove in Act II and came out swinging.  Some of the dancing also needed to be a bit cleaner.

Something Rotten! is one of the hottest musicals making the rounds on the regional/community theatre circuit. It has great songs and a story that’s meta (the show is aware that it’s a musical), but also funny, sweet, and a little bit dramatic.  Add a director and cast that understands this and you have the recipe for an amusing night of theatre like the one waiting for you in Topeka Civic Theatre’s production.

Something Rotten! runs at Topeka Civic Theatre through April 1.  Showtimes are Thursdays at 7pm, Fri-Sat at 7:30pm, and Sundays at 2pm.  Tickets cost $25 ($46.50 for dinner option on Fri-Sat and $40.50 for Sunday brunch) and can be purchased at www.topekacivictheatre.com.  Topeka Civic Theatre is located at 3028 SW 8^th Ave in Topeka, KS.

Theatre Lawrence Announces 2023-2024 Season

Theatre Lawrence Proudly Announces 2023-2024 Season

CROWNS

Adapted by Regina Taylor from a book of the same name

A moving and celebratory musical play in which hats become a springboard for an exploration of black history and identity. In the show, a young black woman comes to stay with relatives after her brother is killed.  Weaving together faith, fashion and family, CROWNS traces the tradition of hats back to African rituals and forward to current fashion. Filled with gospel music and a little rap, the show pulses with energy and was hailed by the New York Times as “a show that seems to arise out of spontaneous combustion…”

SEPTEMBER 22, 23, 24 ; 28, 29, 30 |  OCTOBER 1

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW

Book, Music and Lyrics by Richard O’Brien  

The original kitsch rock ‘n’ roll sci-fi gothic musical returns!  The cult classic deals with mutating identity and time warps, as innocents Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters as they sing and dance their way to Frank-N-Furter’s latest creation.

OCTOBER 26, 27, 28

A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL

Book by Joseph Robinette | Music and lyrics by Benj Pask and Justin Paul

Based on the Warner Brothers movie and the book by Jean Shepherd  

The perennial Christmas favorite! Set in the 1940’s, the musical follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker and his quest for the Holy Grail of Christmas gifts—an Official Red Ryder BB gun. Watch for the tongue stuck to the flagpole; the snowsuit; the bullies, the leg lamp award; the bunny suit; the Christmas dinner, and other iconic moments.

DECEMBER 1, 2, 3; 7, 8, 9, 10; 14, 15, 16, 17

DEAD MAN’S CELL PHONE

A dramatic comedy by Sarah Ruhl

An incessantly ringing cell phone in a quiet café. A stranger at the next table who has had enough. And a dead man – with a lot of loose ends. `A wildly imaginative new story about how we memorialize the dead – and how that remembering changes us, as we confront assumptions about morality, redemption, and the need to connect in a technologically obsessed world

JANUARY 19, 20, 21; 25, 26, 27, 28

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED

A mystery by Agatha Christie | Adapted by Leslie Darbon

An announcement in the local paper states the time and place of an imminent murder.  When an unknown visitor to Miss Blacklock’s Victorian home dies under the prescribed circumstances, Miss Marple turns up to solve the case in a classic Christie puzzle of mixed motives, concealed identities, twists and turns.

MARCH 1, 2, 3; 7, 8, 9, 10

I HATE HAMLET

A comedy by Paul Rudnick    

A young and successful television actor relocates to New York where he is offered the opportunity to play Hamlet onstage. The problem: He Hates Hamlet. His dilemma deepens with the entrance of John Barrymore’s ghost, who arrives intoxicated and in full costume to the apartment that once was his. The contrast between the two actors leads to a wildly funny duel over women, art, success, duty, television, and the apartment. 

APRIL 19, 20, 21; 25, 26, 27, 28

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

Book by Joseph Stein | Music by Jerry Bock | Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick

A musical theatre tradition! This is a tale of Tevye and his family in a changing Russia. The plight of traditional values in the face of changing social mores and ethnic prejudice cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion to touch audiences on a universal level with laughter, sadness and joy.

