Auditions for White Christmas

Cedar Falls - The Cedar Falls Community Theatre announce auditions for the Irving Berlin musical extravaganza White Christmas. Auditions will take place at the Oster Regent Theatre, 103 Main Street in downtown Cedar Falls September 16 & 18, at 7 p.m. Some limited rehearsals for music would start October 5 and dance full rehearsal schedule would start the week of October 21. Performance dates are November 30, December 1, 2, and 7, 8, 9. Full sponsors include 1st National Bank, KWWL Television, and Taylor Veterinary Hospital. Co-sponsors include Vision Media Services, An Elegant Affair, John Hansen in Memorium - former CFCT board member & actor, and Mudd Advertising.

White Christmas is a delightful new show that's as fresh and rare as newly fallen snow. The classic movie holiday tradition White Christmas comes to the stage at last, as a brand new Irving Berlin musical. Brimming with such wonderful Berlin hits as "Sisters", "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep", and of course, the unforgettable title song, Irving Berlin's White Christmas tells the story of two successful song & dance showbiz buddies who met in the Army and later are putting on a show in a picturesque Vermont inn. In the process, they find their perfect mates, two singing sisters. Of course, it's full of fun complications along the way. With this jolly live holiday extravaganza, there's a new kid on the block that's full of dancing, romance, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written. There just aren't enough superlatives for this irresistible show that promises to be a merry and bright experience for the entire family!

There are many lead, character, and chorus parts. There is only one child/student female actor in a 8 - 13 age range. People auditioning are asked to wear clothes easy to move in. Everyone auditioning will be asked to sing a song of their choice. Everyone cast in the show will sing but you do not need a solo quality voice to audition. A pianist will be provided. Bring your own sheet music or sing acappella. People auditioning for character parts will read from sides (scenes from the actual script). Liane Nichols will direct this musical. Nichols is the Artistic Coordinator for the CFCT. She directed several hit shows for theatre group that have included: The Music Man, Nuncrackers, Plaid Tidings, Singin' in the Rain, I Do! I Do!, Man of LaMancha, The Wizard of Oz, and many others. Steve Citta is the Conductor and Mary Citta is the Vocal Director. Steve was the Conductor and Musical Director for The Music Man. Mary was the Vocal and Musical Director for The Music Man, Nuncrackers and Plaid Tidings. The Choreographer is Deb Tuzicka. Tuzicka was the choreographer for CFCT's The Music Man and Kiss Me Kate.

Lead character parts are listed as in the original script and could change in some age ranges, depending on actors auditioning. Lead roles include:

Bob Wallace
Late 20's to mid 30's, a major singing star, Bob is the force behind the singing team of Wallace & Davis. A born leader, despite his gruffness, is kind and principled. Baritone with a crooning style.

Phil Davis
Late 20's to mid 30's, fun loving song & dance partner of the team Wallace & Davis. Strong jazz/movement and some tap dancing possible. He is a comic performer and a Bari-Tenor.

Betty Haynes
Mid - 20's, the responsible half of The Haynes Sisters, beauty and charm, rich chest mix with soprano extension, must move well.

Judy Haynes
Early to mid 20's, ambitious, sexy and flirty, a charmer no man can resist. A strong song & dance performer, chest mix.

General Henry Waverly
Late 50's to mid 60's, a retired Army General adjusting to civilian life running a Vermont Inn, a man of principle, compassion and dignity. A non-singing role with the exception of one line.

Martha Watson
Late 40's to mid 60's, once a Broadway star, now the housekeeper at the Inn, a big hearted irrepressible meddler, a winning character-comedienne with a clarion belt voice.

Susan Waverly
8- 13 year old to play a 9 year old, the General's granddaughter, lovable and outgoing smart beyond her years. She demonstrates everything that is good in a child performer, must have an excellent belt voice and be able to move well.

Ralph Sheldrake
Mid to late 30's, old army buddy of Bob and Phil, now a major executive with the Ed Sullivan Show, fast-talking professional, baritone.

Rita and Rhoda
Mid 20's to early 30's, Bob and Phil's two chorus star girls, brash, sexy and fun, not the smartest.

Ezekiel Foster
Mid 40's to late 50's, helps out at the Inn and goes at a very slow pace, can be double-cast with role of The Snoring Man.

Mike
Mid 20's to late 30's, Bob and Phil's stage manager, over dramatic and sometimes hysterical but gets things done, never seen without whistle and clipboard, can be double cast with role of Ed Sullivan Announcer.

Ensemble speaking parts being cast in White Christmas include: (an * indicates a solo singing part in a song) Tessie, Jimmy, Cigarette Girl, *Snoring Man, *Mrs. Snoring Man, Train Conductor, Dance Captain, Ed Sullivan Announcer. Ensemble members will also play dance/chorus kids, "Jimmy's Back Room" clubgoers, train passengers, inn guests, and patrons of the Regency Room.

Please bring calendars to note conflicts. People auditioning will fill out an audition form. Scripts are available for a 3-day check out with a $25 refundable deposit. To request more information by e-mail, send to cfct@cfu.net or dial 319-APP-LAUD (319-277-5283). If you are not able to make audition times, please call the director at 319-266-2376.