February 2016
Overtones Masthead
Congratulations to the Cast of My Favorite Year!
Benjy Stone - Ian Sodawasser
King Kaisser - Mark McGinn
Sy Benson - Mike Schmidt
Alice Miller - Heidi Pederson
Herb Lee - James Alt
KC Downing - Jen Sondgeroth
Leo Silver - Joe Urbaitis
Alan Swann - Tom Naab
Belle Carroca - Jess Fah
Rookie Carroca - Shane Pruett
Tess - Rebecca Casilas
Uncle Morty -Mark Holmes
Aunt Sadie - Margie Martel
 
Ensemble
 Christianna Crosby
Kelsey Baker
Wendy Czekalski
Grace Ronnebeck
Susan Zelnio
Yvonne Siddique
Yasmin Korner
Joshua Simson
Randy Stevenson
 
Directing Staff
 Director - John Weigandt
Assistant Director/Stage Manager - Jaci Weigandt
Music Director - Joe Miller
Assistant Music Director - Amy Trimble
Choreographer - Shana Kulhavy
Costume - Deb Holmes
Props - Matt Stoefen
Sound - Alex Chaplain
Lights - Kevin Pierce
Makeup - Sue Starr
Producer - Troy Stark
 

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!
New QCMG Youth Chorus Members
Congratulations to Taylor Bumann, Jordan Engwall, Emily Grimes. Emma Jasper, Chloe Knobloch, Grace Mallette, Emily Myers and Grace Phareson on being selected to join the QCMG Youth Chorus!
2017 Play Selection Meetings
The dates and times of the 2017 play selection meetings will be made available in the March 2016 Overtones.
Season Tickets Now Available!
Season ticket packages for our 2016 season are now on sale.  Three-, four- and five-show packages are available. 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
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Auditions - February 20-21, 27  2016

Show Dates: June 10-11-12 and 16-17-18-19, 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
 

Show Dates: July 8-9-10 and 14-15-16-17, 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 naïve 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
Show Dates: August 5-6-7 and 11-12-13-14, 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
Corrine Brown, Producer

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.

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