IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS - AUDITION INFORMATION
PERFORMANCE DATES: DECEMBER 2, 3, 4, AND 5, 2010
 
Book Director - Michael Schmidt
Music Director - Deb Swift
Choreographer - Martha Taylor
Assistant Director - Jerry Taylor
Assistant Music Director - Lynn Grandon 

Based on the beloved, timeless film, this heartwarming musical adaptation is being performed for the first time by the Music Guild.  Indeed, we are proud to be the first community theatre in the Quad Cities to perform this show that features seventeen Irving Berlin songs that include Blue Skies, Snow, Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep, How Deep Is the Ocean, Sisters, I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm, and the most popular song ever written, White Christmas. 
 
In the show, veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow the beautiful, singing Haynes sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil's former army commander, General Henry Waverly.  Once there the two song-and-dance pairs plot to help save the retired general's ski lodge, restore his pride, and pursue romance along the way.
 
Those who audition will need to prepare sixteen bars of a show tune to sing.  It can be from White Christmas, but please do not sing that particular song!  Bring sheet music with you for our accompanist.  Do not sing acappella, or to a recording.   Also, be prepared to be taught a bit of dance, as there is a considerable amount of dancing in the show, so dress comfortably and be ready to have fun.  (There is no need to bring tap shoes to auditions.)  Auditioners will also be asked to read dialogue from the show. 
 
CHARACTERS TO BE CAST:
Bob Wallace - Senior of the song-and-dance act with a crooning style who moves well. His singing range is C below middle (C4) to Ab above middle (Ab6).
Phil Davis - Bob's comic song-and-dance partner who moves well, he needs a strong jazz singing style.  His singing range is C below middle (C4) to G above middle (G6).
Betty Haynes - She is the elder in the sister act, a female singer of quiet beauty and charm who must move well.  Her singing range is Ab below middle (Ab 5) to D above high C (D6).
Judy Haynes - Betty's younger sister, a major song-and-dance performer. Her singing range is Ab below middle (Ab 5) to F above high C (F6).
General Henry Waverly - He is middle-aged and with the exception of one line, this is a non-singing role.
Martha Watson - She is the middle-aged housekeeper to Gen. Waverly, a winning, appealing character-comedienne.  Her singing range is G below middle (G5) to C above middle (C6).
Susan Waverly - Is the 9 years old granddaughter of Gen. Waverly.  She must have an excellent belt voice and be able to move well. Her singing range is B below middle (B5) to B above middle (B6).
Ralph Sheldrake - He is an army buddy of Wallace and Davis and producer of the Ed Sullivan Show.  He is a fast-talking New Yorker who participates in at least two of the ensemble numbers as a baritone.
Rita - She is one of Wallace and Davis' two star chorus girls who is brash, sexy, fun, and a bit dim witted.   She can have any singing range that is not bass/baritone!
Rhoda - She has the same attributes as Rita.  The two of them sing and dance in at least six numbers.
Ezekiel Foster - He is the prototypical New Englander who helps out at the Vermont Inn.He sings a bit in two numbers.  He can have any singing range that is not soprano/alto. (At least not soprano!)
Mike - He is the Wallace and Davis stage manager.  He sings in at least two numbers. He can have any singing range that is not soprano/alto.
The Ensemble - It includes singers and singers/dancers with singing ranges from mid to high baritone, tenor, alto, mezzo and soprano.  They appear in six numbers.  There are twelve characters with lines that will be assigned to members of the ensemble.
 
Make special note of the fact that there are extensive 2, 3, and 4-part vocal harmonies throughout the show.  The ability to blend with and complement the other parts will be a necessity.
The directing staff is thrilled to be putting together this very special production for the Music Guild and are anxious to find twenty to thirty-five outstanding performers who have the same aspiration.  They hope to find those people at this show's auditions at the Music Guild on: