Little Women, The Musical
Book by Allan Knee
Music by Jason Howland
Lyrics by Mindi Dickstein
Based on the book by Louisa May Alcott
Directed by: ANNE GESLING
Music Directed by: DANIEL KOH
Choreography by: KRYSTAL COMBS
Produced by: MEREDITH WRIGHT
SYNOPSIS
This timeless, captivating story is brought to life in this glorious musical filled with personal discovery, heartache, hope and everlasting love. Based on Louisa May Alcott’s life, Little Women follows the adventures of sisters, Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March. Jo is trying to sell her stories for publication, but the publishers are not interested – her friend, Professor Bhaer, tells her that she has to do better and write more from herself. Begrudgingly taking this advice, Jo weaves the story of herself and her sisters and their experience growing up in Civil War America.
Little Women embodies a complete theatrical experience, guaranteeing a night filled with laughter, tears and a lifting of the spirit. The powerful score soars with the sounds of personal discovery, heartache and hope – the sounds of a young America finding its voice.
AUDITION DATES
Saturday, January 20, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m (Stage)
Sunday, January 21, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. (Stage)
No appointment needed. Actors only need to attend one day of auditions.
CALLBACKS on Monday, January 22, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. (Stage) You will be notified by email if you will be needed for callbacks.
PREPARE
Please prepare two contrasting songs (16-32 bars each) from standard musical theater repertoire. Do not sing a pop/rock song. You may only be asked to sing one song, so do the “best one” first. An accompanist will be provided; bring sheet music in the key you will be singing. You may bring pre-recorded accompaniment on CD or Iphone/Android equivalent although we would prefer that you sing with the accompanist. Be prepared to dance at the initial audition.
LOCATION
Santa Monica’s Morgan-Wixson Theatre, 2627 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90405. Street parking available. Venice Family Clinic’s parking lot is available on weekends and on weekdays after 6 p.m. Do not park at our neighbors AAMCO/Viking Motors or SGI or you will be towed.
PERFORMANCE DATES
March 16 through April 14, Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.. Please note that actors MUST be available for all performances. This is non-negotiable!
REHEARSAL DATES/TIMES
Rehearsals begin Sunday, January 28 and are held Monday through Thursday evenings from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Saturdays from 1:00pm to 6:00 pm and Sundays from 6:00 to 10:00 pm. Actors are not called for all rehearsals, only rehearsals where they are being used for a scene.
BRING
Picture, resume and list of all conflicts for the rehearsal period. All conflicts MUST be submitted prior to callbacks. If additional conflicts arise after casting, it may result in an actor being replaced.
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
Jo March: 18-26, Mezzo with strong belt, high belt & soprano range, E3 to A5, the story’s protagonist, passionate, adventurous, and brave, ability to play comedic and dramatic scenes.
Amy March: 15-20; Mezzo, A3 to Gb5, the youngest, most energetic sister with a rather pompous air about her. She later marries Laurie. Doubles as Troll.
Meg March: 21-28, Soprano with strong low range, A#3 to Bb5, the world-weary, yet hopeful, oldest sister who yearns for a great life. Doubles as Clarissa.
Beth March: 17-24, Mezzo, A3-G5, the second youngest sister who tragically dies of scarlet fever, peace-maker, sweet, a homebody, and an optimist who is always encouraging her sisters to dream. Doubles as Rodrigo II.
Marmee March: 45-55, Mezzo, Eb3 to Eb5, the girls’ mother, she is the strong backbone of the family, courageous in spite of the difficult odds she faces, she only breaks down when she is alone. Doubles as Hag.
Aunt March: 45-60, Contralto with soprano range, E3 to F5, a formidable, over-bearing matron and great-aunt to the March sisters, the wealthy socialite in town. Doubles as Mrs. Kirk.
Professor Bhaer: 30-45, Bari-tenor, G2 to F#4, a German Professor who exemplifies proper manners, he is a boarder in Mrs. Kirk’s boarding house and eventually falls in love with Jo.
Laurie Laurence: 19-26, Tenor, Bb2 to Bb4, the bright-eyed boy-next-door with considerable charm, he is Jo’s best friend but later falls in love with Amy. Doubles as Roderigo.
Mr. John Brooke: 30-40, Baritone, C#3 to F#4, Laurie’s tutor and a rather stiff man who initially shows very little emotion, he later marries Meg and warms up considerably. Doubles as Braxton.
Mr. Laurence: 50-60, Baritone, C3 to E4, Laurie’s grandfather, gruff and sour, but with a heart of gold. Doubles as The Knight.
CONTACT
Questions or requests for additional information should be directed to Anne Gesling at amgesling@yahoo.com.
OTHER
Non-Equity, no pay