Ragtime, The Musical, Audition Information
Carmel Community Players announces open auditions for the musical Ragtime, based on E.L. Doctorow's distinguished novel. Written by playwright Terrence McNally, music by Flaherty and Ahrens (Once on this Island and Seussical). Directed by Dr. Doug Peet, produced by Risa Krauter.
Audition dates: December 3-4, 2017, 7:00pm.
Location: Carmel Community Playhouse in Clay Terrace
Performance dates: Weekends of April 13-29, Fridays-Saturdays, 7:30, Sundays, 2:30.
Be prepared to sing 16 measures of a song and read from the script. Bring sheet music for your song in the proper key (or recorded accompaniment).
A sweeping musical portrait of early-twentieth-century New York tells the story of three families in pursuit of the American Dream, a stifled upper class wife, a determined Jewish immigrant and a daring young Harlem musician -- united by their courage, compassion and belief in the promise of the future. Together they confront history's timeless contradictions of wealth and poverty, freedom and prejudice, hope and despair, and what it means to live in America.
Seeking talented, multi-ethnic adults and children for this Tony Award-winning score. Musical styles range from the ragtime rhythms of Harlem and Tin Pan Alley to the klezmer of the Lower East Side, from bold brass band marches to delicate waltzes, from up-tempo banjo tunes to period parlor songs and expansive anthems. A truly unique and powerful portrait of America, Ragtime is sure to inspire actors and audiences alike!
Character Breakdown (Vocal Range from top to bottom)
Booker T. Washington. Male, 45-55, Eb4-D3. Incredibly intelligent social activist. He is an eloquent and articulate gentleman with no patience for Black Americans leading less than exemplary lives.
Coalhouse Walker Jr. Male, 25-35, Vocal range A4-G2. A proud and talented pianist. He is sophisticated, with a romantic demeanor and gentle heart though an intimidating build. African-American.
Emma Goldman. Female, 35-45, D5-B3. Social activist. With an unapologetically demanding presence, she is a leader and powerful woman. Russian-American.
Evelyn Nesbit. Female, 18-21, D5-B3. Beautiful vaudeville performer. Thrust into the limelight after the high profile murder of her lover, the entire world is her stage.
Father. Male, 30-45, F4-A2. Mother's professionally successful husband. Fancying himself an amateur explorer, he is commanding and attractive. Enjoys being the family breadwinner.
Grandfather. Male, 60-70. Mother's very conservative father. He is a retired professor and easily irritated by nearly everything.
Henry Ford. Male, 35-45, F5-D4. An American industrialist and founder of the Ford Motor Company
Harry Houdini. Male, 25-35, G4-E3. The famous magician. With dark features and notable physical ability, he stands as a symbol of the 'American Dream.' Hungarian-American.
J.P. Morgan. Male, 60-65. The rich, famous financier.
Little Boy. Male, 8-10, D5-E4. Mother and Father's son. He is open-hearted and curious with inexplicable clairvoyance. Never passes judgement on others.
Little Girl. Female, 7-10, Bb4-C4. Tateh's daughter. A confused and vulnerable child in a brand-new home, she is guarded and shy. Loves her father very much. Latvian-American.
Mother. Female, 30-40, F#5-G3. The consummate wife and mother. A kind woman with incredible moral fiber. Refined, intelligent, and graceful. She is accepting of others.
Sarah. Female, 20-25, F#5-G#3. Washwoman. Sarah is beautiful and filled with a strong will to live fueled by an innocent spirit. Falls deeply in love with Coalhouse after much resistance. African-American.
Sarah's Friend. Female, 18-25, D5-D3. A friend of Sarah's who attends her funeral.
Tateh. Male, 35-45, F#4-Bb2. The haggard artist and father. He wears the trials and tribulations of his past on his sleeve, but remains optimistic. Full of genuine drive and heart. Latvian-American.
Willie Conklin. Male, 25-40, F5-D4. A racist volunteer fireman who destroys Coalhouse's car.
Younger Brother. Male, 20-25, F#4-B2. Mother's younger brother. With his wiry frame and obsessive personality, he is an erratic soul. Influenced greatly by Goldman's teachings.
Ensemble Roles. Baseball Fans; Coalhouse Supporters; Firemen; Harlem Citizens, Immigrants To America; New Rochelle Citizens; Reporters; Vacationers
