Musicals at Richter

Musicals at Richter (MAR), celebrating its 24th season as the longest-running outdoor theater in Connecticut, will hold an additional call for several principal and featured ensemble roles for the 2008 summer season on Sunday, April 13 from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at the Richter Arts Center (Richter House), 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury. If you were seen during the general auditions March 27-30 and have not been specifically called back, you do not need to attend this call.

The main stage musical season features three popular Broadway musicals, including Blake Edwards, Henry Mancini and Leslie Bricusse’s hilarious adaptation of the gender-bending hit film comedy “Victor/Victoria” (June 19 – July 5) directed by Donald Birely of New York City; Leonard Bernstein, Betty Comden and Adolph Green’s quirky and comic "Wonderful Town" (July 10 – 26) directed by E. Kyle Minor of Danbury; and Meredith Willson’s sparkling classic “The Music Man” (July 31 - August) also directed by Mr. Birely.

For “Victor/Victoria,” strong actor-singers are sought for the leading roles of King Marchan, the dashing macho gangster who finds himself strangely drawn to the enigmatic Victor; Norma, King’s brassy blonde girlfriend; and Squash, King’s devoted bodyguard who finds a special love interest of his own. Additional men and women are needed as singer-dancers and in key ensemble roles, especially character men.

For “Wonderful Town,” baritone men are being considered for the principal role of Bob Baker, the magazine editor who falls in love with Ruth. Experienced singer-dancers, both men and women, are sought for key roles in the ensemble and specialty choreography.

For “The Music Man,” a strong actor-singer is needed for the role of Harold Hill’s sidekick, Marcellus Washburn. Another young boy, age 8-13, is sought to alternate in the role of Winthrop, Marian’s little brother.

Those auditioning should prepare two Broadway show tunes (up-tempo and ballad) that show their range, bring sheet music in their key, and be ready to sing only their best 16 measures if necessary. An accompanist will be provided. Auditionees should bring a picture and resume (stapled) if they have them, and be prepared to learn a short dance combination and to read from the script if asked. Young actors auditioning for Winthrop will learn a song from the show and may be seen in small groups.

Please note that these positions are unpaid and housing is not available. Show descriptions and cast breakdowns can be found on the theater website, www.musicalsatrichter.org.

In addition to performers, Musicals at Richter welcomes applications from experienced stage managers and seeks volunteers from the area for backstage duties such as set construction, properties, costume coordination, and running crew; and front-of-house operations such as house management, ushering, and concessions. Interested individuals are invited to call or e-mail the theater.

Now in its 24th season, Musicals at Richter is Connecticut’s longest-running outdoor theater. Performances are given on weekends at the Richter Arts Center (next to the Richter Park Golf Course), 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury. Nestled in the hills of Western Connecticut, the Arts Center stage has served as the scenic backdrop for almost 70 musicals produced by Musicals at Richter, as well as a professional springboard for hundreds of up-and-coming performers. Musicals at Richter is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. For further information, visit the website at www.musicalsatrichter.org, leave a message at 203-748-6873 or e-mail info@musicalsatrichter.org.

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Danbury’s Musicals at Richter Announces Auditions for 24th Season under the Stars March 27-30; Call for Performers and Other Volunteers

Danbury, Conn. -- Musicals at Richter (MAR), celebrating its 24th season as the longest-running outdoor theater in Connecticut, will hold 2008 season auditions for high school, college and adult performers March 27 – 30 at The Melrose School, 120 Federal Hill Road, in Brewster, New York, just a few minutes from Richter Park. A separate children’s audition will be held for young performers ages 7-15 on Saturday, March 29.

The main stage musical season features three popular Broadway musicals, including Blake Edwards, Henry Mancini and Leslie Bricusse’s hilarious adaptation of the gender-bending hit film comedy “Victor/Victoria” (June 19 – July 5) directed by Donald Birely of New York City; Leonard Bernstein, Betty Comden and Adolph Green’s quirky and comic "Wonderful Town" (July 10 – 26) directed by E. Kyle Minor of Danbury; and Meredith Willson’s sparkling classic “The Music Man” (July 31 - August) also directed by Mr. Birely.

For younger audiences, the popular Fairy Tale Theater series features hour-long daytime shows directed and adapted by Elyse Jasensky of Danbury and performed by a youth ensemble.

As a kick-off and special thank you to the theater’s many alumni, Thursday, March 27 is designated for returning MAR performers (age 16 through adult) to audition by appointment only. Appointments for alumni night may be made by calling (203) 438-1669.

Open auditions for high school (16 and up), college and adult performers will be held Friday, March 28 from 7 – 10 p.m.; Saturday, March 29 from 2 – 6 p.m.; and Sunday, March 30 from 1 – 5 p.m.

Those auditioning for main stage shows should prepare two Broadway show tunes (up-tempo and ballad) that show their range, bring sheet music in their key, and be ready to sing only their best 16 measures if necessary. An accompanist will be provided. Auditionees should bring a picture and resume (stapled) if they have them, and be prepared to learn a short dance combination and to read from the script if asked. All roles are open; please note that positions are unpaid and housing is not available. Show descriptions and cast breakdowns can be found on the theater website, www.musicalsatrichter.org.

Musicals at Richter.org