SIGHTLINES T H E M U N I N E W S L E T T E R

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1 SIGHTLINES T H E M U N I N E W S L E T T E R President s Message: JOIN US FOR THE MUNI S 2014 SEASON! We have such an exciting line up of shows this summer, and based on your feedback, we ve made a few updates as well! Our annual Audition Workshop is coming up on Saturday, February 15. This is a great opportunity for individuals (new and veteran performers alike) to meet the production staffs, obtain information about auditions and volunteering at The Muni, and get first dibs on vocal and dance audition times/days. The annual Audition Workshop is at Mac Warren the Hoogland Center for the Arts, and you ll find more information about it in this edition of Sightlines. Do you have a special talent and need a great place to share that talent? The Muni is an all-volunteer organization, and we d love for you to share your talent with us. Each year, The Muni is so grateful for the 1,000+ individuals who help with things like building sets, raking leaves, painting and scene art, repairs on the site, building special props, ushering during performances, and much more. We can t do it without them, and would appreciate your help too! If you are interested in contributing to The Muni Magic, please contact our Volunteers Chair, Julie Finnell at juliefinnellmuni@gmail.com. There are many opportunities to become part of The Muni family, even if painting and raking leaves isn t your cup of tea. Each year, we are honored to have the support of a very special group of individuals called the Backstagers. The charitable contributions we receive from the Backstagers are an enormous help to the organization. There are added benefits to being a Backstager along with our sincere gratitude, Backstagers enjoy premiere parking and priority season ticketing. You can read more about being a Backstager online or in this issue of Sightlines. Speaking of season tickets... you ve picked them up already, right? If not, no worries, there s still time to make sure you are ready to enjoy fantastic shows this season like The Sound of Music, All Shook Up, Shrek-The Musical and Jekyll & Hyde. Season tickets are a great way to save money and make a great gift for someone special. So treat yourself or a friend to a slice of Muni magic! Season tickets are available at local retailers in Springfield, Jacksonville, Sherman and Williamsville. New in Patrons will now be able to enjoy each of our four Muni productions for THREE WEEKS instead of two! We listened to your feedback and by eliminating our traditional Sunday and Wednesday performance days, we were able to extend the run of each production for a third weekend of Broadway Under the Stars. We ve also streamlined the way individuals can register for a vocal and dance audition by creating an online registration form. Auditionees will be able to manage their own vocal and dance audition registrations, update their contact information, and much more. If you d like to learn more about the online audition registration form, make sure to attend the Audition Workshop or visit our website, for more details. Finally, I d like to give special thanks to our season sponsors. Organizations and individuals like Springfield Clinic, County Auditor Paul Palazzolo, McGladrey and Illini Bank are absolutely wonderful for supporting local theatre, and ensure there is plenty of Muni Magic each and every summer. I look forward to seeing you at The Muni! Mac Warren President, The Muni 2014 SEASON: SPRINGFIELD CLINIC presents JUNE COUNTY AUDITOR PAUL PALAZZOLO presents JULY McGLADREY presents AUGUST ILLINI BANK presents SEPTEMBER

2 ATTEND A WORKSHOP CHILDREN S WORKSHOP Sat., Feb. 15 at 10:00 a.m. Open to kids between 8-13 years of age Join us as we kick off our audition process with two workshops - one for children, one for adults - where we ll hear from directors about their expectations, casting requirements, and planned rehearsal schedules. Experienced Muni performers and staff will talk about The Muni s audition process and share tips on how to prepare. The really BIG NEWS is the launch of our brand new, full on line registration where you can manage and view your registration form WANT TO LEARN MORE? Visit to see our Top 10 Audition Tips for auditioning at The Muni! ADULT WORKSHOP Sat., Feb. 15 at 1:00 p.m. Open to those 13 years of age and up and directly select your audition time slots! AUDITIONEES ARE ASKED TO COMPLETE AN ONLINE FORM PRIOR TO THE START OF AUDITIONS. Immediately following the workshop, you are welcome to attend a meet and greet with the directors and their staff. You ll be able to ask questions, pick up