Auditions
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4 from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM*
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5 from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM*
*Please arrive within one hour from the end of the scheduled times.
The Broadview Heights Spotlights Theater will hold auditions for Alan Menken’s “Weird Romance” on SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4 from 3:00PM – 5:00PM and MONDAY, DECEMBER 5 from 6:00PM – 9:00PM. No appointment needed. Callbacks will be held the afternoon of Saturday, December 11, by invitation only. Auditions are open to those ages 15 and up. Auditioners of all skill and experiences levels are welcome.
Rehearsals will begin the week of January 2nd and will typically run Sunday – Thursday evenings with some Friday/Saturday rehearsals, based on cast availability.
The show will run from February 10 – February 25.
The show is directed and musically directed by Ryan Bergeron.
Technical Design is by Tim Anderson.
Costume Design is by Stephanie Giammarco.
Those auditioning should:
- Plan to attend only one night. While attendees need not arrive at the beginning of auditions, please plan to check in no less than 60 minutes prior to the end of auditions. Attendees will be seen in order of check-in.
- Prepare two contrasting songs, preferably in the style of the show (1 ballad, 1 up tempo), no more than one minute in length each. The original cast recording is available for listening online via Spotify, YouTube, etc. If you are unable to prepare selections in the style of the show, come prepared with your strongest audition material.
- Bring sheet music in the correct keys, hole-punched and in a three-ring binder. Singers will not be permitted to sing a cappella (without sheet music). For this audition, songs from the show ARE acceptable.
- Bring a list of conflicts between January 2 and February 25.
- Share your availability for Saturday, December 11, should you be invited to participate in callbacks.
Additional questions may be emailed to the director at rbergeronvoice@gmail.com.
Weird Romance is a set of two one-act musicals of speculative science fiction. It features a musical score by Tony, Grammy, and Oscar winning composer Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, The Little Mermaid, Beauty & the Beast, Aladdin, Enchanted, Tangled, Sister Act, Newsies). It debuted off-Broadway at the WPA Theatre, starring Ellen Greene (of Little Shop of Horrors fame), Johnathan Hardary, Jessica Molaskey, Sal Viviano, and Danny Burstein. This curious science fiction framework revolves around traditional themes – the generation gap, a love triangle and the archetypal conflict between those who have power and those who have none.
Play Synopsis
In the first act, The Girl Who Was Plugged In, we encounter a homeless bag-lady whose soul is transplanted into the body of a gorgeous female android by a company which manufactures celebrities. The second act, Her Pilgrim Soul, is about a scientist who researches holographic imaging. One day a mysterious “living” holograph, apparently a woman long dead, appears and changes his life forever.
Roles/Casting Information
The original production of “Weird Romance” utilized a cast of 9 actors, many of whom played multiple roles between both acts. In this production, casting is flexible and the original tracks utilized for doubling of roles may not be preserved. Some actors may be cast in multiple roles and in both acts, while some may be cast in only one act of the production. If you have a preference to be considered for a larger or smaller role based on your rehearsal availability, please feel free to state this in your audition.
ACT I – The Girl Who Was Plugged In
SHANNARA – Female, Flexible age; teen to adult. Rockstar “created” by GTX agency; the latest, most popular, and probably only momentary fad. Burning bright and probably about to fade out, and knows it. Tough. Functions as Narrator in places. Ideally, a strong mover. Strong rock vocals, mezzo with belt. Sings title song “Weird Romance” with Zanth. (Vocal Range: G3 – C5, Flexible based on range of actor playing Zanth).
ZANTH – Male or Female, probably androgynous. Flexible age; teen to adult. Shannara’s counterpart, similar in character; has sold out for fame and the “life”. Strong mover. Strong rock vocals, tenor or low alto; belt. Sings title song “Weird Romance” with Shannara. (Vocal Range: D3 – G4, Flexible based on gender).
ISHAM – Male, preferably 40 and up. GTX executive, in charge of “creating” celebrities. Manipulative, willing to do whatever is necessary to make a profit. Hides his dangerous and malevolent side under a shiny veneer. In a dangerous world, determined to stay on top – the true 1%. Baritone / tenor, expressive singer that can handle tricky patter. Sings “That’s Where We Come In”, “Amazing Penetration”, “Endgame”. Must appear old enough to have a son 18-25. (Vocal Range: B3 – G4)
PAUL – Male, 18-25. Isham’s son, being groomed for success at GTX. His lack of ruthlessness is a source of perpetual disappointment to his father. Handsome, kind, and optimistic, desperately searching for some good in the world. Falls in love with Delphi. Lyrical Tenor. Sings “Eyes That Never Lie”. (Vocal Range: D3 – A4)
P. BURKE – Female, 20s-40s. Homeless, isolated, street-wise and just getting by. Has not quite given up hope that her humanity will be recognized – barely. Suppresses her sensitive, genuine nature to survive on the street. Her ability to mute her ego allows her to achieve her dream of becoming someone new and “Feeling No Pain” – at a cost. Strong, dramatic mezzo-belter, also capable of sustained legato. Sings “Stop and See Me”, “Worth It”, “Endgame” and is featured on almost every other musical number in the show. (Vocal Range: F3 – D5)
JOE – Male, 30s-50’s. “Technical Coordinator” of Isham’s project – in truth, a brilliant but underappreciated scientist. The designer of Delphi and the technology that allows her to “live”. At first enamored with the enormity of his scientific breakthrough, he develops real emotions for P. Burke because of her “specialness”. Written as a tenor to High C (C5), but could be adapted for a Baritone. Sings “Feeling No Pain”, “No One Can Do”. (Vocal Range: B3 – optional C5, minimum G4).
