January 2016

A Message from Our President......

Welcome to Quad City Music Guild's 68th year of Broadway in the Park! 2015 was very successful for QCMG. Nearly 14,000 patrons stepped through the doors of our theater last season! I would like to send a huge thank you to all of our officers and board, staff members, performers, musicians, crews and volunteers who worked together to make it all happen!

As we look ahead in 2016, the excitement from last season will carry us into another great year. Our line-up of shows for this year, including My Favorite Year, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Into the Woods, Children of Eden and the ever popular "Holiday Favorite TBA" are sure to entertain our audiences and attract hundreds of auditioners, participants and volunteers to be a part of the season. In addition there will be spring and fall concerts presented by the QCMG Youth Chorus. I hope you are planning to be in on all the fun!

QCMG has not reached our 68th season on it's own. We have succeeded because of the hundreds of talented volunteers who work tirelessly all year round to make it happen. Along those lines, we sincerely hope we can depend on all of you who were involved over the past year to once again assist us in 2016. If you have not been involved and would like to be, we would love to have you! Regardless of your skills and areas of interest, I am certain we can find a committee or assignment that is just right. So, please consider volunteering. You (and QCMG) will be glad you did!

And finally, don't forget to order your tickets for this coming year. There are a number of season ticket options available now with our best bargain being the Ultimate Season Ticket Package. Ticket orders are being received daily and will be filled at the end of January. Regardless of which option you choose, order now for the best seats available.

We look forward to seeing you at Youth Chorus and My Favorite Year auditions later this month, the annual Tea on February 14th and at the summer show auditions later in February!

Happy New Year!

Kevin Pieper

President

QCMG Youth Chorus Auditions

The Quad-City Music Guild Youth Chorus will be auditioning young singers, 3rd through 8th grade, to add to our existing group. We are looking for quality, unchanged voices from hard working and enthusiastic young people to participate. We will be performing music from a variety of musicals of different eras. Our audition dates will be Saturday January 16th from 1:00-3:00pm and Monday January 18th from 4:30-6:00pm at our theater in Moline. Please bring sheet music of an age-level appropriate song (a minute or less) and be prepared to tap a few rhythms and sing back some simple melodies. An accompanist will be provided, no recordings or unaccompanied singing please. After auditions, an email will be sent to those young people who are selected. Members will be asked to pay a fee of $50 to help offset the cost of music, and to pay for the performance shirt.

The QCMG Youth Chorus rehearse on Mondays, beginning on the 25th, from 4:30-6:00p.m. in the lobby of our theater in Prospect Park in Moline. The original group had a performance on November 13th with their next concert is scheduled for April 17th at 2:00 p.m. on the QCMG stage.

If you have questions, please contact the music director, Valeree Pieper at qcmgyouthchorus@gmail.com.

Please join us for the Pre-Audition Tea

The annual pre-audition tea will be held Sunday, February 14th at 2:00 at QCMG. This is your opportunity to learn more information from the directors of our summer shows and to hear songs from the productions. Refreshments will also be served. All are welcome!

Congratulations to the Cast, Staff, and Crew of A Christmas Story, The Musical!

Congratulations to everyone involved in our December production, A Christmas Story, The Musical. Thank you for a great show!

Season Tickets Now Available!

Season ticket packages for our 2016 season are now on sale. Three-, four- and five-show packages are available. Orders must be received by January 31, 2016 in order to request the same seats as last year. New orders are also being accepted. For more information, please visit our website, www.qcmusicguild.com or call our box office at 309-762-6610. A volunteer will be happy to return your call!

Interested in Volunteering at QCMG?

Quad City Music Guild is always in need of volunteers to help throughout the year. Whether it's costumes, makeup, parking or concessions, we are always looking for volunteers to help make our shows great! We now have an easier way for you to get information about how you can get involved. Just email qcmgvolunteer@gmail.com with questions or what you're interested in helping with.

QC Music Guild Statement on Casting Shows

QC Music Guild does not cast shows prior to auditions, therefore all parts in all shows are available and we encourage everyone to audition. We look forward to seeing you at auditions!

Coming Soon!