music, and, most importantly, sign up for an audition time slot on a limited number of laptops before the official online sign up begins on Sun., Feb. 16. WHAT TO EXPECT THE DAY OF YOUR AUDITION ADULT AUDITIONS March 1, 2, 8 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ADULT AUDITIONS take place in hour long sessions; vocal/movement auditions are separate from dance auditions. Plan to check in at the registration table at least 45 minutes prior to your scheduled audition time, allowing time for the vocal warm-ups before the actual audition. The Muni provides accompanists for all vocal auditions, so please bring sheet music suitable for piano accompaniment. In closed auditions with a small group of other auditionees, each auditionee will perform a short (2 minutes or less) song of his or her choosing. Auditionees may be asked to read from a script provided by the directors. Basic movement auditions, done in a group, take place at the end of the audition time CHILDREN S AUDITIONS March 15 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. slot. Only auditionees who participate in the hour long, separate dance audition are exempt from the movement audition. Some roles require auditionees to participate in a full dance audition. This is largely based upon the demands of the role for which the adult is auditioning or for which the director is considering him/her. (Consult the Parts Available section of Sightlines to see what parts require dance.) Hour-long dance auditions are scheduled separately from vocal auditions. CHILDREN S AUDITIONS take place in two-hour sessions; shows casting children are The Sound of Music and Shrek the Musical. During the first hour, Muni staff will teach auditionees a simple song and dance. Auditionees parents or guardians are welcome to observe this learning portion of the audition. The second hour is the closed audition and only The Muni show staff are permitted to be present. During the audition, auditionees will perform the song and dance in front of the show staff. Callback invitations are posted by the auditionee number in the lobby shortly following each audition session. Can t attend? If you don t attend a workshop, you can sign up for an audition time slot online at The Muni website starting Sunday, Feb. 16. Audition time slots will be filled in the order they are received. The Muni Trustees Chairman Steve Kaplan Dave Britton Gene Rubley Georgia Dirksen Marj Berchtold Roger Holmes Randy Ragan Tom Appleton Dennis O Brien The Muni Board of Managers President Mac Warren Vice President Diane Hoots Treasurer Randy Ragan Secretary John Baker Immediate Past President Tom Frost Julie Finnell Sally Fritz Alexa Giacomini Randy Herpel Dan Humphries Lisa Leach Gil Opferman Mike Rogers Steve Rotello Marge Roth Cathy Schwartz Daniel Shelton Jake Smith Michelle Tebrugge Cindy Wall Mark Wheeler Craig Williams II Auditions Chair Gil Opferman Auditions Online Form Developer Dan Humphries The Muni Sightlines Newsletter Layout/Design: Anna McFarland Design: Jeremy Goeckner Copy: Alexa Giacomini Production: Cathy Schwartz Contributors: Gil Opferman, Mike Rogers, Mary Bonn, Vicki Stehn 2

3 THE SOUND OF MUSIC Presented by Springfield Clinic JUNE 13-14, 19-21, Rehearsals Start APRIL 18 DIRECTOR: Greg Donathan PRODUCER: Tom Frost Greg Donathan ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Lori Ann McCabe VOCAL DIRECTOR: Elizabeth Donathan CHOREOGRAPHER: Taryn Grant The Return of an All-Time-Favorite Family Classic! The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein and one of the world s most beloved musicals, The Sound of Music is based on the true story of the von Trapp family. Taking place in 1930 s Austria, Maria Rainer is a young postulant who finds herself in trouble more often than in prayer. In an effort to help her find her true calling in life, Mother Abbess sends her to the home of the widowed Captain von Trapp to look after his seven children who have successfully run off all the previous governesses. Maria s fun loving personality, sense of perseverance and love of music soon wins over the children as well as the Captain. However, danger looms for the von Trapp family as Austria is invaded by Nazi Germany. The family s narrow escape over the mountains to Switzerland on the eve of WWII provides one of the most beautiful and inspirational finales in musical theatre history. All auditionees for The Sound of Music must take part in the Movement portion of auditions ( Dance is not required.) Maria Rainer: (Soprano) A postulant at Nonnberg Abbey. Free spirited, warm and kind with much determination. Captain Georg von Trapp: (Baritone) A former Austrian Navy Captain and