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.

ICCT presents White Christmas

Iowa City - Irving Berlin's holiday spectacular White Christmas is the Iowa City Community Theatre's next show. Based on the movie of the same name, the musical has all of the songs audiences have loved over the years, including "Sisters" and the classic title song.

A brief synopsis of the show: After leaving the Army after World War II, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis team up to become a top song-and-dance act. Davis plays matchmaker and introduces Wallace to a pair of beautiful sisters (Betty and Judy) who also have a song-and-dance act. When Betty and Judy travel to a Vermont lodge to perform a Christmas show, Wallace and Davis follow, only to find their former commander, General Waverly, is the lodge owner. A series of romantic mix-ups ensue as the performers try to help the General. credit

Showtimes:
December 8, 2011 at 7:30pm
December 9, 2011 at 7:30pm
December 10, 2011 at 2:00pm
December 10, 2011 at 7:30pm
December 11, 2011 at 7:30pm
December 15, 2011 at 7:30pm
December 16, 2011 at 7:30pm
December 17, 2011 at 2:00pm
December 17, 2011 at 7:30pm
December 18, 2011 at 7:30pm

For tickets and more information, go here.

Artistic Staff
Director - Krista Neumann
Music Director - Ed Kottick
Choreographer - Jill Beardsley
Costumes - Rachel Lindhart
Lighting - Rebekah Oulton

Cast
BOB WALLACE - Robert Kemp
PHIL DAVIS - Colin Nies
BETTY HAYNES - Jamie DeLuca
JUDY HAYNES - Sydney Hayes
THE GENERAL - Rip Russell
MARTHA - Jill VanDorpe
SUSAN WAVERLY - Claire Green
SHELDRAKE - Chris Woodhouse
RITA - Elinor Levin
RHODA - Rebekah Kent
EZEKIAL - John Bednarik

Ensemble
Rebekah Kent
Lisa Beal
Makayla Phillips
Elinor Levin
Nicole McDonough
Abigail McDonough
Stephen Krutzfeldt
Andrew Cole
Reed Perkins
Kristian Leitzen
Joey Bateman
Jim Verry

Auditions for White Christmas this Weekend

Iowa City - The Iowa City Community Theatre is looking for a few good actors/singers/dancers and theatre tech personnel for their holiday production, White Christmas. The show will be directed by Krista Neumann, with musical direction by Ed Kottick and choreography by Jill Beardsley. The show runs December 9th through the 18th. Rehearsals start October 24th.

Audition times:
Friday September 30, 6PM -9PM, at the ICCT Theater on the Fairgrounds
Saturday October 1, 1pm-4pm, at the ICCT Theater on the Fairgrounds
Call backs Sunday, October 2, 1pm-4pm, at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center

Please prepare a song from the show or a standard from the 40’s or early 50’s. Please be prepared to dance (comfortable clothes and shoes that you can move in).

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
BOB WALLACE – (late 20’s to mid 30’s) A major singing star. A baritone who can move well.
PHIL DAVIS – (late 20’s to mid 30’s) Song and dance partner of the team Wallace and Davis. Bari-tenor, moves well.
BETTY HAYNES – (mid 20’s to mid 30’s) Destined to be a star. Chest mix sound with soprano extension. Moves well.
JUDY HAYNES – (20’s) Other half of the Haynes sisters. Chest mix, strong song and dance performer.
GENERAL HENRY WAVERLY – (late 50’s to mid 60’s) A retired U.S. General. A non- singing role.
MARTHA WATSON – (late 40’s to mid 60’s) Once a Broadway star now the General’s housekeeper at the Inn. Character comedienne with belt voice.
SUSAN WAVERLY – (9 – 12 years old to play 9 years old) The General’s granddaughter. Excellent belt voice and can move well.
RALPH SHELDRAKE – (30’s or 40’s) Army buddy of Bob and Phil’s now a TV mogul. Fast talking NY professional. Baritone.
RITA AND RHODA – (20’s – 30’s) Star chorus girls. Brash, sexy and not too smart.
EZEKIAL FOSTER – (any age) The ultimate taciturn New Englander, must have accent.
MIKE – (20’s to 50’s) Bob and Phil’s stage manager. Over dramatic and hysterical.

