Footlite Musicals announces open auditions for A Gentleman’s Guide To Love And Murder. We will continue to closely follow updates from the CDC and our own state government regarding the status of COVID-19. Each audition, rehearsal, and performance will continue to adhere to all mandates and recommendations as we do our part to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.

***Vaccines will be required for cast members and strongly suggested for staff, crew, and orchestra, as our goal is to do performances without masks onstage.***

This is a high-style, British romantic farce set in the Edwardian era. It requires highly trained actors who sing beautifully and have great comic skills. All roles are open to audition and are similar stylistically to characters in Oscar Wilde plays. There is also an ensemble of six, all of whom play important roles throughout the show; solo singing required by all.

Auditions will be by appointment only, in an effort to keep all those auditioning (as well as the staff and volunteers) safe and socially-distanced. Auditions will be held on June 27th at 7:00 PM and June 28th at 7:00 PM. All auditions will take place at Hedback Community Theater, home of Footlite Musicals, at 1847 North Alabama Street. To make an audition appointment, please visit the link below. Audition time slots are first come, first served. If you have a conflict with the audition dates and/or times, please contact the director Kayvon Emtiaz (kemtiaz@yahoo.com) to make alternative arrangements.

Audition Link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C44AEA828A3FECE9-gentlemans

Please come to the audition prepared with 32 bars (about one minute) from an uptempo Broadway song. If you need a suggestion, think comedy, patter songs, Gilbert & Sullivan, My Fair Lady, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, etc. The song should show off character, different voices, facial expression, physicality & range.An accompanist will be provided; please bring sheet music in the correct key. A cappella singing or recorded accompaniments will not be allowed. There will be no dance portion of this audition. Rehearsals will begin mid-July and will be in the evening from Sunday-Thursday. Production dates are September 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30; October 1, 2, 3.

To learn more about Footlite, visit us at www.footlite.org. To learn more about this production and the COVID-19 measures Footlite Musicals has in place to keep patrons safe, “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Footlite. Footlite is an all-volunteer, non-Equity community theater. There is never a participation fee to be involved in a Footlite Musicals production.

About The Show:

When the low-born Monty Navarro finds out that he’s eighth in line for an earldom in the lofty D’Ysquith family, he figures his chances of outliving his predecessors are slight and sets off down a far more ghoulish path. Can he knock off his unsuspecting relatives without being caught and become the ninth Earl of Highhurst? And what of love? Because murder isn’t the only thing on Monty’s mind…

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder is a murderous romp filled with unforgettable music, non-stop laughs and a scene-stealing role for one actor playing all eight of the doomed heirs who meet their ends in the most creative and side-splitting ways.

Character Breakdown:

THE D’YSQUITH FAMILY — Must be an experienced, skilled, and transformational comedic actor who has a superb grasp on British farce. Physical comedy and stamina is a necessity. Does not necessarily need to be a phenomenal singer, but must be able to carry a musical comedy without an ounce of hesitation. Plays the following range of characters from the same family, ranging from an off-kilter priest to a closeted bee enthusiast to a lowly custodian (each of them intrinsic “English types”). Vocal range B2-F4.

MONTY NAVARRO — Handsome and effortlessly charming, clever and charismatic, vulnerable and endearing, with a highly developed appreciation for life’s ironies. Monty is the engine of the plot; must be able to command attention and draw the audience in.  Discovers he is in line to become the Earl of Highhurst, and intends to kill off the family that stands in his way.   While he is intent on killing off the entire family tree, he must have a winning charm that would garner anybody’s trust. Must have excellent comedic timing, vocal variation, and physical skills. Legit Baritone. A2-A4.

SIBELLA — Sexy, flirtatious, narcissistic, willful girl that Monty loves – calculating, and irresistible. A social climber, yes, but also truly loves Monty, and in the end would do anything to protect him. Tremendous wit and high style.  Strong mover. Character mezzo, F#3 to A5, belting not required.

PHOEBE — Beautiful, virtuous, forthright, romantic, comically earnest, with a backbone of steel. Monty’s young poised virtuous cousin (and potential wife).   She is not your typical ingénue, though. Actress must have a sense of irony and humor, in addition to a youthful innocence behind her sophistication. Coloratura soprano, range B3 up to a high sustained C#6 with an optional high Eb6. Very flexible and agile. Also open to performers from a strong operatic background.

MISS SHINGLE — a Cockney housekeeper/governess who has served a wealthy, titled family for 30 years. She informs Monty that he is indeed a D’Ysquith. Storytelling is paramount for her role. Seeking a character woman. Mezzo soprano, G3 to A5. 

WOMAN #1 — Plays TOUR GUIDE, as well as PUB OWNER’S WIFE, MRS. PEBWORTH, 3RD NEWSBOY. Mezzo soprano, G3 to A5. 

WOMAN #2 — Plays LADY EUGENIA, an unhappily married countess. Overbearing and mean spirited at times, but comically so. Must be highly adept at the biting quip and the withering glare. Also plays MISS HETHERINGTON, and 4TH NEWSBOY. Vocal range F#3-A5 

WOMAN #3 — Plays MISS BARLEY, an alluring artist model. Also plays SIBELLA’S MAID, HYACINTH COLLEAGUE, PHOEBE’S MAID, HILDA.  Vocal range G3-C6 

MAN #1 — Appealing and attractive. Plays TOM COPLEY (aka FARMER), as well as 2ND CLERK, HYACINTH COLLEAGUE, 2ND NEWSBOY, ACTOR, ANCESTRAL BUST, DR. PETTIBONE, and GUARD. High baritone with a strong top; solid A2-A4.

MAN #2 — A versatile and appealing character man. Plays DETECTIVE PINCKEY, who has a featured number. Also plays 1ST CLERK, PUB OWNER, MR. CROSS, 1ST NEWSBOY, 1ST ACTOR, PHYSICIAN, and 2ND ANCESTRAL BUST. Bass, C2 to G#4. 

MAN #3 — A character man. Plays THE MAGISTRATE, as well as MR. GOODSALL, ACTOR, and MR. GORBY. THE MAGISTRATE has a featured number with DETECTIVE PINCKEY. True tenor. Bb2 –Bb4