the head of the von Trapp family. Polished and very militant in the way he runs his life to repress his sadness over the death of his wife. Underneath he is warm, understanding and determined. Mother Abbess: (Soprano) Mother Superior at Nonnberg Abbey. Motherly and understanding, but strong and assertive with Maria and all those she leads at the Abbey. Liesl: (Soprano) The eldest of the von Trapp children, blossoming into a young lady. She has a maternal nature and cares very deeply for her younger siblings. Friedrich: (Tenor) One of the von Trapp children. Tough exterior, very much trying to be the man of the family. Louisa: (Soprano) One of the von Trapp children. Often testing her limits within the family. Kurt: (Male Soprano) One of the von Trapp children. Gentle and mischievous. Brigitta: (Soprano) One of the von Trapp children. Smart, observant and wise beyond her young age; reads a lot. Marta: (Soprano) One of the von Trapp children. Very sweet and gentle. Gretl: (Soprano) The youngest of the von Trapp children. Cute as can be! Max Detweiler: (Tenor) Friend to the Captain and von Trapp children. A man of sophistication who enjoys the good life. A confirmed bachelor. Elsa Schraeder: (Soprano) A wealthy and sophisticated baroness of taste and elegance, dignified and cultured. Rolf Gruber: (Tenor) A telegram delivery boy and suitor to Liesl, who eventually finds himself influenced by the Nazi party. Sister Bertha: (Soprano) Mistress of the Novices. Prudish, straight laced with a quick tongue, she is less tolerant than the other nuns. Sister Margaretta: (Soprano) Mistress of the Postulants. Very kind, understanding and concerned. Sister Sophia: (Soprano) A nun at Nonnberg Abbey. Neither demanding nor critical, follows the rules. Herr Zeller: (No Singing Required) Member of the Nazi party. Stern and unsmiling, a typical Nazi official whose primary concern is to see that everyone toes the line. Baron Elberfeld: (No Singing Required) Member of the Nazi party. Admiral von Schreiber: (No Singing Required) Member of the Nazi party. Franz: (No Singing Required) The von Trapp family s butler. Rather formal but not without spirit, he is very German and loyal to the Fascist cause. Frau Scmidt: (No Singing Required) The von Trapp family s housekeeper. She does her job efficiently, sometimes appearing to lack affection. However, underneath she loves and is very concerned with the welfare of the von Trapp family. Ursula: (No Singing Required) The von Trapp family s maid. Ensemble: (All Ranges) 20 men/women. ALL SHOOK UP Presented by County Auditor Paul Palazzolo JULY 11-12, 17-19, Rehearsals Start MAY 13 DIRECTOR: Anna Bussing PRODUCER: Jake Smith Anna Bussing ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Julie Ratz VOCAL DIRECTOR: Kellen Fant CHOREOGRAPHER: Anna Bussing & Julie Ratz The Story is All New, the Hits are All-Elvis! It s 1955 and into a square little town in a square little state rides a mysterious, guitarplaying roustabout who changes everything and everyone he meets by helping them discover the magic of romance and the power of rock & roll. In this musical comedy inspired by Shakespeare s Twelfth Night, mistaken identity and mayhem ensue after he comes to town. Featuring the songs of Elvis Presley, this hip-swiveling, lipcurling musical fantasy will have you jumpin out of your blue suede shoes and singing along to classics such as Jailhouse Rock, Love Me Tender, Don t Be Cruel, Can t Help Falling in Love, and of course, the title tune, All Shook Up! Auditionees for All Shook Up must take part in either the Movement or Dance portion of auditions; characters requiring Dance have been noted below. Chad: (Tenor/ Dance/ Age 22-30) Great looking, motorcycling, guitar playing, leather jacketed roustabout.. Strong vocals and dance necessary Natalie Haller: (Mezzo/ Dance/ Age 20-25) Female mechanic who instantly falls for Chad. Disguises herself as Ed to get closer to him; not a girlie-girl. Jim Haller: (Baritone/ Age 45+) Natalie s widowed father. Middle aged and messy, still longing for his wife. Sylvia: (Mezzo/ Age 35+) The no nonsense, African-American owner of Sylvia s Honky-Tonk. Mother of Lorraine. Lorraine: (Mezzo/ Dance/ Age 15-19) Sylvia s teenage daughter (African- American). Hopeless romantic who falls in love with Dean Hyde. 3

