THE WESTERN RESERVE PLAYHOUSE IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE AUDITIONS FOR…

SEUSSICAL- The Musical

BOOK By Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty

MUSIC by Stephen Flaherty

LYRICS by Lynn Ahrens

Directed by Dawn Sniadak-Yamokoski

Music Director – David Coxe

Choreographer – Dayshawnda Ash

Stage Manager – Tiffany Bird 



WHAT TO KNOW:
We are seeking a huge, diverse, multi-generational cast of 25 performers. All ages (8 and up) are welcome to audition. Queer identifying and gender expansive actors welcome.

 

Audition Dates: 

June 25, 2023 6:00PM-9:00PM

June 26, 2023 7:00PM-9:00PM 

 

Audition Location:

The Western Reserve Playhouse 

3326 Everett Road 

Bath, Ohio 44286

 

Callbacks: As Needed 

 

Performances: Only Seven Shows – October 6-21, 2023 (Friday and Saturday at 8:00PM and  August 20, 2023, Sunday at 2PM) 

 

Rehearsals: Will begin around August 21, 2023  Rehearsals will run Sunday-Thursday (evenings) based on cast availability. This is a 6 week rehearsal process 6:30-9PM or 7:00-10PM

 

Audition Requirements:

 

  • Please prepare 32 bars or 90 seconds of a fun, silly comedic musical theater piece, song from a cartoon or animated show, or a song in the style of the show (Please, not from the show)
  • Youth (ages 8-13) do not need to be memorized (although preferred) please have two copies of music of not memorized 
  • NO acapella or taped recordings at live auditions, please. 
  • NO Sondheim, Jason Robert Brown or heavy ballad please.
  • There will certainly be movement, but this is not a dance show. Any dance auditions will be done at callbacks. 

 

How to sign up:

 

If you are unavailable at the prescribed times but would still like to audition, please reach out to our Director Dawn Sniadak-Yamokoski at dawn@thewrp.org

 

  • You may sign up here  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508054EADA92AA5F85-auditions5 for a 10-minute audition slot. Please bring a headshot and resume if you have one. We also are asking for all conflicts at this time from August 21-October 1, 2023. Tech week starts October 1 and no conflicts will be accepted. 

 

  • Video submissions are also accepted, they are due by midnight June 25, 2023. Please include one song, attach to the email a resume, headshot or photo, preferred roles auditioning for and  all conflicts Contact the Director, Dawn Sniadak-Yamokoski @ dawn@thewrp.org  ahead of time for instructions. Please put in the subject Seussical Video Auditions 

 

 

No equity contracts available at this time. All positions are volunteer. 

 

Roles are open to all races, ethnicities, gender/gender identities, body types, ages, and abilities, unless directly specified by the playwright as integral to their storytelling. Age range/gender listed below are the recommended ages/genders in the script, but are flexible to the interpretation.  None of these parts are precast. 

 

 

Synopsis:

 

SEUSSICAL is a fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza! Tony winners, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (RAGTIME, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND), have lovingly brought to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie and a little Who with a big imagination – Jojo. These colorful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos.

 

Roles Available: 

 

THE CAT IN THE HAT – The essence of mischief, fun and imagination. The Cat stirs things up, causes trouble, but always sets things right again. This actor should have strong comedic abilities, flexible physicality, strong mover, and is comfortable improvising with an audience. Age: 18 – 40 Vocal range: F2 to F4 or Bb4 to D6

 

HORTON THE ELEPHANT – A big-hearted elephant who is steadfast and responsible and always tries to do the right thing for their friends. Does their best to fight for the tiny Who world that is in danger. Age: 18 and up  Vocal range: A2 to F4

 

GERTRUDE McFUZZ – A very self-conscious bird that fear their one-feather tail isn’t glamorous enough. Goes to great lengths to try to impress Horton. Age: 16 and up Vocal range: F3 to F5

 

MAYZIE LA BIRD Is  brassy, stylish and vain. The most beautiful bird in all of the jungle. Oblivious to their self-centered ways, they rely on their talent of manipulation, and intoxicating beauty, to navigate through life. Age: 18 and up Vocal range: G3 to Eb5

 

SOUR KANGAROO –  A loud, brassy character with a ton of attitude and stubbornly set in their ways. Gospel / R&B vocal styling is a plus. Along with the Wickershams, they love to pick on Horton. The leader of the jungle.. A caring mother, but unabashedly sassy and soulful. Age 25 and up Vocal range: F#3 to F5

 

JOJO –Jojo is a “Thinker”– a smart kid with a wild imagination but always feeling out of place. Jojo eventually uses his/her imagination to save the Who planet. Age: 15 and up  Vocal range: Ab3 to C5

 

  1. MAYOR – Jojo’s nervous and overprotective parents. They love Jojo, but are unsure how to raise a difficult child in a difficult world.  Age: 25 and up Vocal range: 

 

Mrs. Mayor –  Jojo’s nervous and overprotective parents. They love Jojo, but are unsure how to raise a difficult child in a difficult world. . Age: 25 and up Vocal range: Soprano

 

GENERAL SCHMITZ –Proud and misguided military leader of children, which renders moments of pure comical genius. Age: 30 and up Vocal range: Baritone

 

THE BIRD GIRLS (1) – The popular kids in any school–a clique of “backup birds” who narrate much of the action. Age 16 and up Vocal range: Alto, Mezzo, Soprano

 

THE BIRD GIRLS (2) – The popular kids in any school–a clique of “backup birds” who narrate much of the action. Age 16 and up Vocal range: Alto, Mezzo, Soprano

 

THE BIRD GIRLS (3) – The popular kids in any school–a clique of “backup birds” who narrate much of the action. Age 16 and up  –  Vocal range: Alto, Mezzo, Soprano

 

THE WICKERSHAM BROTHER (1) A group of comic, mischievous monkeys who like to play pranks and tease Horton.   Age Range 11 and up  – Vocal range: Bass, Baritone, Tenor

 

THE WICKERSHAM BROTHER (2) A group of comic, mischievous monkeys who like to play pranks and tease Horton.   Age Range 11 and up –  Vocal range: Bass, Baritone, Tenor

 

THE WICKERSHAM BROTHER (3) A group of comic, mischievous monkeys who like to play pranks and tease Horton.   Age Range 11 and up  – Vocal range: Bass, Baritone, Tenor

 

Ensemble Ages 8 and up, and All Vocal Ranges: various Including The Grinch, Judge Yertle the Turtle, Vlad Vladikoff, Jungle Creatures, Circus Characters, and The Whos. This will include 5 PERSON CHILDRENS’ CHORUS

 

 

** If you have any questions, or would like to audition but are unavailable at the prescribed times, please do not hesitate to contact the director Dawn Sniadak-Yamokoski at dawn@thewrp.org