DELPHI – Female, 18-25 in appearance. Gorgeous celebrity, the ultimate cover girl but with a “girl next door” quality – purportedly plucked from obscurity in her hometown of Steubenville, Ohio. In truth, her success has been created by GTX – but the depth of her secret runs deeper than the public – and her would-be suitor, Paul – could possibly imagine. Preferably blonde or willing to change hair color. Soprano with mix/belt, beautiful lyrical quality, strong head voice. Sings “Feeling No Pain”, “Pop! Flash!”, “Worth It”, “Endgame”. (Vocal Range: F3 – D5).
MOVEMENT COACH (Male, Tenor) / DIALECT COACH (Female, High Belt/Mix) / MAKE-UP SPECIALIST (Female, Belter) – Think Hunger Games “Prep Team”; tasked with packaging Delphi into a superstar ready to enchant her public. All pro’s, at THE TOP of their game. Strong soloists featured on “Pop! Flash!. Age flexible, ideally strong movers.
PARAMEDICS (1 Male, 1 Female) – Jaded, corrupt medical providers – street wise, on the take. Probably under the influence of illegal drugs. Strong actors, featured in extended scene.
MUGGER, REPORTERS, ISHAM’S ASSISTANTS, FANS – Break-out ensemble parts, extensive singing and featured scene opportunities. Strong Singers of all ranges, movers and non-movers.
Act II – Her Pilgrim Soul
JOHNNY BEAUMONT – Male, attractive, ideally played by the actor who portrays Paul in Act I. A crooner from days gone by….Tenor or High Baritone, sings “I Can Show You a Thing or Two”. (Vocal Range: C3 – F#4)
DANIEL GADDIS – Male, early 20’s – 30’s, assistant to Dr. Drayton. Science is the tool that lets him unravel the world’s mysteries, vexed by Drayton’s lack of enthusiasm and determined to reawaken his “spark”. Optimistic, upbeat, and determined to make a mark. Baritone, sings “Opening Sequence”, “Need to Know”. (Vocal Range: G3 – F4).
KEVIN DRAYTON – Male, 30’s-40’s. Brilliant scientist poised on the verge of a major breakthrough in holographic imaging; yet oddly dissatisfied with his burgeoning success. Lost, stuck – without really knowing why. Struggling in his relationship with Carol, his wife; and determined to repair their relationship but unsure how to bridge the difference. Becomes obsessed with unraveling the secret of Nola’s existence, and the reason behind her sudden appearance. Baritone or Bass. Sings “My Orderly World”, “You Remember”, “Another Woman”, “Someone Else is Waiting”. (Vocal Range: F3 – F4)
CAROL DRAYTON – Female, 30’s – 40’s. Kevin’s wife; a successful advertising executive. Feels distanced from her husband, determined to rekindle their romance but also unsure of how to reach Kevin. Patient, loving, but questioning and almost at the end of her resolve. Mezzo or Soprano, some legit moments, strong mix. Sings “Opening Sequence”, “Another Woman”, “A Man”. (Vocal Range: Bb3 – Eb5)
REBECCA – Female, 20’s – 50’s. Carol’s co-worker, good friend, and confidant. Sassy, outspoken, knows her friend and is not fooled by the façade of normalcy Carol erects. Commiserates with Carol and tries to help her find solutions. Comedic yet sincere. Strong singer, Mezzo or Soprano, belt or strong Mix preferred. Sings “A Man”. (Vocal Range: Ab3 – Eb5)
NOLA – Female, should appear early 30’s but must PLAY age 6 – 30’s. An unknown anomaly causes Nola to appear in Kevin’s lab – a holographic image of a long-dead woman, possessed of her own consciousness and for all intents and purposes, “alive”. With Kevin’s help, Nola matures as she “relives” and remembers her past life – all the while working towards discovering the reason behind her manifestation. Vulnerable at first, free-spirited and full of conviction as she matures. Full-voiced contralto / mezzo, able to sustain long, legato passages, low tessitura. Sings “You Remember”, “Pressing Onward, Moving Forward”, “Someone Else is Waiting”. (Vocal Range: D3 – D5).
SUSAN GRANVILLE WALLACH – Female, 20’s-30’s. Nola’s niece, helps piece together Nola’s family history. Pleasant, helpful, with a bit of her Aunt’s mischievous streak in her. Soprano or light Mezzo tone, vocal solo in “Pressing Onward, Moving Forward”. (Vocal Range: C4-Bb4).
CHUCK WALLACH – Male, 20’s-30’s. Susan’s husband; gentle, mischievous since of humor; affable. Is amused by the discovery of where Susan gets her feistiness from. Tenor or light Baritone tone, vocal solo in “Pressing Onward, Moving Forward”. (Vocal Range: F3-G4).
GEORGE LESTER – Male, 20’s-40’s, African-American. The son of a dock worker who was fired for fighting with a white worker. He helps piece together part of Nola’s history. Baritone or Tenor, vocal solo in “Pressing Onward, Moving Forward”. (Vocal Range: F3-F4).
RUSKIN – Male, 80’s. A friend of Nola’s, now living in a retirement home. The only living associate that could be located. Ruskin has been blind for 15 years, but still has an easy peace and a piercing wisdom about him. Baritone or Bass, brief vocal solo. (Vocal Range: D3 – C4).
Weird Romance is presented through special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.
