Directed by John Delaney, Music Director, John Dale Smith
Show Dates: May 29-June 8, 2014
Play Synopsis:
Based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew, this re-imagined musical features a sparkling new score from Stephen Schwartz. This modern-day retelling of the gospel boasts a string of well-loved songs along with the human and heartening parables of Jesus. At its core, it is the timeless tale of friendship, loyalty and love.
You may request an emailed perusal script from Mike ([email protected]) or Jane ([email protected])
Characters: (Ages 20’s to 30’s for all roles)
JESUS—Must be the most charismatic individual in the cast. High energy, charming, funny, gentle but with strength. He is the sort of person others instinctively follow.
JOHN THE BAPTIST/JUDAS—He has attributes of both Biblical figures: he is both Jesus’ lieutenant and most ardent disciple and the doubter who begins to question and rebel. Like Jesus, he is also charismatic, but in more of an overt revolutionary way. Usually played by someone handsome and masculine, with an undertone of sexuality. He is the most “serious” and intellectual of the group, though as with all the actors, he must still possess a good sense of physical comedy.
MAN #1—Very high energy. Impish and playful. In the original, he played several musical instruments, including concertina, recorder, and guitar.
MAN #2—Not the brightest in the bunch, he is a little slow on the uptake. But there is a great sweetness and innocence about him. Because he sings “All Good Gifts,” he must be a good singer.
MAN #3—The comedian, the class clown. The guy who can do a hundred voices and imitations.
WOMAN #1—A bit of a tomboy, but basically open and sweet. Perhaps the youngest of the group. She is the first of the group to commit to following Jesus in the song “Day by Day.”
WOMAN #2—The confident one, the show-off. The first one to volunteer, sometimes she jumps in before she really understands what’s going on.
WOMAN #3—The shy one. Sometimes a little slow to get things, but when she does, she commits all the way. Has an “earth mother” kind of warmth to her.
WOMAN #4—Sassy and slightly cynical, the most urban of the group. Also the “Sexy” one, but her sexiness contains a large element of put-on, in the manner of Mae West or Madonna (Who, in fact, once played this role.)
WOMAN #5—The female equivalent of the class clown. Goofy and a cut-up. In the 2012 Broadway revival, she played several instruments, including conga, ukulele, and guitar.
In addition to each individual being able to stand out, it is important that all be able to function as an ensemble, without any feeling that any one (other than Jesus) stands out above the others. Other important traits to look for in casting are comic ability and skill at improvisation.
Also, if you play a musical instrument it’s a plus! Do impressions? Even better!!. Sound effects, beatbox, GREAT!
Come prepared to Sing a Song (Acompanist provided) ,read from the script and improvise scenes. Scripts available at the theatre office, or by e-mail. Contact Mike Siracuse at the theatre office Tues-Fri, 10am-5:30pm at 482-5700 or by e-mail at [email protected]