Audition for Titanic the Musical

Old Library Theatre, Fair Lawn Recreation Department’s resident theater company, will hold auditions for Titanic: the Musical on:

Wednesday, July 26th- Open Auditions: 6pm-9pm, in the Card Room Friday, July 28th- Open Auditions: 6pm-9pm, in the Theater Saturday July 29th- Callbacks (by invitation): 1:30pm-3:30pm, in the Theater

Auditions will be held at the Fair Lawn Community Center, at 10-10 20th Street, Fair Lawn, NJ.

The production will be directed by Evan T. Charpentier and produced by Dawn Cardona and Armanda Cerqueira with music direction by Joe Christianson.

The show will run for six performances: October 13, 14, 15, and 20, 21, 22. Friday and Saturday performances will be at 8pm, Sunday performances will be at 2pm.

WHAT TO PREPARE -Please prepare a 16 - 32 bar cut demonstrating your abilities in the style of the show OR something from the show itself. -Bring clearly marked sheet music in the correct key; accompanist is provided. -Please bring Resume and Headshot. If you don’t have a headshot, a polaroid photo will be taken of you. -Sides will be provided -Please be prepared to identify all rehearsal conflicts

TO SIGN UP: DAY ONE JULY 26 LINK: https://ezregister.com/events/38771/

DAY TWO JULY 28 LINK: https://ezregister.com/events/38772/

In the final hours of 14th April 1912 the RMS Titanic, on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York, collided with an iceberg and ‘the unsinkable ship’ slowly sank. It was one of the most tragic disasters of the 20th Century. 1517 men, women and children lost their lives. Based on real people aboard the most legendary ship in the world, Titanic The Musical is a stunning and stirring production focusing on the hopes, dreams and aspirations of her passengers who each boarded with stories and personal ambitions of their own. All innocently unaware of the fate awaiting them, the Third Class immigrants dream of a better life in America, the Second Class imagine they too can join the lifestyles of the rich and famous, whilst the millionaire Barons of the First Class anticipate legacies lasting forever. With music and lyrics by Maury Yeston and a book by Peter Stone (Woman of the Year and 1776), the pair have collectively won an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, an Olivier Award and three Tony awards. The original Broadway production of Titanic The Musical won five Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book.

AVAILABLE ROLES - OPEN CASTING

NOTE: Everyone will likely have the opportunity to play multiple characters, especially the Ensemble.

MALE PRESENTING:

Thomas Andrews 39, was in charge of the plans for Titanic at Harland & Wolff Shipbuilders. He sailed to observe how well she did on her maiden voyage, constantly noting problems and ways to further perfect her functioning and comfort for passengers and crew alike. Strong yet quiet, and full of integrity, he is the moral compass and intellectual barometer of the show. In his deep desire to successfully balance the strength & safety necessary to navigate rough seas, with the beauty necessary to surpass wealthy expectations of opulence, he made several compromises in Titanic’s construction that could have saved her -- his recognition of those missteps is extraordinarily painful. Sings multiple solos, including the gut-wrenching climactic Andrews’ Vision as the ship sinks onstage. Tenor (A2-G4). • Stage age 30s/40s • Slight Irish accent, not a heavy brogue • Perished.

Frederick Barrett is based on 2 stokers on the Titanic who shared the same name and were close in age: one 28, and the other 33. He is strappingly strong, keenly intelligent, and capable. He questions the motivations of the powers-that-be to speed up, struggles with the monotony of his occupation, and takes the giant step of sending a marriage proposal back to his girl on shore via the newfangled wireless. When the ship sinks he gives up a place steering one of the lifeboats, and sings a powerful goodbye to his lost love (one of several solos he carries, including Barrett’s Song.) Tenor (A2-G4) • Stage age 20s-early 30s • East Midlands accent (similar to Yorkshire) • Note: One of the Barretts on the Titanic died, the other lived. The audience never really knows whether this one survives in the end, but they don’t SEE him escape, so tend to assume he perished.

