AUDITIONS BIG RIVER – The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

ABOUT THE SHOW

Twain’s timeless classic sweeps us down the mighty Mississippi as the irrepressible Huck Finn helps his friend Jim, a slave, escape to freedom at the mouth of the Ohio River. Their adventures along the way are hilarious, suspenseful and heartwarming, bringing to life your favorite characters from the novel-the Widow Douglas and her stern sister, Miss Watson; the uproarious King and Duke, who may or may not be as harmless as they seem; Huck’s partner in crime, Tom Sawyer, and their rowdy gang of pals; Huck’s drunken father, the sinister Pap Finn; the lovely Mary Jane Wilkes and her trusting family. Propelled by an award winning score from Roger Miller, the king of country music, this jaunty journey provides a brilliantly theatrical celebration of pure Americana.

DIRECTOR – Peter Landry

MUSIC DIRECTOR – Robert Healey

CHOREOGRAPHER – Ali Laverdiere Hall

CAST REQUIREMENTS – looking for a large ethnically diverse cast of 40

(See character descriptions below).

WHERE? Mount Wachusett Community College, room 182

WHEN?  Sunday, December 3 @ 6PM, Monday, December 4 @ 7PM. Callbacks if needed: Wednesday, December 6 @ 7PM.

*Punctuality will be noted and appreciated – no appointment needed

Prepare a short vocal selection that displays range and ability, preferably from the show (score will be available). Sheet music required if you decide to do a song not from the show. An accompanist will be provided..

Wear conformable clothing for a movement/dance audition.

Performance Dates:   February 23, 24, March 2, 3 

 at 8:00PM; March 4 at 2:00pm

Tentative Rehearsal Schedule:

Sundays from 6PM to 9PM; Mondays and Wednesdays from 7PM to 10PM

Important Note: The role of Jim has already been cast.

SEEKING PERFORMERS OF ALL ETHNICITIES:

Huck Finn (Lead) Male 16-25, High Baritone or Tenor/Baritone: A bright, cocksure, mischievous, hopeful, rough and tumble near-orphan who was taken in and “civilized” by Widow Douglas and Miss Watson. Prefers freedom to domestic life

Widow Douglas (Supporting) Female, 40-60 (Alto/Mezzo): A strict but loving woman who has taken in Huck as his guardian.

Miss Watson (Supporting) Female, 40-60 (Mezzo-Soprano): Widow Douglas’ sister. A strict and traditional woman that helps to raise Huck.

Duke (Supporting) Male 35-55 (Tenor): A broken down “Over the Top” actor turned con artist.

King (Supporting) Male, 40-60 (Baritone): Escaped convict and con artist.

Tom Sawyer (Supporting) Male 16-25 (Tenor): Huck’s friend and adventurer. He is clever, energetic, overly dramatic and a great story teller.

Pap Finn (Supporting) Male 40-60 (Baritone): A vagabond drunkard who loves whiskey and hates the government. He wants to get a hold of Huck’s Money.

Mary Jane Wilkes (Supporting) Female 16-25 (Mezzo B2 to E4): The grieving and pretty eldest girl of the wealthy Peter Wilkes who recently passed away.

Susan & Joanna Wilkes (Supporting) Female 16-25: Mary Jane’s sisters.

Judge Thatcher (Supporting) Male 45-65: A man with high respect for the letter of the law and the trustee for managing Huck’s money.

Young Fool (Supporting) Male 15-20 (Tenor D3 to E4): A young man who loves gossip.

Ben, Dick, Simon, Jo Harper (Supporting) Male & Female, 16-25: Huck’s Schoolmates.

Slave Ensemble Soloists: (2 African American female soloists) Age open, strong Gospel style vocalists. One sings lead in “The Crossing” The other sings lead in “How Blest We Are”.

Townspeople & Slave Ensemble (All Ethnicities, All Vocal Ranges, Ages 16 and Up): Male & Female Singing ensemble with playing many roles consisting of slaves, townspeople, tarts, mourners and hired hands The following roles will be assigned within the ensemble: Aunt Sally, Uncle Silas, Hank, Lafe, Doctor, Mark Twain, Andy, Sheriff Bell, Harvey Wilkes, Counselor Robinson, Alice, Alice’s Daughter, Servant and Strange Woman.

COMMENTS 

There are 3 Onstage Musicians: a Fiddle Player, Guitar Player, and a Harmonica Player.