JUNE 7, 8, 9; 13, 14, 15, 16; 20, 21, 22, 23  

The Blood in the Blizzard

An unsavory businessman is found murdered in his locked sleeper car on the Orient Express.  Who killed him?  Was it the obnoxious, man-hungry American?  Perhaps it was the pious missionary?  Could it be the Russian princess?  Match wits with Hercule Poirot and see if you can figure out who done it when you watch Murder On the Orient Express at Theatre Lawrence.

One thing I’ve discovered as a regional writer is that a certain show or two get hot every single season and hit the schedules of many theatres.  The last year or so, this show has been a sizzling property.  So much so that this marks my fourth review of it.  That being said, Theatre Lawrence’s version has been my personal favorite as all of the right elements came together to forge an incredibly intense and gripping night of theatre.

I was hooked on Jessica Franz-Martin’s direction from the very first voiceover.  Franz-Martin sets the mood for this tragic mystery with an ethereal voiceover held over the projection of a gently falling snow and it’s off to the races from there.  Not only does she lead her actors to pristine performances, but her staging is off the charts as she knows just how and when to bring in the technical elements to enhance the storytelling which will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final revelation.

As for the cast. . .well, there isn’t a weak link in the lot.  Under Franz-Martin’s skillful guidance, they work like an Olympic caliber relay team as they effortlessly pass the verbal baton back and forth between each other.  Don Hires is the model of efficiency as the conductor, Michel.  Kelli Szrot will have you grinding your teeth as the irritating Helen Hubbard who never knows when to shut her yap.  Richard J. Burt is ebullient and high-strung as Monsieur Bouc, the manager of the company that owns the Orient Express.  Erica Baruth’s tongue cracks like a whip as the blunt and direct Princess Dragomiroff.  Laura Burt strikes just the right note of piety as the missionary, Greta Ohlsson.  Malachi Swedberg is loyal, if put upon, as Hector Macqueen, the secretary to the murder victim.  Emma Webster’s physicality shows she’s hiding a secret as the former governess, Mary Debenham.

 I was quite impressed by the versatility of Dan Heinz who plays the dual roles of Colonel Arbuthnot and Samuel Ratchett.  As Ratchett (the murder victim), he comes off like a Neanderthal with his brutish temperament, his slumped shoulders, and mobster voice.  As Arbuthnot, he is every bit the honorable soldier with his ramrod posture and his strong, but firm voice that rings with the right level of authority which would make you follow and respect him.

Abby Ilardi Lowry has a very compelling performance as Countess Andrenyi.  Lowry brings a deep intelligence to the character who is more than capable of matching wits with the genius of Hercule Poirot.  I especially liked her banter with Poirot which strongly hinted that in another time and place, there might have been something more between them.  Lowry has a real gift for nimble wordplay with her dialogue during the corpse examination scene being a shining example.

In the midst of all the murder and mystery stands Hercule Poirot, incredibly essayed by Michael Juncker.  Juncker beautifully underplays the role and just exudes a sense of mastery and control.  His deductions are always spontaneous and extemporaneous, but what I truly enjoyed was the weightiness he brought to the role.  Poirot begins this mystery with a burdened conscience as his most recent case had tragic results.  This burden is always lurking in the background until his solution in this case forces him to face the reality that the law and justice may not always be one and the same.  Juncker shines with Poirot’s final decision in this moment and its aftermath.

I was blown away by James Diemer’s set.  It’s so functional as it changes from the walls and windows of a luxury hotel to the entrance to the Orient Express before splitting open to reveal a revolving set that smoothly rotates to show the conductor’s office, the sleeper car (wood outlines imply doors and walls), and the dining car (the snow frosted windows were a brilliant touch).  Diemer’s lights enhance the mood with the blood red of the murder scene and the almost sepia toned spotlights on the suspects during the denouement being especially nice flourishes.  Bob Newton’s sounds are a work of art that boost every moment whether it’s the jarring stop of the Express hitting a mountain of snow, to the old-time song playing from a radio, to my favorite moment, the metallic slashing of a knife in the murder scene.  Jane Penington’s costumes are period accurate with Michel’s tunic, Dragomiroff’s regal garb, and Poirot’s sedate suit being particular standouts.

