(Based on the beloved short story by Truman Capote, with music by Larry Grossman and lyrics by Carol Hall) at Great Escape Stage Company in Marshall, MI.  Rehearsals begin immediately - Sunday thru Thursday evenings (7:00 to 9:00 PM).  12 performances December 3 thru 19.  (Thursday thru Sunday - with one Wednesday evening performance 12/16).  Some pay involved (gas stipend).  Character description and synopsis:
JENNIE FAULK - 45-65, Sook's domineering spinster sister, confident she knows what's right for everyone in her family.  Medium range metzo-soprano, low A up to a C. 

SYNOPSIS

In rural Alabama, 1933, young BUDDY is being raised by three eccentric cousins. He is closest to his COUSIN SOOK, still a child herself in many ways -- and as Christmas nears, she and Buddy gather ingredients to bake holiday gifts for those who've had a memorable impact on their lives in the past year. Sook's sister JENNIE is concerned these fanciful outings will cause the boy to grow up soft. Enlisting the aid of their bachelor brother SEABON, she plots to separate the best friends for their own good.

From the vantage point of time, ADULT BUDDY, now a successful writer, leads us through a series of adventures, fondly remembering the onetime soulmates' efforts to both celebrate the holiday and find a way to thwart Jennie's plans.  They obtain Prohibition whiskey for their cakes at a nightclub run by the notorious HAHA JONES; Buddy makes a surprising friend in NELLE HARPER, his tomboy neighbor, leading her on a wonderful adventure of their own; and Buddy and Sook inadvertently get tipsy on leftover fruitcake whiskey, happily planning their lives together as best friends forever.

Despite best efforts to the contrary, Buddy's gift from Jennie and Seabon is a military school uniform and a train ticket.  This is to be their last Christmas together.  Flying kites one final time that morning, Buddy and Sook vow never to lose touch -- to keep their hearts soaring close as the kites in the sky. Now, on his return to this place of memories, Adult Buddy makes an emotional reconnection, a catharsis in which he embraces the past and realizes that the next story he has to tell...is this one.

For more information or if interested, please contact the director at 269-589-5127 immediately. 

www.AChristmasMemoryMusical.com

Great Escape Stage Company is a small 501(c)(3) theatre located at 155 West Michigan Avenue (SE corner of Eagle Street) in Historic Downtown Marshall, MI.   Box Office 269-781-2700.  

Randy Lake (269) 589-5127 (cell)

Sorry to send two emails in a row, but just realized this is for TOMORROW (I just got this message today?!) — in case any of you can venture to MARSHALL (about 45 minutes south of Lansing):

Great Escape Stage Company had auditions last Monday and Tuesday evenings for their holiday musical "A Christmas Memory" (based on the Truman Capote story).  We're still looking to cast a number of roles and are having further auditions on Sunday afternoon (10/4) from 3:00 to 4:30 PM at the theatre.  Audition info is below.  This will be the Michigan Premiere of this new family Christmas musical with music by Larry Grossman and Lyrics by Carol Hall.  Great roles and some pay (gas stipend).  Please pass this along to anyone who might be interested!
 
Additional auditions for the Michigan premiere of “Truman Capote’s A Christmas Memory”– based on the beloved short story – will be held at GREAT ESCAPE STAGE COMPANY on Sunday October 4th, from 3:00 to 4:30 PM.   Rehearsals will begin in the evenings (usually Sundays thru Thursdays – 7:00 to 9:00 PM) in October and performances start November 19th thru December 6th.  (Thursday thru Sunday - with no show on Thanksgiving.)
The family-friendly holiday musical will be directed by Randy Lake, GESC’s Artistic Director, with musical direction by Alan Stulberg.  The cast includes 3 women, 2 men, 1 young boy (looks 9 to 12), 1 young girl (looks 11 to 13), and a sweet-natured terrior.
 
All auditionees will be asked to read from the script and to sing a short song (accompanist provided – if available, please bring sheet music in proper key.)  Complete audition information can be found at GreatEscapeStageCompany.org and information on the show can be found at AChristmasMemoryMusical.com.
 
All characters sing and move.  Roles include:    
 
SOOK FAULK (45-65) childlike and emotional, full of life and good will, wearing her heart on her sleeve.

BUDDY FAULK (looks 9-12), a cousin to Sook. Sweet and sensitive with an active imagination. A young version of the ​ writer.

ADULT BUDDY (30's to 40’s), a successful Manhattan writer with a poetic soul, currently at an emotional and professional crossroads.

JENNIE FAULK (45-65) Sook's domineering spinster sister, confident she knows what's right for everyone in her family.

ANNA STABLER (35-50) African-American, the Faulks' cook, caretaker, and confidante, with a sharp sense of humor and a strong sense of self.

NELLE HARPER (looks 11-13) Buddy's tomboy neighbor and nemesis whose tough exterior masks a need to connect emotionally with someone.

SEABON (rhymes with T-bone) FAULK (45-65) brother to Sook and Jennie, a timid bachelor who still dreams of a bigger life.  Also plays HAHA JONES, owner of the nightclub outside of town, a frightening presence and the subject of local gossip. Also plays FARLEY WOOD, the postman who knows everybody's business. Also plays DELIVERY MAN.

QUEENIE - Buddy's lovable terrier. Dog should be gentle,  good natured and not bothered by people or audiences.
 
Actors & technicians will be paid a small stipend.  Great Escape Stage Company is a 45-seat not-for-profit theatre located at 155 West Michigan Avenue in Historic downtown Marshall. For more information, please contact the director at 269-589-5127 or leave a message at the Box Office 269-781-2700.