Theatre 29 and Director Kathryn Ferguson have set auditions for the musical comedy, "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" for Monday, July 5 at 7 p.m. on the Main Stage at Theatre 29, located at 73637 Sullivan Rd., in Twentynine Palms.
The musical comedy tells the story of six young people in the throes of puberty, overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves, learn that winning isn't everything and that losing doesn't necessarily make you a loser.
The show will take the stage for five weeks from August 27 through September 25. A cast of nine singer/actors are needed, including six "child" roles played by adults (as in the original Broadway production) There are no roles for children under age.
Here are the parts:
William Barfee- (Tenor) Insecure, a little bit of a bully, can only breathe from one nostril and has severe allergies. A finalist in last year's Bee, he was disqualified for a health-related incident, an event he is all too familiar with.
Olive Ostrovsky- (Soprano) Little Girl Lost, result of inattentive parenting. Sweet, Naive. Her mom's in an ashram in India. Her dad promises that, this time, he'll try to make it. Her best friend is the dictionary.
Leaf Coneybear- (Baritenor) Preferable red head, marches to his own drummer, a bit spacey. As just the second runner-up in his district' Bee, he really shouldn't be here. He makes his own clothes.
Marcy Park- (Soprano/Mezzo-soprano) Chronic over-achiever, excels at anything she attempts, but finds no joy in the success. She made it all the way to ninth place in Nationals last year. She sleeps three hours a night.
Loggaine Schwartzandgrubenierre- (Soprano) A very young politico, vocal, opinionated, but craving acceptance. Must be able to do convincing lisp. The youngest of the competitors, her stage fathers would make Mama Rose blush.
Chip Tolentino- (Tenor) Boy Scout, the "stud" of the bee. Outward confidence masks inward fears. Last year's Putnam County champ is beginning to learn the ups and downs of puberty.
Mitch Mahoney- (Tenor) Preferably African-American, confident sexy, dangerous but with a good heart. Sings R&B/Gospel attitude songs. Fulfilling his community service, this former felon is now the Bee's Comfort Counselor, handing out juice boxes and a dose of reality to the losers.
Vice Principal Douglas Panch- Must have deadpan comedic timing. Non-Singing Role, The "incident" of five years ago almost forgotten, this Lake Hemingway-Dos Passos Junior High Vice Principal is now in a better place, thanks to a high-fiber diet and Jungian analysis.
Rona Lisa Peretti- (Soprano) Strong singer, consummate professional, she is the big "bee". This former Spelling Bee champ is not only the county's top Realtor, she also runs a highly lucrative e-Bay business, selling sensible pumps at sensible prices.
The director asks that those who audition come prepared with either a karaoke tape or professional backing track as accompaniment, (No background vocals, please!) as there will be no live accompaniment available. Dress to move.
Be prepared for cold reading, pre-selected sides are available for review on our website, www.theatre29.com , choose the "Auditions" tab and follow the links.
Music samples from the production are also available on that page. Also seeking technical support in stagehand and set construction capacities and volunteer "Audience Wranglers" as the show is audience participatory.
For more information, contact the director, Kathryn Ferguson via email at theatre29programs@msn.com or call the Box Office at 760-361-4151.