If you’re looking for a stellar night of mystery and intrigue, this is it.  Taut with tension, rife with intrigue, and murderously mesmerizing.  Murder On the Orient Express is a puzzling night of entertainment that will have you biting your nails and keep your attention from the first snowflake to the final somber note.

Murder On the Orient Express runs at Theatre Lawrence through March 12.  Showtimes are Thurs-Sat at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2:30pm.  Tickets are $30 and can be purchased by calling 785-843-SHOW, visiting the Box Office, or visiting wp.theatrelawrence.com.  Theatre Lawrence is located at 4660 Bauer Farm Dr in Lawrence, KS.

‘Murder On the Orient Express’ is Making a Stop at Theatre Lawrence

Lawrence, KS–Just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the Orient Express. By morning the luxurious train is one passenger fewer. An American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, stabbed eight times, his door locked from the inside. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, the passengers rely on detective Hercule Poirot to identify the murderer – in case he or she decides to strike again.

A stunning night of murder, mystery, and intrigue is in store for you when one of the finest whodunnits ever written is brought to life in front of your eyes. Written by the legendary Agatha Christie and adapted for stage by the inestimable Ken Ludwig, Murder On the Orient Express promises to be as puzzling as it is entertaining. Tickets are available now at Theatre Lawrence for $30 and can be purchased by calling 785-843-SHOW, visiting the Box Office, or visiting wp.theatrelawrence.com. The show runs from Mar 3-12. Showtimes are Thurs-Sat at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2:30pm.

Murder On the Orient Express
Adapted by Ken Ludwig from a novel by Agatha Christie

Venue: Theatre Lawrence (4660 Bauer Farm Dr, Lawrence, KS 66049)

Directed by: Jessica Franz-Martin

Cast

Hercule Poirot…..Michael Juncker

Monsieur Bouc…..Richard Burt

Hector Macqueen…..Malachi Swedberg

Colonel Arbuthnot/Samuel Ratchett…..Dan Heinz

Michel the Conductor/Head Waiter…..Don Hires

Mary Debenham…..Emma Webster

Princess Dragomiroff…..Erica Baruth

Greta Ohlsson…..Laura Burt

Countess Andrenyi…..Abby Ilardi Lowry

Helen Hubbard…..Kelli Szrot

Great Plains Theatre Announces Auditions for Season 29

Auditions for Season 29 for Great Plains Theatre open December 1st, 2022! Artistic Director, Mitchell Aiello, will be holding in person auditions, and accepting virtual audition submissions for this season. All shows and roles are listed below. Please see details and information on which contracts have already been offered. In person details and virtual submission information is listed below. If you would like to be considered for any shows in the next season (2023) or would like to be acknowledged for a possible replacement track, please email Mitchell at mitchell@greatplainstheatre.com.

IN PERSON AUDITION

Saturday, January 7th

9:00am – 12:00pm & Dance Call at 1:00pm

Please bring one current head shot and resume and prepare a 32-bar cut of a song that showcases you, a 60-second monologue, and be ready with extra materials should Mitchell need to see it. The dance call will be held after lunch at 1:00pm. Please bring clothes to move in. All callback materials will be sent via e-mail and accepted by video.

To sign up for in person auditions (adult and youth slots), please click the link below!

VIRTUAL AUDITION SUBMISSIONS

Please send a current head shot, resume, and an audition video package for consideration. Your audition video package should contain a 32-bar song cut, 60-second monologue, and any dance/movement footage for consideration. All videos MUST be sent via an unlisted YOUTUBE link. All materials required should be e-mailed directly to the Artistic/Education Director, Mitchell Aiello, at mitchell@greatplainstheatre.com. If needed, callback materials will be sent out by the end of February 2023. Thank you for your time, talent, and commitment! 

