| audition_form.pdf |
Audition Information
AUDITIONS FOR CHICAGO!!
The Blue Light Players are pleased to announce auditions for CHICAGO, The Musical.
Book by Fred Ebb & Bob Fosse, Music by John Kander, Lyrics by Fred Ebb
by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.
Auditions will take place on September 16 & 17 at 6pm
Delta Enrichment Center
4538 Elizabeth Rd.
Lansing, MI 48917
Auditions are open to high school and college students in the greater Lansing area. Please be prepared to sing 16-32 bars of a Broadway song in the style of the show. An accompanist will be provided or you may sing with a CD. The CD may not contain any vocals. There will also be a dance audition and sides will be provided for the acting portion of the audition. Copies of sides are available at the bottom of this page.
Please bring dance shoes and wear clothing which will allow you to move. Ladies should bring character shoes if they have a pair. Everyone who is auditioning will be expected to take part in a dance audition, even if auditioning for a non-dance role.
If you have questions about the auditions, please email Helen Hart at helenl_hart@yahoo.com
Join our Facebook audition event
We want to encourage as many people as possible to attend these auditions. We are planning for a large and diverse cast. The Blue Light Players are a non-profit organization which raises money for the families of fallen police officers. Proceeds from this production of CHICAGO will be donated to the families of fallen Michigan police officers. You can expect a professional rehearsal environment where cast members are treated with respect while being encouraged to perform to their optimum potential.
Production Dates/Times at Hannah Center Auditorium:
7pm, March 1st
2pm, March 2nd
7pm, March 2nd
Rehearsals will begin in mid-October and take place 1-2 times per week:
Sundays, 5pm-9pm, October 14-production
Tuesdays, 6pm-8:3opm, December 11-production
Tech/Dress: 2pm, February 24; 6pm, February 27; 6pm, February 28
The intent of this unique rehearsal schedule is to allow cast members to participate in other productions, attend classes, and hold a job.
SYNOPSIS
Picture Chicago in the roaring twenties; Roxie Hart, a would be chorus girl, murders her lover then convinces her hapless husband Amos to take the rap.....until he finds out he’s been duped and turns on Roxie. Sent to prison while awaiting trial Roxie and another “Merry Murderess”, Velma Kelly, compete for headlines and sympathy of the public through the papers and their smooth talking attorney, Billy Flynn, ultimately joining forces in search of the “American Dream”: fame, fortune and acquittal.
LEAD ROLES
Roxie Hart – Female. Vocal Part: Mezzo.
As pretty as she is self-centered, Roxie Hart’s unrelenting search of fame and glory forms the spine of “Chicago”. Not very bright and never thinking about the consequences of her actions, Roxie makes bad decisions throughout the show – all in the name of public recognition. After she murders her ex-boyfriend, Roxie is sent to prison where she and vaudeville actress Velma Kelly compete for the headlines. Despite being a generally dislikable character, Roxie remains strangely sympathetic to the audience because we understand that her selfishness isn’t malevolent. Rather it is immaturity that propels Roxie’s fall from integrity. Above all, Roxie Hart is a character that embodies the corruption that fame can bestow upon a person. A strong singing voice and dancing ability is required for this character.
Velma Kelly – Female. Vocal Part: Alto.
Tough, sexy, and sarcastic, Velma Kelly is a vaudeville performer who resides in Cook County Jail after she murdered her cheating husband and sister. Used to being the “main attraction”, Velma fiercely competes with up and coming rival superstar Roxie for the attention of the press and to preserve her celebrity status. Ultimately, she is forced to compromise, becoming half of a “duet” with Roxie to save her vaudeville career. In Brechtian style, Velma often breaks the fourth wall and addresses the audience directly to explain certain events within the show. Must be a strong singer and dancer.
* Billy Flynn – Male. Vocal Part: Baritone.
Suave, educated, and very manipulative, Billy Flynn is a lawyer who makes celebrities of his clients in order to gain them sympathy from the media and sway the public’s opinion – a perk that Roxie tries to take advantage of. Both Velma and Roxie hire Flynn to represent their cases and use him as their claim to fame. Flynn, however, doesn’t mind this one bit. With a perfect track record under his belt and good looks and charm to boot, Billy will take on any case as long as it means putting money in his pocket. Must be a strong singer and move well.