4 All Shook Up Cont d... Dennis: (Tenor/ Dance/ Age 18-25) Awkward young man who loves Natalie and aspires to be a dentist. Miss Sandra: (Mezzo/ Dance/ Age 25-30) Beautiful, intellectual woman who is the caretaker of the town s museum. Mayor Matilda Hyde: (Soprano/ Age 40+) The town s very conservative mayor Dean Hyde: (Tenor/ Dance/ Age 17-22) Matilda s teenage son who has spent his youth at military boarding schools and has never disobeyed his mother, until he meets Lorraine. Sheriff Earl: (No Singing Required/ Age 40+) A man of very few words who faithfully follows Mayor Matilda. Dancing Ensemble: (Dance) very strong male and female dancers to be featured in multiple numbers. Singing Ensemble: Assortment of 15 people of all ages, races and genders to play townspeople and other various parts. SHREK THE MUSICAL Presented by McGladrey AUGUST 8-9, 14-16, Rehearsals Start JUNE 16 DIRECTOR: Craig Williams II PRODUCER: Julie Herpel ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Ronda Brinkman VOCAL DIRECTOR: Christie Lazarides CHOREOGRAPHER: Andrew Maynerich Craig Williams II [Muni Debut!] Let Your Freak Flag Fly on an Ogre-Sized Adventure! Shrek The Musical, based on the Oscar winning DreamWorks film that started it all, brings the hilarious story of everyone s favorite ogre to dazzling new life on stage. Set in a faraway kingdom turned upside down, things get ugly when an unseemly ogre not a handsome prince shows up to rescue a feisty princess. Throw in a donkey who won t shut up, a bad guy with a SHORT temper, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there s one on hand and his name is Shrek. Auditionees for Shrek The Musical must take part in either the Movement or Dance portion of auditions; characters requiring Dance have been noted below. Shrek: (Tenor/ Age 20s-40s) A big green ogre who is a self-imposed recluse. He embarks on a journey to rid his land of fairytale creatures, eventually revealing his many layers on his way to becoming the hero. Range: A2-G#4 Fiona: (Soprano with High Belt/ Dance/ Age 20s-30s) The beautiful princess of Far Far Away who transforms into an ogre every night. Quirky, blunt and multitalented. Range: F3-G6 Donkey: (Tenor/ Dance/ Age 20s-30s) A talking donkey who joins Shrek on his journey. Quite the chatterbox, he is not deterred by Shrek s looks and practically forces himself into his good graces. Range: C3-B4 Lord Farquaad: (Baritone-Tenor/ Dance/ Age 20s-40s) The comically short, ruthless ruler of Duloc. He is in search of a princess to marry so he can become king. He has an intensely unfair bias against fairytale creatures. Range: B2-D5 Dragon: (Alto with High Belt/ Dance/ Age Teens-40s) A dragon charged with guarding Princess Fiona in her isolated castle. Imposing and flirtatious she eventually falls in love with Donkey. Range: F3-Eb5 Gingy/Sugar Plum Fairy: (Alto with High Belt/ Dance/ Age Teens-40s) A gingerbread man initially kidnapped by Lord Farquaad. His wit and resolution help him both avoid trouble and inspire the rest of the fairytale creatures. Puppet. Range: B3-C#5 Pinocchio: (Baritone-Tenor/ Dance/ Age 20s-40s) Can be played by Male or Female. Leader of the fairytale creatures with plenty of sass and a penchant for lying. Range: E3- F#4 with good falsetto 3 Little Pigs/Knight: (Baritone-Tenor/ Dance/ Age Teens-50s) 3 great singers/ actors, funny, anxious and have German accents. Teen Fiona: (Alto-Soprano with High Belt/ Dance/ Teens) Teen girl with high belt. Role will also participate in the ensemble. Mama Ogre/Mama Bear: (Alto-Soprano/ Dance/ Age 30s-50s) Shrek s Mama and Mama Bear. Role may also participate in the ensemble. Papa Ogre/Papa Bear: (Tenor-Baritone/ Dance/ Age 30s-50s) Shrek s Papa and Papa Bear. Role may also participate in the ensemble. King Harold: (Baritone/ Dance/ Age 30s-50s) Fiona s Papa. Role will also participate in the ensemble. Queen Lillian: (Alto with High Belt/ Dance/ Age 30s-50s) Fiona s Mama. Role will also participate in the ensemble. Guard: (Baritone-Tenor/ Dance/ Age 20s-50s) Sends Fairytale creatures to Shrek s swamp. Role will also participate in the ensemble. Ugly Duckling: (Alto-Soprano/ Dance/ Age Teens-20s) Female comedic fairytale character. Big Bad Wolf: (Bass-Baritone/ Dance/ Age Teens-50s) A tough guy who isn t afraid to let the world know he likes dressing up in Granny s clothes. Seeking an actor with great comedic skill, excellent singer and strong dancer/mover. Range: Up to G4 Humpty Dumpty: (Alto-Soprano / Dance/ Age Teens-30s) A large egg who falls off a wall. Excellent singer and excellent dancer (tap and jazz) with great comedic skill. Wicked Witch: (Soprano / Dance/ Age 20s-50s) Seeking a great comedic actress. Young Shrek: (Any Range/ Dance/ Child) A young ogre who gets sent away from home at a young age to live a recluse life in a swamp. Young Fiona: (Alto-Soprano/ Dance/ Child) A young princess locked in a tower to wait for her prince to save her and still too young to lose hope in the possibility of a happy ending. Ensemble: (All Ranges/ Dance/ All Ages) While Rabbit, Fairy Godmother, Peter Pan, 3 Blind Mice, Tweedle Dee, Baby Bear, Mad Hatter, Elf, Captain of the Guard, Thelonius, Greeter, Bluebird, Pied Piper, Bishop, Sign Bearer, Dwarf (Grumpy), Happy People/Mob, Farquaad s Guards, Head Duloc Performer, Duloc Performers, Forest Creatures, Dancing Rat Tappers Each year, great thought and consideration are given to developing the season. It is our goal not only to provide you with shows that are familiar but also new productions. We are proud to be part of this community and grateful for your continued support. 4