VIRTUAL AUDITION SUBMISSION DEADLINE: January 27, 2023

Thank you and happy auditioning!

​

Great Plains Theatre’s 28th Season (Main Stage):

The Wedding Singer (Rehearsals: May 22-June 1, Performances: June 1-11)

Oliver! (Rehearsals: June 12-22, Performances: June 23-July 2)

Nunsense (Rehearsals: July 3-13, Performances: July 14-30)

Around the World in 80 Days (Rehearsals: August 28-September 7, Performances: September 8-24)

Miracle on 34th Street (Rehearsals: November 19-30, Performances: December 1-17)

Great Plains Theatre’s 28th Season (Live Literature Series):

Pinocchio (Rehearsals: February 14-28, Performances: March 1-11)

Around the World in 80 Days (Rehearsals: August 28-September 7, Performances: September 8-24)

Questions? Contact Artistic Director, Mitchell Aiello, at mitchell@greatplainstheatre.com

Click Here to SIGN UP for Season 29 Auditions

Season 29 Main Stage/Live Lit AUDITION – Breakdown

**ALL ROLES listed below are available EXCEPT for the roles notated. Mitchell receives thousands of virtual and in person auditions each season and is astounded with all of the talent and dedication. Thank you for your patience. GPT is excited to continue sharing the magic of live theatre through the sensational talent and outstanding shows presented.

PINOCCHIO

Pinocchio – The most famous puppet

Blue Fairy – Guiding Light for Pinocchio

Geppetto – Older man who builds Pinocchio

Fox/Mr. Big/Mr. Bunksterburger – Multiple-character track

Cricket/Whale/Talking Piece of Wood – Multiple-character track

THE WEDDING SINGER

Robbie Hart – Tenor. The lead singer of a band. Handsome and charismatic. A truly ‘nice’ guy that has the classic lead singer aura and personality. Also, a bit of a dreamer. In love with love until Linda leaves him at the altar and breaks his heart. Ability to play instruments a plus.

Julia Sullivan – Mezzo-Pop. Waitress. The pretty “girl next door” in looks and personality. Engaged to Glen but falls in love with Robbie and is conflicted as to who to choose. Empathetic, caring, and brave.

Holly – Mezzo-Pop. Julia’s cousin. Sexually promiscuous and always up for a good time but wants to be loved and is looking for romantic fulfillment in all the wrong places. She is in love with Sammy. Must be strong belter

Sammy – Tenor. The bass player in the wedding band and one of Robbie’s best friends. A total guy’s guy, but beneath his pretending to love being a bachelor he is actually in love with Holly.

George – Tenor. The wedding band’s keyboardist and one of Robbie’s best friends. He is sensitive and somewhat flamboyant. The foil to Sammy’s super guy attitude.

Glen Guglia – Tenor. Julia’s fiancé. A Wall Street broker. He is rich, shallow, and materialistic. Constantly tries to buy Julia’s love with money. He is a bit of a womanizer.

Rosie – Alto. Robbie’s grandmother who raised him. Motherly but adventurous and always trying to remain “hip” despite her age.

Linda – Mezzo. Robbie’s fiancé who leaves him at the altar. Keeps Robbie around as a back-up plan. Is more in love with the idea of Robbie being a rock star than she actually is with Robbie.

FEATURED ENSEMBLE INCLUDING:

(Many of these roles will be combined into multi-track ensemble roles)

Harold & Debbie Fonda – First bride & groom in the show.

David Fonda – Drunk brother of the groom at the first wedding; gives the worst speech ever.

Priest – Priest at Robbie and Linda’s wedding

Angie – Julia’s mom. Divorced and still bitter about it. Good Singer.

