Auditions to be held for popular holiday musical
Auditions for “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” will be held at The Little Theatre of Tuscarawas County on Sunday and Monday, Oct. 8 and 9. Those auditioning must sign up for a one-hour spot, during which they will be one of 14 working in that group. Appointments can be made by calling or emailing the theater, director or on Sign Up Genius.
Director Lisa Sommers requests auditioners have a one- to two-minute monologue memorized. Sommers said the piece can be from a show, movie or song (don’t sing it but speak and act it).
“If the monologue is not memorized,” she said, “you will not be selected for a role with speaking lines.”
Following the monologues, those auditioning will read from the script with the others in their group.
“We encourage actors of all ethnicities, genders and cultural backgrounds to audition,” Sommers said. ”The auditions are closed, and you will be in the audition area only with your group. No parents, family members or friends will be permitted. If you are unable to attend auditions, please contact me and prepare a video submission memorized monologue by midnight Oct. 8.”
The following roles are available:
—Father Bob Bradley: a solid family man and a bit clueless in matters outside the home. He tries to support Grace.
—Charlie Bradley: an all-American kid, brimming with logic and bravado, a David to the Herdman’s Goliath.
—Ralph Herdman: the senior Herdman boy, quiet, brutish, leader of the pack, a menace.
—Leroy Herdman: second in command, tough and sure of himself.
—Claude Herdman: a tough kid who fights for his territory.
—Ollie Herdman: looking for trouble, Claude’s usual partner in crime.
—Elmer Hopkins: minister’s son, slightly nerdish in appearance, would like to be a regular kid.
—Hobie: a nice kid with some weight issues, often a target for bullying.
—David: a nice kid, inquisitive and overly helpful.
—Firemen: two good comic routines with few lines.
—Rev. Hopkins: a man of faith and a loving father who is somewhat bullied by Mrs. Armstrong and very concerned with appearances. He participates in improvisational interaction with the audience.
—Mother: Grace Bradley, a trim, attractive, loving wife and mother, put upon by ladies of the church auxiliary, the heroine of this story.
—Beth Bradley: older sister to Charley She, tells the story through narration and participation, a strong presence and speaking skills a must.
—Imogene Herdman: the older Herdman sister, a classroom bully and absolute renegade. She challenges authority with petulance and threats. She changes in the final scenes.
—Gladys Herdman: small, feisty, all about fun.
—Alice Wendicken: prim, proper pain in the neck who challenges Beth frequently.
—Mrs. Armstrong: the town matriarch who dominates the ladies auxiliary and tries to run the show even with a broken leg, a bossy, demanding know-it-all.
—Mrs. Slocum: a pleasant, motherly woman who seeks to help, a team player.
—Mrs. Clark: ladies auxiliary member and sympathetic to Grace’s dilemma.
—Mrs. McCarthy: a younger, lesser version of Mrs. Armstrong, a bossy hindrance to Grace’s progress.
—Maxine: participates in all rehearsal and performs as the narrator during the pageant.
—Beverly, Shirley, Juanita, Doris: children in the town who play characters in pageant rehearsals.
—Angel choir members: age range 8-15, sing carols within the pageant.
Performance dates for the show are Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 1, 2, 3, 8, 9 and 10. Evening performances open at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees open at 2:30 p.m. All questions should be emailed to Sommers at slpsommers@icloud.com. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is sponsored by NAPA Auto Parts in Sugarcreek.
The Little Theatre is located at 466 Carrie Ave. in New Philadelphia.