5 JEKYLL & HYDE Presented by Illini Bank RIDE THE BUS TO THE MUNI! SEPTEMBER 5-6, 11-13, Rehearsals Start JULY 9 DIRECTOR: Laurie O Brien PRODUCER: John Baker ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Joshua Ratz VOCAL DIRECTOR: Steve Rotello CHOREOGRAPHER: Julie Ratz Laurie O Brien [Muni Debut!] A Dark and Dangerous Love Story Based on the Classic Novel! Dramatic and beautiful with haunting music from Frank Wildhorn and Leslie Bricusse, Jekyll & Hyde is the story of the struggle between the good and evil natures of man. Dr. Henry Jekyll invents a formula that can isolate the two warring personalities. When he tries the formula on himself, he liberates his evil persona, Edward Hyde. The story comes to a dramatic climax as Edward Hyde becomes more and more violent, threatening Jekyll s friends and the two women who love him. Auditionees for Jekyll & Hyde must take part in either the Movement or Dance portion of auditions; characters requiring Dance have been noted below. Dr. Jekyll/ Mr. Hyde: (Tenor/ Age 30-40) A doctor obsessed with analyzing the good and evil nature of a man. Must be able to portray both personas. Range: Bb2-A4 Emma Carew: (Soprano/ Age 25) Jekyll s long suffering fiancée. Range: A3-C6 Lucy Harris: (Mezzo/ Dance/ Age 20-30) An actress and prostitute who falls in love with Dr. Jekyll. Range: G#3-F#5 Gabriel Utterson: (Tenor/ Age 30-45) Jekyll s lawyer and best friend. Range: A2-G4 Simon Stride: (Tenor/ Age 30-40) Secretary of the Board of Governors who is in love with Emma. Range: A2-G4 Bishop of Basingstoke: (Tenor/ Age 40-60) Hypocritical, sadistic man of the cloth. Range: C#3-G4 General Lord Glossop: (Baritone/ Age 50-60) Pompous retired army man. Range: G#3-C4 Lord Savage: (Baritone/ Age 30-50) Selfimportant man. Range: C-E 1 ½ octave Lady Beaconfield: (Mezzo/ Age 30-60) Bitter, malicious dowager. Range: C-E 1 ½ octave Sir Archibald Proops: (Baritone/ Age 30-50) Queen s Counsel, cold, business-like. Sir Danvers Carew: (Baritone/ Age 60) Emma s gentile, loving father and Chairman of the Board of Governors. Singing Ensemble: (All Ranges/ Adults) 8 women / 12 men. Will play many featured parts in the cast. Dancing Ensemble: (All Ranges/ Dance/ Adults) In addition to singing portions of the show, these 4 dancers will be featured throughout the show. Do you know someone who loves to attend The Muni s shows but can no longer drive? The Muni has bus service available for the first Senior Night of each production. Cavallo deluxe coaches pick up at nine different locations around Springfield. There are two options available: the first package includes the bus and reserved seats at The Muni and the second provides transportation only. Both provide a free popcorn and a fountain drink. If you want to be part of the fun, please visit The Muni s website ( org) or contact Gil Opferman (gil. ann1@mchsi.com / ). Keep an eye out for our March mailing with all the details! JOIN US BACKSTAGE WHERE THE MAGIC HAPPENS! For more than 60 years, The Muni has presented the best shows Broadway has to offer. Every summer, hundreds of volunteers join together to present four incredible shows featuring amazing talent. Sign up to become a Backstager and receive exclusive benefits that are not available to the general public, including premium parking, backstage tours, priority ticketing and more. Whether you want to spend $25 or $1,500, there s a membership package that s just right for you. Aside from these benefits, as a Backstager you can take pride in knowing that you are playing an important part in continuing Springfield s long and proud traditions of Broadway under the stars. To kick off The Muni s 2014 Season, the annual Backstager dinner (on The Muni patio) and backstage tours will be held on June 4 during a rehearsal of The Sound of Music. So what are you waiting for? Come join the fun and become a Muni Backstager! For more information, contact Gil Opferman (gil.ann1@mchsi.com / ). The Springfield Municipal Opera 815 East Lake Drive Springfield, IL To Order Tickets: (217) 793-MUNI contact@themuni.org Web: 5

6 THANK YOU TO OUR 2014 SHOW SPONSORS!