ENSEMBLE ROLES
TESSIE – Bob and Phil’s assistant.
JIMMY – The proprietor of Jimmy’s Back Room nightclub.
CIGARETTE GIRL
SNORING MAN
MRS. SNORING MAN
TRAIN CONDUCTOR
DANCE CAPTAIN
SEAMSTRESS
ASSISTANT SEAMSTRESS
ED SULLIVAN ANNOUNCER
ENSEMBLE: Singers and dancers. This is 1950’s Hollywood movie musical dancing – ballroom, tap and jazz. The ensemble will, over the course of the show, play:

JIMMY’S BACK ROOM CLUBGOERS
TRAIN PASSENGERS / INN GUESTS
CHORUS KIDS
PATRONS OF THE REGENCY ROOM

TECH POSITIONS: If you are interested in stage managing, lighting or set construction please contact Maria at goingtomaria@gmail.com.

Want to see the sold out White Christmas?

TCR - As of 39 minutes ago, 40 tickets just became available for tonight's (Friday) performance of White Christmas. If you want one, act fast! Their website is here.

White Christmas is a magical holiday spectacular

by Joe Jennison

TCR - Theatre Cedar Rapids' production of White Christmas is a magical holiday gem.

Directed by Casey Prince, with music direction by Damon Cole and Steve Shanley, the classic retelling of the 1954 movie in the hands of TCR’s uber-talented cast and crew is a wonderful holiday gift to area audiences. Because it’s a classic, I don’t imagine I need to retell the story here, but for purposes of this review let’s briefly say that a successful male song-and-dance team meets up with a sister act and the foursome make their way to a snowless Vermont Inn to “put on a show.” And oh yes, snow falls and everyone lives happily ever after, all the while singing one fantastic Irving Berlin song after another. I loved it!

The play opens on Christmas Eve 1944 and Wallace and Davis (Richie Akers and Aaron Brewer) are performing for the troops on the Western Front. Here we also meet characters Ralph Sheldrake (Rob Merritt) and General Waverly (Dave Jepsen). Jepsen stops the singing and dancing and right away sets up his “tough-as-nails” character with some wonderful one-liners that he delivers with equal parts abrasiveness and sensitivity: “If you could march as well as you jingle, this war would be over,” he barks. Jepsen throughout the show plays both tough and funny, and when needed, he is able to use his earned comic respect to gently pull at the audience’s heartstrings.

Immediately following the 1944 scene we are whisked away to 10 years later and Wallace and Davis are now performing on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” The quick set change here is a precursor to several similar set changes throughout the piece that continue today to mystify me. Beautiful, colorful barns and train cars and entire TV soundstages, designed by Scott Humeston, seem to effortlessly appear and disappear throughout the show. Around these sets, as many as 26 brightly costumed, impeccably dressed chorus members sing and dance in unison. The costumes designed by Joni Sackett are a big part of the show’s success. It’s fun to watch her work in both the small and large roles – dozens of dancing turquoise and pinks and reds alongside costumed dancing Oxydol boxes and individual period dresses complete with matching pumps and gloves. I sat through the entire piece waiting, watching, wondering what Sackett would come up with next.

“The Ed Sullivan Show” set with its shimmering red curtain with iconic logo is juxtaposed nicely against a smoky, dimly lit Jimmy’s bar in Act One. And while Wallace and Davis perform on that big, bright TV stage, across town in a seedy nightclub sisters Betty and Judy Haynes (Katy Richter and Molly Prout) prepare for a show of their own. Richter and Prout’s first number together is “Sisters.” Costumed in Sackett-designed blue gowns, with white-and-blue feather fans, the two women are obviously very comfortable singing and dancing, and with this number, and several throughout the evening, seem to out-sing their male counterparts.