Crystal & Mookie – A stereotypical Jersey guy and girl. Mookie is very macho and Crystal loud and pushy. Crystal should be a good singer

Tiffany & Donnie – Another couple who gets engaged at the restaurant. Tiffany should sound like Janice from “Friends”

Waiters 1 & 2 – Waiters at restaurant where Glenn proposes to Julia

Donatella & Shane McDonnough – Bride and groom at the second (disastrous) wedding. Donatella speaks in an obnoxious baby‐talk voice.

Donatella’s Mother – A very assertive woman

Sales Clerk, Ricky, Bum, Agent – Good singers throughout show with solo lines

Impersonators – Billy Idol, Cyndi Lauper, Mr. T, Ronald Reagan, Tina Turner, Nancy Reagan, Imelda Marcos

OLIVER!

Fagin – Baritone. Middle aged leader of a children’s band of thieves. Cockney accent. Described as devious, a user, sly fox, con man, very personable. Must work well with young actors.

Nancy – (Offer Pending) Mezzo. When she was younger worked for Fagin, now a “barmaid” at the Three Cripples Bar. Cockney accent. She lives with and loves Bill Sykes, pretty, intelligent, longs for a better life. Must be a belter and move well. Must work well with young actors.

Bill Sykes – Baritone. Also worked for Fagin as a youth now a feared master criminal. Cockney accent. Good looking in a rough sort of way, sociopath, a killer who only looks out for himself

Mr. Bumble/Others – Baritenor. The Master of the Workhouse. Cockney accent. A large, pompous and corrupt bureaucrat. Must work well with young actors. Will be other small roles throughout the show.

Widow Corney/Others – Mezzo-Soprano. The Mistress of the Workhouse. Cockney accent. Sharp tongued widow, also corrupt. Must work well with young actors. Will be other small roles throughout the show.

Bet – Mezzo. Nancy’s friend, may also have worked for Fagin. Cockney accent. She idolizes Nancy. Must move well and work well with young actors.

FEATURED ENSEMBLE INCLUDING:

(Many of these roles will be combined into multi-track ensemble roles)

Mr. Sowerberry – The undertaker. Cockney accent. Kind of creepy, “buy” Oliver from Bumble to work in the funeral home as a coffin follower. Good Singer.

Mrs. Sowerberry – The undertaker’s wife. Cockney accent. More business savvy than her husband. Good Singer.

Noah Claypole – Undertaker’s apprentice. Cockney accent. May have also come from Workhouse. Feels threatened by, dislikes and torments Oliver.

Charlotte – Sowerberry’s daughter. Cockney accent. Attracted to Noah, kind of flirty.

Mr. Brownlow – Older gentleman. British (not cockney) accent. Kind upper class gentleman, Oliver’s grandfather.

Dr. Grimwig – A doctor. British (not cockney) accent. Upper class, friend of Mr. Brownlow.

Mrs. Bedwin – A housekeeper. British (not cockney) accent. Works for Mr. Brownlow. Warm personality.

Solo Singing Roles – The Rose Seller (mezzo), Strawberry Seller (soprano), Milk Maid (soprano), Knife Grinder (baritone) and Long Song Seller (Tenor)

NUNSENSE

Sister Mary Regina (Mother Superior) – Mezzo-Belt. A feisty, Sophie Tucker-type who can’t resist the spotlight. The head of the convent, she is respected greatly by the sisters. While she is strict, she has a hard time keeping the craziness of the convent at bay. She keeps her guard up in front of the nuns but has an extroverted side. Role requires some very physical humor. Must be able to move well.

Sister Mary Hubert (Mistress of Novices) – Mezzo-Belt. Hubert is in charge of novices but fancies herself a Mother Superior and is constant competition with Mary Regina. She exudes maternal wisdom to novices, but also likes to let loose. Must be able to move well and tap.

Sister Robert Anne – Mezzo-Soprano Belt. Once a child delinquent herself, this rough tough nun is a jokester and constantly challenging authority. She speaks with a thick Brooklyn accent and constantly displays her lack of refinement. Must be able to move well and tap.