SUPPORTING ROLES
Matron “Mama” Morton – Female. Vocal Part: Alto.
The tough, sassy warden of the Cook County Jail, “Mama” treats the inmates under her watch like family and would do anything for them – so long as she gets something else in return. “Reciprocity” is her motto. “Mama’s” philosophy represents much of what is wrong with the justice system. A strong voice is required for this character.
* Amos Hart – Male. Vocal Part: Baritone.
An auto-mechanic and the hapless husband of Roxie, Amos, though not very good looking and not very smart, is a
lovable and good natured man. He is the only character in the show whose motives are pure of heart and never selfish. Despite this, he’s also the only character who really loses out in the end. A victim of his own innocence, Amos represents the average man who pushes hard to do the right thing, but never gets any recognition for it. Must be a strong singer and move well.
Mary Sunshine – Male. Vocal Part: Soprano.
A sappy, soppy tabloid columnist who relies more on emotion than thought when it comes to writing her stories, Mary Sunshine is a person who believes that no matter what horrible atrocities a person has committed, somehow there must be a little bit of good in them. Billy takes advantage of Mary Sunshine’s overly emotionality and status as a prominentmedia analyst to present Roxie in a favorable light. This character is usually played by a man in drag. Falsetto.
Master of Ceremonies
A character that appears throughout the show to introduce the various “acts”. Existing outside the events of the play, the M.C. speaks to the audience directly and often provides insight into the characters or situations. Must have a strong speaking ability and be able to command a strong stage presence.
OTHER ROLES
Fred Casely – Male.
Roxie’s boyfriend at the beginning of the show, Fred Casely sleeps with, and is promptly murdered by Roxie after he walks out on her. Appears in flashbacks reenacting the incident.
Sergeant Fograty – Male.
A police sergeant who investigates the murder of Fred Casely and interrogates Amos.
Liz – Female.
One of the “merry murderesses” of Cook County Jail. Shoots her husband with a shotgun because he popped his gum too loudly.
Annie – Female.
One of the “merry murderesses” of Cook County Jail. Found out her boyfriend had married several wives behind her back and poisoned him with arsenic.
June – Female.
One of the “merry murderesses” of Cook County Jail. Stabbed her husband with a carving knife after he accused her of cheating on him.
Hunyak – Female.
One of the “merry murderesses” of Cook County Jail. Accused of chopping off her husband’s head, Hunyak, unlike her fellow inmates, is actually innocent. However, she is found guilty regardless due to her inability to speak English and her refusal to plead guilty to her “crime”. Her execution illustrates the corruption of the justice system. Speaks Hungarian. Ballet skills required.
Mona – Female.
One of the “merry murderesses” of Cook County Jail. Kills her boyfriend after finding out he was sleeping around.
Go-To-Hell Kitty – Female.
A wealthy woman who inherited her parents’ money, Kitty kills her boyfriend, Harry, in her apartment after finding him sleeping with two other girls. Going crazy after the murder, she becomes quite vicious and uses the oft repeated phrase “go to hell” to those addressing her. Her story takes the attention of the press off of Roxie temporarily.
Harry – Male.
Boyfriend of “Go-to-Hell” Kitty. He is murdered by Kitty after she catches sleeping with two other girls.
Aaron – Male.
Hunyak’s lawyer. Impatient, he is fed up with his client’s inability to speak English.
Martin Harrison – Male.
Chicago’s District Attorney. Present at Roxie’s trial.
Court Clerk – Male.
A mild mannered court clerk. Poor courtroom conduct. Present at Roxie’s trial.
The Judge – Male.
His honor. Present at Roxie’s trial.
ENSEMBLE/CHORUS
We need both male and female ensemble members. We are looking for both singers and dancers – especially dancers. We will be casting both a vocal and dance ensemble. Some ensemble members may have lines. Roles in the ensemble include news reporters, policemen, inmates, tailors, shoe shiners, and other citizens of Chicago in the roaring twenties.
* These roles have been pre-cast.
The Blue Light Players are pleased to announce auditions for CHICAGO, The Musical.
Book by Fred Ebb & Bob Fosse, Music by John Kander, Lyrics by Fred Ebb
by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.
