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Musicals At Richter Announces 2003 Season Auditions

DANBURY — Musicals at Richter, celebrating its 19th season as the longest-running outdoor theater in southwestern Connecticut, will hold 2003 season auditions for high school, college and adult performers April 10-13 at the Richter Arts Center, 100 Aunt Hack Road in Danbury. A separate children’s audition will be held for young performers.

As a special thank you to the theater’s many alumni, Thursday April 10 is designated for returning performers (high school through adult) to audition by appointment only. Appointments for alumni night may be made by calling 746-8430.

Open adult auditions will then be held Friday, April 11, from 7 to 10 pm; Saturday, April 12, from 2 to 5 and 7 to 10 pm; and Sunday, April 13, from 1 to 5 pm.

Children/young adult auditions are scheduled for Saturday, April 12, from 10 am to 12:30 pm.

The mainstage musical season features the Lerner and Loewe classic My Fair Lady, running June 19 to July 5 and directed by Jane Farnol; the exuberant Caribbean-inspired musical Once On This Island by the Tony Award-winning team of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, July 10-26, directed by Tom Cochrane; and Gilbert and Sullivan’s ever-popular nautical romp H.M.S. Pinafore, July 31 to August 16, directed by Kyle Minor.

The mainstage offerings will also include It’s A Musical World, a special cabaret revue celebrating travel and destinations in song, ranging from Cape Cod to Copenhagen. The program will be directed and choreographed by Christopher Gladysz, and will perform two evenings. Mr Gladysz is seeking an ensemble of three men (two tenor, one baritone) and three women (two soprano, one alto) who move well and are capable of performing close harmony singing. In addition, two men and two women are sought as soloists.

Those auditioning for mainstage shows or the cabaret should prepare two Broadway show tunes (uptempo and ballad) that show their range, bring sheet music in their key, and be ready to sing only their best 16 measures if necessary. Those auditioning for Pinafore are invited to prepare something appropriate from the light opera repertoire. An accompanist will be provided.

Auditionees should also be prepared to learn a short dance combination and to read from the script if asked. Bring a picture and resume if possible. These positions are unpaid and all roles are open, and housing is not available. Show descriptions and cast breakdowns can be found on the theater website, www.MusicalsAtRichter.org.

Young performers ages 7 to 15 are being sought for Fairy Tale Theater, a small repertory group directed by Elyse Jasensky that presents children’s shows on selected Saturday mornings during the summer. These are the auditions being held the morning of April 12. All roles are open and candidates do not have to sing, but should be prepared to read.

A small number of children are also sought for the mainstage shows. There is a featured role for a young girl (aged 9-12) who sings and dances well in Once on This Island. Additionally, several children (ages 9-12) who sing and dance well will be cast in the ensemble of My Fair Lady.

Children auditioning for either of these shows should prepare an uptempo and ballad Broadway show tune, and be prepared to read and dance.

In addition to performers, Musicals at Richter welcomes volunteers from the area for backstage duties such as set construction, properties, costume coordination, and running crew; and front- of-house operations such as house management, ushering and concessions. Interested individuals are invited to call or email the theater, or to indicate their interest at the auditions.

Now in its 19th season, Musicals at Richter is Fairfield County’s longest-running outdoor theater. Performances are given on weekends at the Richter Arts Center (next to Richter Park Golf Course). Nestled in the hills of western Connecticut, the Arts Center stage has served as the scenic backdrop for over 48 musicals produced by Musicals at Richter, as well as a professional springboard for hundreds of up-and-coming performers.

Musicals at Richter is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For further information, visit www.MusicalsAtRichter.org, send email to info@MusicalsAtRichter.org, or leave a message at 748-6873.