Spring 2016

June 2016

July 2016

August 2016

TBA

December 2016

My Favorite Year Auditions - January 22 and 23, 2016

DIRECTING STAFF

Book Director - John Weigandt

Music Director - Joe Miller

Choreographer - Shana Kulhavy

Asst. Music Director - Amy Trimble

Asst. Book/Stage Mgr - Jaci Weigandt

Lighting Design - Kevin Pierce

Sound Design - Alex Chaplain

Props - Matt Stoefen

Producer - Troy Stark

AUDITION DATES/TIMES

Friday, January 22nd - 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Saturday, January 23rd- 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Callbacks (if utilized) Sunday, January 24th

Based on the motion picture My Favorite Year, courtesy of Turner Entertainment Co., with story by Dennis Palumbo and screenplay by Norman Steinberg and Dennis Palumbo.

The musical story of a young man's coming-of-age during the golden years of live television in...

3...2...1...

A classic musical comedy with a heart of gold, My Favorite Year features a tuneful score by the incomparable TONY-winning songwriters Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty and is based on the hit Peter O'Toole film of the same name. The show opened on Broadway in 1993, and Andrea Martin won her first TONY Award for her hilarious turn in the original production.

It's 1954, and Benjy Stone, writers' assistant on TV's King Kaiser Comedy Cavalcade, is assigned the daunting task of baby-sitting veteran Hollywood swashbuckler Alan Swann. The reckless Swann is in town doing a live guest appearance on the show, and his antics and alcoholism nearly get Benjy fired. But when Benjy's given an unexpected glimpse into Swann's broken heart, he begins to discover a thing or two about life and love.

This show features many opportunities for those of all ages to shine. Alan, Belle, Benji, K C, King, Alice, Rookie, and Morty all have either featured songs or Solos. The show will have a medium to large chorus of varied ages, from high school to well-seasoned performers.

Cast of Characters

Benjy Stone

Our story's excitable protagonist, he is a young hopeful who remains eager and alert. A freshman writer on King Kaiser's Comedy Cavalcade. Male. Range: Ab2 - Gb4

King Kaiser

A big bear of a man who is brash and abrasive. A former Catskill Comic, he is now the host of America's number one TV show. Male.

Sy Benson

Head writer on the Comedy Cavalcade. Tough and ruthless, he bullies all except King. Deep down, he is nothing more than a frantic pushover and wimp. Male. Range: F#3 - E4

Alice Miller

The tough-talking gag writer on Comedy Cavalcade. Gutsy, dry, and quick-witted. Female.

Range: D3 - D5

Herb Lee

Rumpled and silent, yet seemingly expressive. A writer on the Comedy Cavalcade staff who usually communicates through Alice. Male. Range: E3 - Eb4

K.C. Downing

A bright, attractive career girl and assistant to the producer. Straight-laced and misplaced in a crowded world of funny people. Female. Range: A3 - E5

Leo Silver

Grey-haired and well-dressed. The lead producer of the Comedy Cavalcade who boasts plenty of intimidation to make up for his other shortcomings. Male. Range: G3 - F4

Alan Swann

A handsome, well-traveled Hollywood leading man. Although charismatic and visible, he is now considered a sad "has-been." Male. Range: G2 - Eb4

Belle May Steinberg Carroca

Benjy's beloved mother. A substantial beacon of Brooklyn society, she is generous of nature and proportion. Female. Range: G3 - G#5

Uncle Morty

Benjy's uncle who is round, thick, and bald, but always full of life and knows how to have a good

time. Male. Range: C3 - D4

Ensemble

Chorus Girls; Male Dancers; Sketch Actors; Stage Hands; Grips; Cameramen; Wardrobe People; Secretaries; Assorted Denizens; Brooklyn Neighbors

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Auditions - February 20-21, 27 2016

DIRECTING STAFF

Book Director - Kevin Pieper

Music Director- Marcia Renaud

Choreographer - Susie Adams

Asst. Music Director - Sue Williams

Asst. Book/Stage Mgr - Craig Woodard

Set Design- Kevin Pieper

Costume Design - Deb Holmes

Lighting Design - John Weigandt

Sound Design - TBD

Props Chair - Joe Thomas

AUDITION DATES/TIMES

Saturday February 20th - 12:15 - 2:15

Sunday February 21st - 12:30 - 2:00

Saturday February 27th - 2:30 - 4:30

Callbacks (if utilized) Sunday, February 28th - TBA

Take a fantastic musical adventure with an out-of-this-world car and characters! Based on the beloved 1968 film version of Ian Fleming's children's book, and featuring an unforgettable score by the Sherman Brothers (Mary Poppins), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a family-friendly blockbuster that audiences will find "Truly Scrumptious".