Auditions will take place on September 16 & 17 at 6pm
Delta Enrichment Center
4538 Elizabeth Rd.
Lansing, MI 48917
Auditions are open to high school and college students in the greater Lansing area. Please be prepared to sing 16-32 bars of a Broadway song in the style of the show. An accompanist will be provided or you may sing with a CD. The CD may not contain any vocals. There will also be a dance audition and sides will be provided for the acting portion of the audition. Copies of sides are available at the bottom of this page.
Please bring dance shoes and wear clothing which will allow you to move. Ladies should bring character shoes if they have a pair. Everyone who is auditioning will be expected to take part in a dance audition, even if auditioning for a non-dance role.
If you have questions about the auditions, please email Helen Hart at helenl_hart@yahoo.com
Join our Facebook audition event
We want to encourage as many people as possible to attend these auditions. We are planning for a large and diverse cast. The Blue Light Players are a non-profit organization which raises money for the families of fallen police officers. Proceeds from this production of CHICAGO will be donated to the families of fallen Michigan police officers. You can expect a professional rehearsal environment where cast members are treated with respect while being encouraged to perform to their optimum potential.
Production Dates/Times at Hannah Center Auditorium:
7pm, March 1st
2pm, March 2nd
7pm, March 2nd
Rehearsals will begin in mid-October and take place 1-2 times per week:
Sundays, 5pm-9pm, October 14-production
Tuesdays, 6pm-8:3opm, December 11-production
Tech/Dress: 2pm, February 24; 6pm, February 27; 6pm, February 28
The intent of this unique rehearsal schedule is to allow cast members to participate in other productions, attend classes, and hold a job.
SYNOPSIS
Picture Chicago in the roaring twenties; Roxie Hart, a would be chorus girl, murders her lover then convinces her hapless husband Amos to take the rap.....until he finds out he’s been duped and turns on Roxie. Sent to prison while awaiting trial Roxie and another “Merry Murderess”, Velma Kelly, compete for headlines and sympathy of the public through the papers and their smooth talking attorney, Billy Flynn, ultimately joining forces in search of the “American Dream”: fame, fortune and acquittal.
LEAD ROLES
Roxie Hart – Female. Vocal Part: Mezzo.
As pretty as she is self-centered, Roxie Hart’s unrelenting search of fame and glory forms the spine of “Chicago”. Not very bright and never thinking about the consequences of her actions, Roxie makes bad decisions throughout the show – all in the name of public recognition. After she murders her ex-boyfriend, Roxie is sent to prison where she and vaudeville actress Velma Kelly compete for the headlines. Despite being a generally dislikable character, Roxie remains strangely sympathetic to the audience because we understand that her selfishness isn’t malevolent. Rather it is immaturity that propels Roxie’s fall from integrity. Above all, Roxie Hart is a character that embodies the corruption that fame can bestow upon a person. A strong singing voice and dancing ability is required for this character.
Velma Kelly – Female. Vocal Part: Alto.
Tough, sexy, and sarcastic, Velma Kelly is a vaudeville performer who resides in Cook County Jail after she murdered her cheating husband and sister. Used to being the “main attraction”, Velma fiercely competes with up and coming rival superstar Roxie for the attention of the press and to preserve her celebrity status. Ultimately, she is forced to compromise, becoming half of a “duet” with Roxie to save her vaudeville career. In Brechtian style, Velma often breaks the fourth wall and addresses the audience directly to explain certain events within the show. Must be a strong singer and dancer.
* Billy Flynn – Male. Vocal Part: Baritone.
Suave, educated, and very manipulative, Billy Flynn is a lawyer who makes celebrities of his clients in order to gain them sympathy from the media and sway the public’s opinion – a perk that Roxie tries to take advantage of. Both Velma and Roxie hire Flynn to represent their cases and use him as their claim to fame. Flynn, however, doesn’t mind this one bit. With a perfect track record under his belt and good looks and charm to boot, Billy will take on any case as long as it means putting money in his pocket. Must be a strong singer and move well.
SUPPORTING ROLES
Matron “Mama” Morton – Female. Vocal Part: Alto.