Harold Bride, 22, was one of two wireless operators on the Titanic who received ice warnings and relayed the SOS call, but in the show he is the only operator. A shy and socially awkward young man, he obviously yearns for connection, but stumbles in relationships with other people. He has found in his telegraph machine a fascinating and thoroughly engaging way to connect to people the world over – much like the awkward souls of today find the web an easier place to connect than real life. Sings several solos including The Night Was Alive. Tenor (C3-G4) • Stage age 20s-early 30s • British • Survived by standing atop overturned lifeboat Collapsible B all night.

Joseph Bell, Chief Engineer, 50. A small speaking role, he has a slight argument with Barrett over executing orders to speed up. Tenor • stage age 30s-50s • East Midlands • Perished •

Frederick Fleet, 24, was one of two lookouts in the crow’s nest when the iceberg was sighted, but far too late due to poor visibility and missing binoculars. In the show he is the only lookout. He completes the main trio of young crew in the opening number, sings the soaring solo lead in No Moon, and calls out the fateful warning, “Iceberg, right ahead!” Tenor (C3-G4) • Stage age 20s-early 30s • Born in Liverpool • Survived in Lifeboat #6 •

Frank Carlson, American tourist, hoping to travel home on the Titanic, but got a flat tire and missed the boat!

Mr. DaMico one of the professional dancers on the ship, who will perform a featured partner dance in Doing the Latest Rag and then teach the 1st class passengers how to join in. They must be graceful dancers, and exuberant personalities. Stage ages 20s-40s • Note: these names are not found on the real passenger list •

Captain E.J. Smith, 62, was lured out of an intended retirement to take command of one last maiden voyage. Unfortunately it was his last, as he went down with the ship. A fatherly figure with white hair and beard, he commands with deep care for his passengers and encouragement toward his younger officers. He takes his responsibility for all the souls aboard very seriously, and struggles over conflict with Ismay on how best to proceed, complying too often. Featured singer in several songs including The Blame. Baritone (B-flat 2 to F4) • Stage age late 50s-60s • British, lived in Liverpool, but would speak proper English • Perished.

J. Bruce Ismay, 49, was chairman and owner of the White Star Line. Savaged by the press for escaping in a lifeboat when so many others perished, it’s hard to know how much of the blame he actually deserved but he plays the role of misguided villain in the show. The line’s success & reputation matters more to him than anything else, including being liked, and he pushes the captain for more speed in order to make headlines with an early arrival in New York. High-brow, aloof, easily frustrated when disregarded, carries the burden and anxiety that goes with leadership. Featured singer in several songs including The Blame. Baritone (A2-G4) • Stage age 40s-50s • British • Survived.

Charles Clarke. The Clarkes are not actually married (yet) but are traveling as a married couple on the Titanic to save money. Charles aspires to be a journalist in New York City, and has every reason to believe he can succeed. Happily in love with Caroline, and with bright futures ahead. Their near-operatic parting is the dramatic climax of To the Lifeboats. These characters are loosely based on Charles and Ada Marie Clarke, 2nd class passengers on the Titanic. ● Charles Clarke • Tenor (B2-F#4) • Stage age late 20s-mid 30s • British • Perished •

Edgar Beane is goodhearted, often exasperated, has a dry wit, and is not worried about impressing anyone. These characters are loosely based on Edward & Ethel Beane, 2nd class passengers on the Titanic. The Beanes are returning from a vacation on the Titanic. Edgar owns a hardware store in the Midwest.• Bari/Bass (G2-D4) • Stage age mid 40s-early 60s • American • Perished.

Joseph Boxhall, 4th Officer, 28, served on the White Star Line’s Oceanic & Arabic before Titanic. As a junior officer he aids in navigation, keeps watch, and assists passengers and crew as needed. He was the one who tried in vain to signal the SS Californian by Morse code and flares. Stage age 30s-50s, due to doubling • British, born in Yorkshire • Survived, in charge of lifeboat #2 •

Robert Hitchens, Quartermaster, 29, was responsible for steering the ship, and carrying out the helm orders. He was at the wheel on that fateful night and obeyed the famous order “hard a’ starboard” which is the dramatic final tableau in Act 1. It is said that the next 37 seconds ruined his life. Although we won’t see this in the show, he was in charge of lifeboat #6 that carried “the Unsinkable” Molly Brown, who threatened to throw him overboard when he refused to row back and save others. Stage age 20s-40s • Bass/Baritone (F2-F4) British, born in Cornwall • Survived, in charge of lifeboat #6