An eccentric inventor, Caractacus Potts, sets about restoring an old race car from a scrap heap with the help of his children Jeremy and Jemima. They soon discover the car has magical properties including the ability to float and take flight. Trouble occurs when the evil Baron Bomburst desires the magic car for himself and sends his spies to find it. The wonderful score includes the memorable title song, Toot Sweets, Truly Scrumptious, Hushabye Mountain, Me Ol' Bamboo, Chu-Chi Face and many others.

CASTING INFORMATION

We will be looking for an exciting, talented, fun-loving cast of 30-35 to fill out the several principal, featured and ensemble roles in this production. Many non-principal players will have solo speaking and singing lines within the show. Choreography is present throughout the performance, but don't let that scare you off! Although all cast members will be required to 'move', we will utilize a featured dancers ensemble for the main dances in the production numbers.

The minimum age to audition for this show is 9 years old at time of auditions.

Auditioners should be prepared to sing up to 32 measures of a song which best suits your vocal range. Please bring sheet music for the accompanist. You will also be asked to learn a brief dance movement, so wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Auditioners may also be asked to read excerpts from the script. Above all, we want you to relax and enjoy yourself....we'll be very happy to see you!

PRINCIPAL AND FEATURED ROLES

For the roles listed below, other than Jeremy and Jemima, we are not indicating an age range, preferring to look at all individuals who audition and match characters accordingly.

Caractacus Potts

An eccentric, brilliant, English inventor and loving father and son. His inventions and children are his life. English Accent. Vocal Range: Top G5/Bottom A3

Truly Scrumptious

Daughter of the famous candy maker, Lord Scrumptious. Strong and independent, but has a gentle side. Develops an interest for Caractacus, and provides a motherly relationship for the children. English Accent. Vocal Range: Top E5/Bottom A3

Grandpa Potts

Caractacus Potts's father, who is a former war hero. Humorous, puffy character who loves to tell old war stories. A second father to the children. English Accent. Vocal Range: Top E5/Bottom C4

Baron Bomburst

Tyrannical ruler of Vulgaria and lover of toys. A man-child, he is very immature, needy, and whiney. A great character role. Vulgarian Accent. Vocal Range: Top E5/Bottom E4

Baroness Bomburst

Wife of the baron, head of Vulgarian Parliament. Cannot stand and is scared to death of children. Tyrannical and dramatic. The Baroness has a featured samba dance number in the second act. Vulgarian Accent. Vocal Range: Top G5/Bottom G3

The Childcatcher

Evil and manipulative, he makes sure Vulgaria is child-free. Hates children almost as much as the Baroness. Non-singing role. (But may be used in ensemble in Act 1)

The Toymaker

With all children outlawed in Vulgaria, this toy-making genius only makes toys for the child-like Baron. Smart, kind, but frightened. Also an ensemble member. Vocal Range: Top E5/Bottom C4

Jeremy Potts (Age 9 at auditions or older)

Caractacus's son. An adventurous boy with a vivid imagination. A total child at heart who loves his family, and misses his mother. English Accent.

Vocal Range: An unchanged voice. Top E5/Bottom C4

Jemima Potts (age 9 at auditions or older)

Caractacus's daughter. Also adventurous and imaginative. Loves her brother, father and grandpa. Misses her mother as well and shows an early fondness towards Truly. English Accent.

Vocal Range: Top E5/Bottom C4

Boris

A member of the two-person Vulgarian spy ring that works for the Baron and Baroness. Comical, fun role. Though he is not very smart, he is the leader. Vulgarian Accent.

Vocal Range: Top G5/Bottom C4

Goran

The other member of the two-person Vulgarian spy ring that works for the Baron and Baroness. A dumb oaf. Comical, fun role. Vulgarian Accent. Vocal Range: Top G5/Bottom D4

Lord Scrumptious

Owner of the Scrumptious Sweet Factory and father to Truly. Extremely busy, important, and decisive. Also an ensemble member. English Accent. Vocal Range: Can be Tenor, Baritone or Bass

DANCE AND VOCAL ENSEMBLES

Dance Ensemble

We will be casting 8 to 10 dancers who will be featured in the main dances of the production numbers. These may be female or male dancers as we will adjust accordingly.