Sister Mary Amnesia – Soprano Belt (classical and Country). As the name suggests, she has lost her memory and does not know who she is except that she is a nun. She is spacey and incoherent, often slipping into displays inappropriate for a nun. Must be able to move well and tap. Extra: puppetry and ventriloquism a plus.

Sister Mary Leo – Soprano. Leo is the novice nun who has entered the convent with the firm desire to become the first nun ballerina. Still learning the way and coming to terms with her decision to give up “civilian” life, she deems herself quite the ballerina and displays her talents through much of the show. She is easily swayed to join in mischief. Must be able to move well, tap, and pointe ballet.

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AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS

Phileas Fogg

Actor 1 – Plays multiple roles.

Actor 2 – Plays multiple roles.

Actor 3 – Plays multiple roles.

Actor 4 – Plays multiple roles.

(All actors may be played by any gender.)

MIRACLE ON 34th STREET

Doris Walker – Mezzo-Soprano. Special Event Coordinator for Macy’s Department Store. She is a driven career woman and free thinker who has recently divorced. Hard-working and cynical. Must work well with young actors.

Fred Gaily – Baritenor. A handsome Military Captain mustering out into civilian life. Smart, hopeful and warm. Must work well with young actors.

Kris Kringle – Baritone. Kind old man who believes he is Santa Claus. He embodies all of the classic characteristics of the jolly, friendly, warm-hearted icon. Must work well with young actors.

Marvin Shellhammer – Baritone. An aggressive but somewhat bungling junior executive and the head of Public Relations.

R.H. Macy – Baritone. The boss of Macy’s. Very concerned with public opinion.

FEATURED ENSEMBLE INCLUDING:

(Many of these roles will be combined into multi-track ensemble roles)

Judge Harper – Presides over Kringle’s hearing; Judicial; likeable; a bit political.

Dr. Pierce – -Physician at Maplewood Home; warm, caring

Sawyer – Macy’s vocational guidance counselor; character role requiring great comic timing.

Mara – Prosecuting attorney; somewhat jaded; sticks to the letter of the law.

Halloran – Judge Harper’s political campaign manager.

Finley – Bailiff in Judge Harper’s court.

Bloomingdale – Owner and manager of Bloomingdale’s Department Store

ENSEMBLE

Season 29 YOUTH Main Stage AUDITION

Saturday, January 7th

9:00am – 12:00pm & Dance Call at 1:00pm

Please bring one current head shot and resume and prepare a 32-bar cut of a song that showcases you, a 60-second monologue, and be ready with extra materials should Mitchell need to see it. The dance call will be held after lunch at 1:00pm. Please bring clothes to move in. All callback materials will be discussed with Mitch after the dance call.

To sign up for in person auditions (adult and youth slots), please click the link below

Click Here to SIGN UP for Season 29 Auditions

Season 29 YOUTH Main Stage AUDITION – Breakdown

Seeking the following youth roles for the 2023 Main Stage Season

TEEN ENSEMBLE – The Wedding Singer – Male & Female, 13-18

FEATURED ENSEMBLE – The Wedding Singer – Male & Female, 13-18

OLIVER TWIST – Oliver! – Male, 7-13, An orphan workhouse boy. British (not cockney) accent, bright and innocent. Must be strong singer and actor. Must be good at memorizing.

ARTFUL DODGER – Oliver! – Male or Female, 8-15, A street kid. Cockney accent. Very energetic, highly personable, intelligent and savvy beyond his/her years.

ORPHANS – Oliver! – Male & Female, 6-15

FAGIN’S CREW – Oliver! – Male & Female, 8-18

SUSAN WALKER – Miracle on 34th Street – Female, 7-13, Daughter to Dorris. She is wise beyond her years and a self-sufficient city girl. Must be good actor and singer.

YOUTH ENSEMBLE – Miracle on 34th Street – Male & Female, 8-18

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