Take for instance Act One’s “Love and the Weather.” Richter waits patiently Stage Left as Akers takes his turn with the audience, and then she quietly but firmly takes her place on stage and belts her portion of the number with strength and confidence and poise. Later, she has a gorgeous turn in “Love You Didn’t Do Right By Me” performing in New York’s Regency Room standing in front of some beautiful Humeston sets in a long black Sackett-designed gown, complete with long black gloves and a diamond bracelet on her right wrist. I have watched this performer in several shows over the last few years and feel as if she has really matured and blossomed in this role. She performs “Love You Didn’t Do Right By Me” as if this 50s-era ballad was written especially for her.

Brewer and Prout have a wonderful chemistry together, are well matched and their voices blend perfectly. They shine together in two numbers: “The Best Things Happen When You’re Dancing” and “I Love a Piano.” The former offers them an opportunity to dance together across the stage while an offstage chorus offers them a soundtrack. The latter becomes a large tap number with red and white and black costumes and some well done choreography by Lovar Davis Kidd. Bother numbers are highpoints in the show.

Jan McCool offers a wonderful comic turn as Martha Watson, and is one of several performers that really seem to understand the comic timing that is so incredibly important in musical comedy. My favorite number in the piece is Act Two’s “Falling Out of Love Can Be Fun.” Here, Richter and Prout team up with McCool and deliver a well sung (and very funny) number.

As I write this, I am still laughing at several of the comic bits. Michael Cervantes plays Ezekiel Foster, a small character that says nothing but “Ayup” throughout the first half of the play. With that one line, the veteran performer received more laughs than nearly all the other performers combined. Nine-year-old Abby Merrill relishes her small part in the aforementioned “Falling Out Of Love Can Be Fun Number,” and later holds her own on stage with this large ensemble of adults with a powerful reprise of “Let Me Sing And I’m Happy” in Act Two. And Alex Schulte plays a city slicker stage manager with an unidentifiable (and funny!) accent trying to keep the show-within-the-show on schedule: “People, people,” he says. “Mr. Pig, a literal pig, my office mate, just ate the finale!”

Nathan Sean Nelson plays a wonderfully slimy, seedy-bar owner, whose happy hour is “from 7 to 7:05 nightly.” Emily Nelson and Amy Friedl Stoner as Rita and Rhoda bounce and giggle through several scenes as two very funny chorus girls, and show up in Act Two as scantily clad Christmas trees. And Jennifer Anderson as a cigarette girl, Bradley Fritz as a skier, Lyn A’Hearn as a snoring man’s wife, Matt Russell as a train conductor and several others turn up in funny roles and costumes throughout and remind me today as I write this of why I loved this show.

I have been talking about the magical ending to White Christmas to many people this past week. I tell them about the wonderful comic timing displayed by all, the music, the dancing, the costuming and sets… and then I talk about the ending.

At the finale of the show, the characters run to open the barn doors toward the back of the stage to see the snow begin to fall, and then magically the barn goes up into the rafters and the entire cast comes on stage to sing “White Christmas.” The snow continues to fall down over the entire stage now, and then the snow and the cold comes into the auditorium as well, and magically all of us in the audience get a dusting of snow as we are standing, applauding and smiling and cheering.

But director Casey Prince went one step further Friday night last. Director Prince and Theatre Cedar Rapids also brought the first snowfall this weekend to many parts of the Corridor, reminding us all of the magic of both theatre and Christmas.

Now, that’s a talented director. Well done.

White Christmas at Theatre Cedar Rapids, 102 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids, plays through Dec. 18. The show is great and, as a result, it is sold out. To inquire about standby or cancellations, contact the box office through the Web site at www.theatrecr.org.


Joe Jennison is a freelance writer and playwright living in Mount Vernon. Questions and comments can be sent to joejennison@hotmail.com

White Christmas sold out

TCR - Theatre Cedar Rapids' holiday show, White Christmas, is sold out, despite the theatre adding performances. If you are determined to see the show, the company recommends you keep checking the TCR website in case there are cancellations.

Based on the beloved, timeless film, this heart‑warming musical adaptation features seventeen Irving Berlin songs and a book by David Ives and Paul Blake. WWII veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song‑and‑dance act. When the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, will romance ensue? I am guessing the answer is yes...

If you'd like to see a brief snippet of the show, check out this video here.