Auditions for Jackson County Community Theatre’s musical comedy, “Little Shop of Horrors,” will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 6 and 7 at Brownstown United Methodist Church, 110 N. Poplar St., Brownstown.
Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, who also are responsible for Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Aladdin,” are the creative geniuses behind what has become one of the most popular shows in the world, according to a news release from JCCT.
The show will be presented at the annual JCCT dinner theater Feb. 17, 18, 19, 24 and 25 at The Pines Evergreen Room south of Seymour.
Meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names “Audrey II” after his coworker crush. Audrey II turns out to be a sassy, R&B-singing carnivore that promises unending fame and fortune to the down-and-out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it … blood. Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II’s out-of-this-world origins and intent toward global domination.
Parts are available for four adult men and four adult women. Parts for women are Audrey, Crystal, Ronette and Chiffon. Audrey, age 24 to 39, is a sweet girl from the wrong side of the tracks who has fallen in love with the wrong guy. She has low self-esteem but beautiful dreams of happiness and security. The vocal range for this part is G3-D5, a soprano with strong rock mix/belt. Crystal, Ronette and Chiffon, ages 24 to 39, are the musical guides through the show, sometimes acting as a Greek chorus.
Parts available for men are Krelborn, Mr. Mushnik, Orin Scrivello and the voice of the plant, Audrey II. Krelborn, age 24 to 39, is a struggling introvert who comes from poverty but has a hero’s heart. He is genuine with a strong moral center equally at home in comedy and pathos. His vocal range is bari-tenor, A2-G4. He can sing musical theater but also cut loose into a rock sound. Mr. Mushnik, age 54 to 69, is the seasoned owner of the failing Skid Row Flower Shop and Krelborn’s boss. He is a good man who is given the chance to turn into a greedy one and (sadly) takes it. Vocal range for Mr. Mushnik is baritone, G2-F4. Orin Scrivello D.D.S, age 24 to 49, is an egotistical dentist with a passion for leather and sadistic tendencies. Audrey’s abusive boyfriend, this actor also plays other roles and should be a strong comic with great transformational skills. Vocal range is bass or bari-tenor. Voice of Audrey II is 18 or older. This part needs an actor/vocalist with a funky rhythm and blues voice. He is located offstage.
Everyone is welcome to audition, both experienced and aspiring actors. Those auditioning should bring a list of conflict dates and prepare a one- to two-minute comedic monologue to perform. They also should prepare 16 to 32 bars each of an uptempo song and a ballad.
A pianist will be provided, and selections may be from “Little Shop of Horrors” or another selection that is in the style of the authors. Examples of their work are mentioned above.
An audition form can be found on the website jcct.org or will be provided at auditions. If actors have a resume or photo, it can be attached.
Paul Angle is the director of the show with Zach Thompson as musical director. John Hiester will be the producer, and Katrina Hardwick is the choreographer.
JCCT policy requires that all participants in plays be members of the organization.
For those who are not currently members, forms will be available at the auditions. The membership fee is $5 for an individual and $10 for a family.