Forever Plaid Auditions
SHOW DATES: November 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 8th, 9th
Rehearsals TBD by cast availability
Performances held at Knights of Columbus in Somers, CT
Cabaret style seating
Audition Dates: Sunday, June 2nd and Monday, June 3rd
Auditions begin at 6:00 pm
Somers Village Players - 55 School Street, Somers, CT
Call-Backs Thursday, June 6th @ 6:30 pm
Direction by Gus Rousseau Music Direction by Deb Salli
Forever Plaid Synopsis- Original Off-Broadway Version (1990)
When four young singers are killed in a car crash, they posthumously take the stage for one final gig in this goofy, 1950s nostalgia trip. Forever Plaid is one of the most popular and successful musicals in recent memory. This deliciously fun revue is chock-full of classic barbershop quartet harmonies and pitch-perfect melodies!
Once upon a time, there were four singers (Sparky, Smudge, Jinx and Frankie) who discovered that they shared a love for music and then got together to become their idols – The Four Freshman, The Hi-Lo's and The Crew Cuts. Rehearsing in the basement of Smudge's family's plumbing supply company, they became "Forever Plaid". On the way to their first big gig, the "Plaids" are broadsided by a school bus and killed instantly. It is at the moment when their careers and lives end that the story of Forever Plaid begins....
Singing in close harmony, squabbling over the smallest intonations and executing their charmingly outlandish choreography with overzealous precision, the "Plaids" are a guaranteed smash, with a program of beloved songs and delightful patter that keeps audiences rolling in the aisles when they're not humming along to some of the great nostalgic pop hits of the 1950s.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
Please print, complete and bring the audition form.
We will consider actors of all genders for all roles.
All Roles appear Age 25-40. (18+ please)
Ability to play PIANO a plus, but not required.
Please prepare 32 bars of a piece, in the style of the show, that highlights your range.
*An accompanist will be provided. Please bring sheet music, double-sided and 3-hole punched*
Four short vocal lines will be taught to be sung in quartets. Music will be provided at the audition.
Some SUGGESTED songs by character are listed below, however, these are not required.
Francis (Baritone)
The leader and caretaker of the group. Confident. Asthmatic. He has a great deal of compassion for the music and the group. Romantic crooner and spiritual singer. Vocal range B5 - F3
“Beauty School Dropout” – Grease
“I Don’t Want To” – All Shook Up
“It Hurts Me” – All Shook Up
“Rhythm of the Rain” – The Cascades [1960s/non-theatre]
Jinx (Tenor)
The shy one. He lives his life terrified and doesn't always remember what song comes next. Sparky's step-brother, he occasionally gets a nosebleed when he sings above an A. Vocal range C6 - F3
“Alone at the Drive-In Movie” – Grease
“How Can I Say Goodbye?” – Zombie Prom
“Mooning” – Grease
“Those Magic Changes” – Grease
Smudge (Bass)
The worrier. He worries about the props, the running order, and always assumes the audience won't like him. Has chronic nervous stomach and is oddly reluctant to perform. Wears glasses, which hides his good looks and sex appeal. Vocal range G5 - F3
“Aren’t You Glad You’re You” – Perry Como [1940s/non-theatre]
“Don’t Be Cruel” – All Shook Up
“Earth Angel” – The Penguins [1950s/non-theatre]
“True Love Ways” – Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story
Sparky(Tenor)
The clown of the group who is shown to have a heart. Sharp and loves singing his tailor-made solos. Wears a retainer and has a slight speech impediment. Energetic and clever. Vocal range G5 - F3
“Honestly Sincere” – Bye Bye Birdie
“Gilly Gilly Ossenfeffer” – The Four Lads [1950s/non-theatre]
“I’m a Man” – Bo Diddley [1950s/non-theatre]
“Magic Moments” – Perry Como [1950s/non-theatre]
NOTE: Vocal harmonies can be interchanged when necessary
Please come prepared for movement/light choreography.
You will be asked to read from sides provided.
For additional information or questions, please contact:
Gus Rousseau at Mrgusr@aol.com
Deb Salli at debsalli100@gmail.com
FOREVER PLAID
Written and Originally Directed and Choreographed by
STUART ROSS
Musical Continuity Supervision and Arrangements by
James Raitt
Originally Produced by
Gene Wolsk
FOREVER PLAID
is presented through special arrangement by Music Theater International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI
www.mtishows.com