Lehigh Valley Premiere

Directed by Ralph Montesano
Music Direction by Nancy Broadbent
Choreography by Joanellyn Schubert

The Pennsylvania Playhouse will hold auditions for its upcoming holiday production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas on
Saturday, September 11
th and Sunday, September 12th
at the theater on Illick’s Mill Road in Bethlehem.

 

Those auditioning are asked to prepare 16 bars of music, preferably from the show.  Candidates will be required to cold read from the script and take part in a dance/movement audition.

 

Auditions for the role of Susan Waverly will be held
Saturday, September 11, from 9am to 11am.
The director is looking for a young woman 9-12 years old to play 9 years old.
 Those auditioning must possess the ability to act, sing, and dance (preferably tap). Two young ladies will be cast
and will alternate performances nightly. There will be no call backs for this role.

 

Adult auditions will take place on
 Saturday, September 11, from 11am to 2pm and
Sunday, September 12 from 1pm to 4pm.
 
Call backs for adults will be held Sunday, September 12 at 7pm.  Those who can tap, please bring your shoes.

 

A complete listing of characters can be found below.
The show runs December 3-19, 2010.

 

Contact director, Ralph Montesano,
at 610-393-3741 with any questions.

 

Character Descriptions

BOB WALLACE - (variable age) A major singing star, Bob is the guiding force behind the song and dance team of Wallace and Davis. He wears his fame easily and is a born leader, but has some trouble with social and romantic interactions. Despite his occasional gruffness, he is a deeply kind and principled man who is searching for his true love.
• A superb singer with a crooning style who moves very well. Baritone.


PHIL DAVIS - (variable age) The fun-loving, go-getting song-and-dance partner of the team of Wallace and Davis. An irrepressible clown, operator and incorrigible ladies' man who is determined to see his friend happy, even if it requires scheming and outright deception. He has a boyish charm and sex appeal.
• Strong jazz and tap-dancing needed—a song-and-dance comic performer. Bari-Tenor.


BETTY HAYNES - (variable age) The sensible, responsible half of the upcoming song-and-dance team, The Haynes Sisters. Destined to be a star in her own right, she is nonetheless hesitant to take the spotlight for herself. A woman of decent, upstanding principles, she is devoted to her younger sister. Like Bob, she hides her yearning for true love under a protective shell.
• A female singer of quiet beauty and charm with a rich chest mix sound and a soprano extension. Must move well.


JUDY HAYNES - (variable age) The younger, more ambitious, slightly scheming Haynes sister. While wholesome and adorable, she is sexy and flirty—a winning charmer whom no man can resist.
• Strong jazz and tap dancing needed—a major song-and-dance performer. Chest Mix.


GENERAL HENRY WAVERLY - (older) A retired U.S. Army General, adjusting to returning to civilian life in post World War II America. Once a powerful leader, he now struggles to run an Inn in Vermont. He remains a man of great principle and dignity. Beneath his curmudgeonly military exterior lies a warm, compassionate man in need of family and love.
• With the exception of one line, a non-singing role.


MARTHA WATSON - (variable age) Once a Broadway star, now the general's housekeeper at the Inn, Martha has a very dry, wry, wisecracking sense of humor. Bighearted but completely unsentimental, she runs the General's life in spite of his protestations. She is an irrepressible meddler, but always for what she believes to be the other guy's best interests.
• A winning, appealing character-comedienne with a clarion belt voice.


SUSAN WAVERLY - (9-12 years old to play 9 years old) The General's granddaughter, Susan is a lovable and outgoing real kid. She is very smart, wise beyond her years, and cares deeply about her grandfather. Once bitten hard by the showbiz bug, she demonstrates everything that is winning in the ultimate child performer.
• She must have an excellent belt voice, and be able to dance, preferable tap.


RALPH SHELDRAKE - (variable age) Army buddy of Bob and Phil's, now a major television executive with the Ed Sullivan Show. Fast-talking, New York professional.
• A Baritone.


RITA AND RHODA - (variable age) Bob and Phil's two star chorus girls, they are brash, sexy, and fun, although perhaps not the smartest

EZEKIEL FOSTER - (variable age) The ultimate taciturn New Englander, who helps out at the inn and takes life at a very slow pace. Can be double-cast with the role of SNORING MAN.


MIKE - (variable age) Bob and Phil's stage manager. Has a tendency to be over-dramatic and completely hysterical, but will get things done. Never seen without his whistle and clipboard, which he uses to attempt to keep order. May be double cast with the role of ED SULLIVAN ANNOUNCER.

ENSEMBLE ROLES

TESSIE - Bob and Phil's extremely competent assistant. May be double cast with the role of ASSISTANT SEAMSTRESS.

JIMMY - The proprietor of "Jimmy's Back Room," a none-too-classy nightclub.

CIGARETTE GIRL

SNORING MAN

MRS. SNORING MAN - May be double cast with the role of SEAMSTRESS

TRAIN CONDUCTOR

DANCE CAPTAIN

SEAMSTRESS

ASSISTANT SEAMSTRESS

ED SULLIVAN ANNOUNCER

REGENCY ROOM ANNOUNCER (OFFSTAGE VOICE)

SHELDRAKE'S SECRETARY (OFFSTAGE VOICE)

ENSEMBLE: Male & female ensemble of dancers. Early 20's to Mid 30's. Must be equally strong in ballroom, jazz and tap. Must sing very well. This is 1950's Hollywood movie musical dancing. Covers for principle roles will come from this ensemble. 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