Youth ages seven to 18 are sought for the cast of “My Son Pinocchio JR,” the February 2017 production for Theatre-at-Tusculum and Actors Coming Together.
“My Son Pinocchio JR” is part of the popular Broadway Junior Collection of live-theater musicals and will be directed by Marilyn duBrisk with an all youth cast.
Auditions are scheduled Monday, Nov. 28, and Tuesday, Nov. 29, in the Behan Arena Theatre, located on the lower level (side entrance) of the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Building on the Tusculum College campus. Registration begins at 3:30 p.m. with auditions starting at 4 p.m. and lasting until about 6 p.m. both days. Possible callbacks will be held 4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 1. Those wishing to audition are not required to attend both audition dates but are asked to be available for possible callbacks on Dec. 1 if needed.
Auditions will consist of a singing portion, a choreography portion and readings from the show’s script. No prepared audition pieces are required but those wishing to audition are asked to wear comfortable clothing and shoes with closed toes.
The production features a cast of approximately 30 actors, singers and dancers. Characters include Geppetto, Pinocchio, Stromboli-the Puppet Master, The Blue Fairy and four “Fairies-In-Training.” Supporting roles include: Signora Giovanni, Pinocchio’s teacher; Professore Buongrazzoa, a mad scientist; Junior, his assistant and The Ringleader who runs Pleasure Island. In addition a large ensemble is needed for Town Children and Town Parents, Children of Idyllia and the Roustabouts and Delinquents of Pleasure Island.
Performances are scheduled for Feb. 17-19 and 23-26 with rehearsals beginning in January. Those wanting to audition are asked to be prepared to list any scheduling conflicts between Jan. 5 and the production show dates.
A tentative rehearsal schedule will be posted during auditions and will include some mandatory rehearsal dates and the mandatory performance dates. Rehearsals will take place on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and some Sunday afternoons from 2 p.m to 4 p.m. Specific times and days are dependant upon the individual role.
Show director duBrisk will lead the auditions along with her production team: assistant director Brian Ricker, musical director Angie Clendenon and choreographer Kim Berry, with help from the show’s accompanist, Kasie Shelnutt.
“My Son Pinocchio JR” has its roots in the classic Walt Disney animated feature film “Pinocchio,” which premiered in 1940. The musical includes the songs “When You Wish Upon a Star” and “I’ve Got No Strings” by Leigh Harline and Ned Washington from the animated film. Unlike the animated film the stage production is told from the perspective of Geppetto rather than Pinocchio, similar to the 2000 Disney live-action television movie “Geppetto” starring Drew Carey.
The stage musical includes music and lyrics by Oscar and Grammy winning composer Stephen Schwartz (Broadway’s “Wicked,” and Disney’s “Pocahontas,” “The Prince of Egypt” and “Enchanted”) and book by David Stern.
For more information regarding auditions, the production or other Arts Outreach programs, please call 423-798-1620.