Director Scott Persinger will hold auditions for the upcoming Palace production of “Funny Girl” in the May Pavilion on Saturday, January 24 and Sunday, January 25, 2015 from 2pm to 4pm.
“Funny Girl” is a 1964 semi-biographical musical telling the story of talented comedienne and one of Broadway’s biggest stars, Fanny Brice. Most audiences know “Funny Girl” from the 1968 film adaptation starring Barbara Streisand featuring the timeless hits “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “People” and “I’m The Greatest Star.”
The musical begins in the streets of Brooklyn with Brice as an awkward teen fast-talking her way into show business. The show then takes us through the period of time when she becomes a Broadway star headlining for the glamorous Ziegfeld Follies to the rollercoaster drama of her personal life with her husband – entrepreneur and gambler Nick Arnstein.
Persinger will be selecting adult men and women to fill the following principal roles:
- Fanny Brice – female; mezzo/belter; light dance, 18 – 30; strong comedic actress, with a powerful, controlled singing voice.
- Nick Arnstein – male; baritone; 25 – 35; handsome gambler with whom Fanny falls in love and marries
- Eddie Ryan – male; baritone, light dance; 30 – 40; Fanny’s confidante and good friend who secretly loves her
- Mrs. Brice – female; mezzo; 45 – 65; Fanny’s sharp-tongued but sympathetic mother
- Mrs. Strakosh – female; mezzo; 45 – 65; Mrs. Brice’s comedic, meddling card-playing sidekick
- Tom Keeney – male; non-singing comedic role; 45 – 65; owner of Keeney’s Music Hall
- Flo Ziegfeld – male; non-singing role; any age; stern, powerful, known as the “glorifier of the American girl”.
- Mrs. O’Malley and Mrs. Meeker – female; 45 – 65; Brice family friend/neighbors
- Emma – female; 30-40; Fanny’s dresser/friend
- Ziegfeld Tenor – male; tenor; any age
- Mr. Renaldi – male; non-singing; 35 – 65; Theatrical Agent
- John – male; any age; Stage Manager
Ensemble consists of Ziegfeld Showgirls, Keeney Vaudeville Dancers and Male Dancers to double and play other cameo roles
Auditioners should come dressed in casual clothing appropriate for performing choreography. Anyone interested in a principle role should also be prepared to read from the script and prepared to sing a solo. Auditioners are requested to select a one-minute Broadway-style audition tune. A pianist will be provided. No CDs please.
Performance dates for “Funny Girl” in the Palace Theatre May Pavilion are on Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, March 22 at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are available now for $15. The show is sponsored by Marion Community Foundation Mary H. Hollaway Fund and funded by the Ohio Arts Council. “Funny Girl” Artistic Team members include Music Director – Daniel Bradshaw, Choreographer – Matt Meade and Stage Manager – April Short.
For more information, please contact the Palace box office at 740/383-2101 or visit the Palace website at www.marionpalace.org.
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