Adult Ensemble

We will have a busy 12-15 member adult ensemble (Inventors, Soldiers, Townspeople, English Crowd) filling a number of other named roles in the show, many with speaking lines and solo singing lines. The 'inventors' for the song The Roses of Success will be ensemble members. Although not all will be featured in dances, we will be looking for all members of the ensemble to be able to do choreographed movement.

Children's Ensemble (age 9 at auditions or older)

In addition to Jeremy and Jemima, we are looking to cast 6 to 8 children in the show who will be members of the ensemble. They will be used in most large ensemble numbers and in Act 2 are featured as captured children who work with Truly and Caractacus to free Grandpa and the children from the Baron and Baroness.

Into the Woods Auditions - February 20-21, 27, 2016

DIRECTING STAFF

Book Director: Colleen Houlihan

Vocal Music Director: Maureen Holmes

Pit Orchestra Director: Rich Stodd

Asst. Music Director: Justin Lebo

Asst. Book Director: Sean McGinn

Choreographer: Beth Marsoun

Set Design: Mike Turczynski

Costume Design: Sue Woodard

Prop Master: Lauren Arner

Make-up Design: Sue Starr

Producer: Dan Pepper

AUDITION DATES/TIMES

Saturday, February 20th - 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, February 21st - 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, February 27th -10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Sunday, February 28th - Callbacks (if necessary) - TBD

SYNOPSIS

Into the Woods unites everyone's favorite storybook characters for an adventure that stretches well beyond the pages of the familiar fairy tales. The Tony Award-winning book was written by James Lapine with score and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The story follows the intertwining lives of a Baker and his wife, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and others as they strive to get (and keep) their wish. Into the Woods, contrary to the simplicity implied by its fairy tale origins, is a show that explores deeper, life-affirming themes that require actors adept at comedy and drama alike.

AVAILABLE ROLES

Narrator (The same actor will play both the narrator and mysterious man.)

The story-teller who helps to orchestrate the action and interpret motives and meaning to the audience. Vocal range: G2 - E4

Mysterious Man (The same actor will play both the narrator and mysterious man.)

A mischievous vagrant with a "mysterious" background and intentions. Vocal range: G2 - Eb4

Cinderella

A young, earnest maiden mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters, who learns a White Knight isn't always what it's cracked up to be. Vocal range: G3 - G5

Jack

The feckless Giant killer who is "almost a man." He never met a beanstalk (or dare) he didn't like.

Vocal range: B2 - G4
***Age: Actors must be at least 16 years of age at the time of auditions to try out for this role.

Jack's Mother

A weary, no-nonsense woman whose nemesis is her son's pet cow. Vocal range: Bb3 - Gb5

The Baker

A harried and insecure husband on a quest to start a family, who struggles to accept his wife's help along the way. Vocal range: Ab2 - G4

The Baker's Wife

A capable, bright, and determined woman who wishes to be a mother, and is willing to do anything to achieve her wish. Vocal range: F3 - G5

Cinderella's Stepmother

The lentil-loving, mean-spirited stepmother of Cinderella. Vocal range: A3 - F#5

Florinda

Cinderella's abusive stepsister who is vile and black of heart. Likes her up-do's tight... but not THAT tight. Vocal range: C4 - Ab5

Lucinda
Cinderella's other abusive stepsister who is also vile and black of heart. Vocal range: C4 - Ab5

Little Red Riding Hood

A strong-willed, quick-witted, fearless, and na�ve young girl, who could have used a lesson in "Stranger Danger." Vocal range: Bb3 - F5

***Age: Actors must be at least 16 years of age at the time of auditions to try out for this role.

The Witch

The next-door neighbor you'd never want. This queen of the ulterior motive agrees to help the baker and his wife dispel a curse (she placed) in order to undo a curse placed upon herself.

Vocal range: F3 - G5

Cinderella's Mother

Cinderella's deceased mother whose spirit guards and aids her daughter from a tree.

Vocal range: D4 - F5

Wolf

An insatiable hunter who tricks Little Red Riding Hood into providing his next meal.

