When: Sunday, February 9th at 7:00pm
Callbacks: TBD
Where: Sutter Street Theatre Annex, 710 Figueroa Street, Folsom
The audition will consist of a prepared song (16-32 bars) and cold readings from the script.
There will be some dancing, so dress appropriately for movement if you are auditioning for a dancing role. This includes bringing appropriate footwear. Dancers and actors auditioning for Adelaide please bring tap shoes if you have them.
WHAT TO BRING:
- A headshot and resume if you have them.
- 16-32 bar cut of a song that demonstrates your vocal abilities. Please bring an accompaniment on a phone/CD.
- A complete list of any conflicts you have during the rehearsal schedule.
There can be no conflicts during tech week or performances.
Rehearsal Schedule: February 24 – March 27
Monday-Thursday evenings from 6:30pm-9:00pm
Tech Week: March 24 – March 27
Monday-Thursday evenings from 6:00pm – 9:30pm
Performance Schedule: March 28 – April 27
Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30pm
Sundays at 4:30pm
Book by Abe Burrows and Jo Swerling
Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser
Directed by Sam Williams
Synopsis: Set in Damon Runyon’s mythical New York City, Guys and Dolls is an oddball romantic comedy. Gambler, Nathan Detroit, tries to find the cash to set up the biggest craps game in town while the authorities breathe down his neck; meanwhile, his girlfriend and nightclub performer, Adelaide, laments that they’ve been engaged for fourteen years. Nathan turns to fellow gambler, Sky Masterson, for the dough, and Sky ends up chasing the straight-laced missionary, Sarah Brown, as a result. Guys and Dolls takes us from the heart of Times Square to the cafes of Havana, Cuba, and even into the sewers of New York City, but eventually everyone ends up right where they belong.
CHARACTERS:
Sky Masterson (Male, Baritone) Charismatic, cool and charming. Sky is a suave, intelligent and confident gangster who naturally commands others’ respect and attention. Handsome, with buckets of stage presence and sex appeal, he is familiar with attracting the attention of the ladies but finds himself falling in love with the one woman who brushes off his advances. He surprises himself by discarding his spontaneous, freewheeling lifestyle for a conventional romance. Some dance/movement ability required.
Sarah Brown (Female, Soprano) Conventional, respectable and principled, Sarah is initially a little too buttoned-up for her own good. She has genuine passion for her calling and compassion for her ‘fold’ but gives Sky an initial frosty response. The actress playing this role has to play convincingly drunk, when under the influence of alcohol she allows her straight-laced persona to slip and falls exuberantly and madly in love. She goes on a journey of reconciling her feelings with her beliefs, and changing some of her prejudices so that her head can follow her heart.
Nathan Detroit (Male, Baritone) Organizer of the floating crap game. With a tendency towards neuroticism Nathan is a lovable rogue who is always struggling to stay one step ahead of the pack and looking for the big break he never seems to get. Funny, frustrated but romantic his heart is torn between the camaraderie of his gambling circle and the woman he loves.
Miss Adelaide (Female, Mezzo) Lead performer at the ‘Hot Box’ a somewhat tacky and dodgy cabaret joint. Strong comic actress required with dancing ability. She spends the whole show with the symptoms of a cold, acting through sneezes and congestion. She adores Nathan but is driven crazy by his antics with the gambling ring and having been engaged to him for 15 years.
Nicely-Nicely Johnson (Male, Tenor) Best pal to Nathan Detroit. With a voracious appetite and boundless enthusiasm, Nicely is ‘nice’ by nature and name. Comic, cheerful and likeable he delivers hilarious one-liners and a big, Broadway showstopper (‘Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat’) with equal aplomb.
Benny Southstreet (Male, Baritone) Nicely’s pal with whom he sings the duet ‘Guys & Dolls’ and trio ‘Fugue for Tinhorns’. Upbeat, sometimes nervy, he is more of a novice in the gangster business and further down the pecking order
Harry the Horse (Male) Another gangster. Has come into money by collecting the reward on his father. Sidekick and mouthpiece to Big Jule, so, though a pleasant rogue, is more on the ball and can be a cool customer who is able to stand his ground when necessary. Sings with the ensemble but not alone.
Big Jule (Male) Powerful, intimidating, high status gangster from out of town, whose reputation precedes him. A man of few words but much clout. There is comedy in his straight-talking bluntness.
Arvide Abernathy (Male, Baritone) Sarah’s grandfather and significant member of the Salvation Army mission. Wise, warm and caring. Sings ‘More I cannot wish you’ to Sarah.
Rusty Charlie (Male, Baritone) Sings the trio ‘Fugue for Tinhorns’ with Nicely & Benny.
Lt. Brannigan (Male) Member of the local police force, wise to the gangsters’ exploits and trying to keep them in order. Commands respect from Nathan and the guys.
General Matilda B. Cartwright (Female, Mezzo) Regional representative of the Salvation Army. Powerful, matronly, no-nonsense with a formidable presence and, as it happens, a sense of humor.
Hot Box Girls (Female) The chorus of performers who back-up Adelaide in her nightclub act. Strong dancing, singing and character performance required. They perform 2 numbers with Adelaide. The Hot Box girls will also be in numerous acting scenes.
Ensemble: The ensemble makes up the characters of Times Square, gangsters and their molls, Salvation Army personnel and other cameos. We are looking for strong performers who can create individual, well-drawn characters. Featured male and female dancers will be required for the Opening in Runyonland and Broadway, Havana Sequence and male dancers for the Crapshooters Dance. They will all double into the ensemble. Other ensemble roles include Joey Biltmore, Agatha, Angie the Ox, Liver Lips Louie, Waiter etc.