Isador Straus, 67, owned Macy’s Department Store. The Strauses were returning from a trip to Europe on the Titanic. Perhaps one of the most poignant and enduring Titanic stories is that of Ida’s refusal to leave Isador on the ship, with the phrase “Where you go, I go.” They share an incredibly touching scene on the boat deck in act two after the decision is made and there’s no turning back, re-affirming their love through the soaring song Still. Strong singer/actors needed. Bass/Baritone (F2-F4) • Stage age late 50s-70s • Jewish, from Bavaria • Perished •

Jim Farrell 26, is the love interest of Kate McGowen, and can’t help but be amused by (and eventually fall for) this confident and self-assured beauty. He’s not a pushover, he’s just charmed and knows a good thing when he sees it! He has a pleasant boyish charm of his own that turns manly when circumstances demand it. In real life Jim saved several 3rd class women, by shaming a crewman who was keeping them locked below decks, and eventually breaking down the gate. He solos in the trapped-in-stairwell scene/song and the Act 1 Finale. Baritone (B2-F#4) • Stage age 17-30 • Strong Irish accent • Perished in real life. Survives in the show.

Herbert Pitman, 3rd Officer, 33, served faithfully aboard the Titanic, helped uncover the lifeboats, and was placed in command of lifeboat #5, in which he survived. In the show he has the lion’s share of the solos in the opening number (loading the ship with cargo and introducing passengers) Tenor, B2-G4. Stage age late 30s-late50s • British, born in Somerset • Survived, in charge of lifeboat #5 •

Henry Etches, Senior Steward, 41, was an experienced steward to first class passengers (something like a butler) who had served many of the same glitterati on the Olympic before reestablishing care for them aboard the Titanic. He sings the lead in Remarkable Age and has several scenes that underscore the smooth discretion he must exhibit, and the great pride he takes in his work, always remembering the likes, dislikes, and needs of his “people.” Some might call him stuffy, but he just really cares. His work is a vocation rather than a job, one that he continues even in the face of death. His scene with the Strausses at show’s end is incredibly moving. Tenor (B2-G4) • Stage age 40s-60s • British upperclass accent • Survived in lifeboat #5

William Murdoch, 1st Officer, 39, was an experienced officer who really should have been a captain by now, but wasn’t sure he was up to it. He was Captain Smith’s right hand, and was at the bridge in Smith’s place when the iceberg was sighted. Murdoch made the decisions and gave the orders that sealed Titanic’s fate. He wrestles with horrific guilt at the end; in wanting to prove to himself that he was capable of flying solo, he instead played a part in the death of 1517 souls. Featured singer in several songs, and has a poignant solo moment considering the meaning of being the one in charge - holding the fate of all those aboard in his hands (To Be a Captain). Baritone (C3-F#4) • Stage age 30s-early 40s • Scottish born, could veer British • Perished, possibly by shooting himself before the final plunge.

Charles Lightoller, 2nd Officer, 38, was the highest ranking officer to survive the sinking, and consequently it is through his testimony that most of our knowledge of the tragedy stems. (In the 1958 Titanic film called “A Night to Remember,” he is the main character.) Confident & competent, he strictly adhered to “women & children only” in loading lifeboats, and survived himself on the same overturned boat as Harold Bride, organizing all those balancing atop it so that they didn’t capsize. Significant speaking role, with several featured solo moments as well. Bass/Baritone (C3-D4) • Stage age 30s-early 40s • British, born in Lancashire • Survived atop Collapsible B.

Bellboy - about 14 years old. Soprano B3-F#5 OR Tenor B2-F#4

Wallace Hartley (33) was the band leader, taking great pleasure in bringing joy to the passengers by setting the mood and providing skilled entertainment. The Titanic’s orchestra has gone down in history for playing on the boat deck till the very end, to keep the other passengers calm. Sings the one lively dance number in the show, Doing the Latest Rag. Hartley also sings the haunting Autumn in the 1st class smoke room at the end of act 1, and he in particular must be a confident showman who can hold a crowd in the palm of his hand. Hartley: Tenor • stage age 30s-50s • British • Perished •

FEMALE PRESENTING:

Alice Beane is a tricky role: comedy wrapped in truth. It requires an actress who can make us laugh by revealing the depths of Alice’s heart, rather than by playing her for comedy. She is like a child playing dress-up; the reality seems absurd but the fantasy is earnest. Also her litany of 1st class gossip in the opening number is a singer’s challenge. These characters are loosely based on Edward & Ethel Beane, 2nd class passengers on the Titanic. The Beanes are returning from a vacation on the Titanic. Edgar owns a hardware store in the Midwest, and Alice is a homemaker who wishes she was a socialite, and finally has the chance to approximate one on the Titanic! She gleefully shares the latest gossip about each and every millionaire on the ship, and hones in on their every private space and private occasion as an area or event to crash, with sheer delight. This is the life she desperately wants, and she can’t understand why Edgar doesn’t have the same aspirations. • Mezzo Soprano Ab3-E5 • Stage age mid 40s-50s • American • Survived

Caroline Neville • Stage age late 20s-mid 30s • British • Survived • The Clarkes are not actually married (yet) but are travelling as a married couple on the Titanic to save money. Caroline is classy and kind - actually born to first class, but eloping to America with her love; she wants nothing more than to be with him, and is more than willing to sacrifice status for love. Charles aspires to be a journalist in New York City, and has every reason to believe he can succeed. They are happily in love, with bright futures ahead. Their near-operatic parting is the dramatic climax of To the Lifeboats. These characters are loosely based on Charles and Ada Marie Clarke, 2nd class passengers on the Titanic. Mezzo Soprano Bb3-Eb5

Kate McGowan: Although there was a Kate McGowan who perished on the Titanic, this Kate’s story is based instead on Kate Gilnagh, who did actually know Mullins, Murphey, and Farrell, and who survived. 17 years old, Kate is escaping a big mistake made in Ireland by boarding the Titanic for America. Single, she is pregnant (although not yet showing) with the child of a married man. Not one to expend much energy on shame or despair, she is simply driven: this is a predicament she must solve – she needs a husband, and fast! She spots Jim Farrell at the dock and manages to secure an engagement in less than 4 days – a testament to her charm, her positive spirit, and her forthright, assertive approach! Kate is an indomitable spirit who knows what she wants and how to get it. She sings the lead in Ladies’ Maid and has several other solo sections. Requires a powerful actress who can command our attention whether cheerful, distressed, or quietly introspective. Soprano (A3-F#5) • Stage age early-mid 20s • Strong Irish accent • Survived

Kate Murphey, 16, was one of thirteen children in Ireland. With a sickly mother she was forced to grow up early, and dealt with a forceful and overbearing older brother. She was secretly running away from his rule by boarding the Titanic! Although we do not hear the details of her story in the show, it underlies her tough, no-nonsense character. She wants to be self-sufficient and has always been independent. She sings solos in Ladies’ Maid, and several other moments. Alto • Strong Irish accent • Survived in real life, perishes in the show. Mezzo Soprano G3-F#5

Mrs. DaMico is one of the professional dancers on the ship, who will perform a featured partner dance in Doing the Latest Rag and then teach the 1st class passengers how to join in. They must be graceful dancers, and exuberant personalities. Stage ages 20s-40s • Note: these names are not found on the real passenger list •

Kate Mullins, 21, was a young Irish lass (one of 8 children) traveling on the Titanic to a new life in America where she intended to live with her sister and become a maid. In the show she is the most frightened of the Kates, overwhelmed by the scope of everything she sees, and grateful for the comfort and care of her traveling companions. She sings solos in Ladies’ Maid, and several other moments. Alto • Stage age mid teens-early 20s • Strong Irish accent • Survived in real life, perishes in the show. Mezzo Soprano G3-F#5

Ida Straus, 63, Alto (G3-D4) The Strauses were returning from a trip to Europe on the Titanic. Perhaps one of the most poignant and enduring Titanic stories is that of Ida’s refusal to leave Isador on the ship, with the phrase “Where you go, I go.” They share an incredibly touching scene on the boat deck in act two after the decision is made and there’s no turning back, re-affirming their love through the soaring song Still. Strong singer/actor needed.• Stage age late 50s-70s • Jewish, from Germany • Perished

Ensemble: MULTIPLE roles for all ages, races, genders, sizes, and abilities.