The tough, sassy warden of the Cook County Jail, “Mama” treats the inmates under her watch like family and would do anything for them – so long as she gets something else in return. “Reciprocity” is her motto. “Mama’s” philosophy represents much of what is wrong with the justice system. A strong voice is required for this character.
* Amos Hart – Male. Vocal Part: Baritone.
An auto-mechanic and the hapless husband of Roxie, Amos, though not very good looking and not very smart, is a
lovable and good natured man. He is the only character in the show whose motives are pure of heart and never selfish. Despite this, he’s also the only character who really loses out in the end. A victim of his own innocence, Amos represents the average man who pushes hard to do the right thing, but never gets any recognition for it. Must be a strong singer and move well.
Mary Sunshine – Male. Vocal Part: Soprano.
A sappy, soppy tabloid columnist who relies more on emotion than thought when it comes to writing her stories, Mary Sunshine is a person who believes that no matter what horrible atrocities a person has committed, somehow there must be a little bit of good in them. Billy takes advantage of Mary Sunshine’s overly emotionality and status as a prominentmedia analyst to present Roxie in a favorable light. This character is usually played by a man in drag. Falsetto.
Master of Ceremonies
A character that appears throughout the show to introduce the various “acts”. Existing outside the events of the play, the M.C. speaks to the audience directly and often provides insight into the characters or situations. Must have a strong speaking ability and be able to command a strong stage presence.
OTHER ROLES
Fred Casely – Male.
Roxie’s boyfriend at the beginning of the show, Fred Casely sleeps with, and is promptly murdered by Roxie after he walks out on her. Appears in flashbacks reenacting the incident.
Sergeant Fograty – Male.
A police sergeant who investigates the murder of Fred Casely and interrogates Amos.
Liz – Female.
One of the “merry murderesses” of Cook County Jail. Shoots her husband with a shotgun because he popped his gum too loudly.
Annie – Female.
One of the “merry murderesses” of Cook County Jail. Found out her boyfriend had married several wives behind her back and poisoned him with arsenic.
June – Female.
One of the “merry murderesses” of Cook County Jail. Stabbed her husband with a carving knife after he accused her of cheating on him.
Hunyak – Female.
One of the “merry murderesses” of Cook County Jail. Accused of chopping off her husband’s head, Hunyak, unlike her fellow inmates, is actually innocent. However, she is found guilty regardless due to her inability to speak English and her refusal to plead guilty to her “crime”. Her execution illustrates the corruption of the justice system. Speaks Hungarian. Ballet skills required.
Mona – Female.
One of the “merry murderesses” of Cook County Jail. Kills her boyfriend after finding out he was sleeping around.
Go-To-Hell Kitty – Female.
A wealthy woman who inherited her parents’ money, Kitty kills her boyfriend, Harry, in her apartment after finding him sleeping with two other girls. Going crazy after the murder, she becomes quite vicious and uses the oft repeated phrase “go to hell” to those addressing her. Her story takes the attention of the press off of Roxie temporarily.
Harry – Male.
Boyfriend of “Go-to-Hell” Kitty. He is murdered by Kitty after she catches sleeping with two other girls.
Aaron – Male.
Hunyak’s lawyer. Impatient, he is fed up with his client’s inability to speak English.
Martin Harrison – Male.
Chicago’s District Attorney. Present at Roxie’s trial.
Court Clerk – Male.
A mild mannered court clerk. Poor courtroom conduct. Present at Roxie’s trial.
The Judge – Male.
His honor. Present at Roxie’s trial.
ENSEMBLE/CHORUS
We need both male and female ensemble members. We are looking for both singers and dancers – especially dancers. We will be casting both a vocal and dance ensemble. Some ensemble members may have lines. Roles in the ensemble include news reporters, policemen, inmates, tailors, shoe shiners, and other citizens of Chicago in the roaring twenties.
* These roles have been pre-cast.
| roxie_side.pdf |
| mary_sunshine_p_61.pdf |
| liz_side.pdf |
| mona_side.pdf |
| annie_hunyak_velma_june_sides.pdf |
| mc_side_1.pdf |
| velma__roxie_p_50_mama_p_51.pdf |
| billy__roxie_side.pdf |
| fogarty__roxie_side.pdf |
| mc_velma_roxie_p_91.pdf |