Vocal range: Bb2 - Gb4

Rapunzel

A lovely maiden (with a glorious mane of hair and soprano lilt) who is sheltered in a tower by the Witch and terribly lonely. Vocal range: B3 - A5

Cinderella's Prince

The self-proclaimed sensitive, clever, well-mannered, considerate, passionate, charming as-kind-as-he's-handsome heir to the throne. Vocal range: B2 - F4

Rapunzel's Prince

The less intelligent heir to the throne entranced by a captivating maiden in a tower.

Vocal range: C#3 - E4

Steward

Servant to Cinderella's Prince, who orchestrates the hunt for the Girl who fits the Glass Slipper.
(This role is primarily a speaking part. He does not have solo singing lines, but will likely be asked to sing in ensemble numbers.)

Granny

Little Red Riding Hood's grandmother.
(This role is a speaking part, which will likely be doubled with Cinderella's Mother.)

Cinderella's Father

The bumbling, drunk, and inattentive father to Cinderella.
(This role is primarily a speaking part. He does not have solo singing lines, but will likely be asked to sing in ensemble numbers.)

Lady Giant

The Giant's wife who is seeking retribution for her loss.
(Voiceover only. Most likely will be doubled with Cinderella's Mother.)

AUDITION GUIDELINES

Please prepare 16-32 bars of music that show off both your vocal range and your acting range. We are looking for auditions that demonstrate an ability to emote while singing.

Solo selections from the show are welcome (but not mandatory) - particularly for the roles of Jack, Little Red Riding Hood, and the Witch.

***Actors should be at least 16 years of age at the time of auditions in order to try out for this production (including those interested in the roles of Jack or Little Red Riding Hood).

No dance audition will be required.

Rehearsals will begin May 20th. Performance weekends will be July 8th-10th and 14th-17th. Please be sure to include any known conflicts on your audition sheet.

Please take time before your audition to consider the box on the audition sheet that indicates whether you would "accept any role." Our production does not have a traditional chorus; all roles are named characters with story arcs and solo lines. We will interpret this box to indicate whether you would accept a smaller feature role, in the event you do not receive the larger role you might desire.

Children of Eden Auditions - February 20-21, 27, 2016

DIRECTING STAFF

Bill Marsoun, Director/Set Designer

Tom Morrow, Assistant Director

Dave Blakey, Music Director

Deb Swift, Assistant Music Director

Susie Carsell-Schaecther, Choreographer

Corrine Brown, Props Chairman

Zach Baker, Lighting Designer

Costumer Designer, TBA

Sound Design, TBA

AUDITION DATES/TIMES

Saturday, February 20th - 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Sunday, February 21st - 2:15 - 3:45 p.m.

Saturday, February 27th - 12:15 - 2:15 p.m.

Sunday, February 28th - Callbacks (if necessary) - TBD

Children of Eden is a beautiful, lyrical musical composed by Stephen Swartz. It is not a "kids show," but relates the story of Genesis in a personal and simple text. The first act is the story of Adam and Eve. The second act is Noah's story.

When I directed this musical before, I cast the first act and the second act characters individually, unlike most productions. Also, I cast an octet as my primary story tellers. They are on stage for most of the show and are featured throughout the production. The remaining cast consists of young people. This group will be on stage as much as possible as chorus, dancers, animals and added story tellers.

I hope to have a large cast. At tryouts please bring 16 bars of a song to sing which shows off your best qualities. Dress comfortably. Although dance is not the primary concern of the production, our cast must be able to move and you will be asked to show your mobility at auditions. Children should be in 4th grade or older at the time of tryouts.

CAST

The Father (God) - Baritone

Adam - Tenor

Eve - Mezzo-Soprano

Young Able - Countertenor

Young Cain - Countertenor

Old Cain - Tenor

Old Able - Tenor

Seth - Tenor

8 Story tellers - Octet

Noah - Tenor

Mamma Noah - Mezzo-Soprano

Ham- Tenor

Aysha, Ham's wife - Alto

Shem - Tenor

Aphra Shem's wife - Alto

Jepthah - Tenor

Yonah - Mezzo-Soprano

The Snake dancers sing five part harmony.

The ensemble will be snake dancers, animals, flood people, a bird girl and The Children of Eden.