August 11 & 12 - 6 pm to 9 pm
(Players Theatre, 1108 State St., Utica)
Players of Utica holds open auditions for all of our Subscription Season performances. Anyone and everyone is welcome to audition for any production that has been posted to this page. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for casting without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We thank you for your interest in and support of Players of Utica!
PRODUCTION:
Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by George Furth
Directed by Christian Shaefer
Music direction by Sarah Cohea
Choreography by Patrick St. Thomas
PLAY SYNOPSIS:
Stephen Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along tells the story of three friends—Franklin Shepard, Charley Kringas, and Mary Flynn—and their journey through friendship, ambition, and disillusionment in the entertainment industry. The show begins in 1976 and moves backward in time over 20 years, ending in 1957, when the trio first met as young, idealistic dreamers. As the story unfolds in reverse, we see: Frank, once a talented composer, became a wealthy but soulless movie producer; Charley, his writing partner, grows frustrated by Frank’s compromises; Mary, a novelist, drifts into bitterness and alcoholism after watching her friends fall apart. The musical ends where it emotionally begins—at the start of their friendship—full of hope, creativity, and promise, making the journey all the more poignant.
CHARACTERS:
Franklin Shepard - 35–45 (plays late 20s to 40s due to reverse chronology). Voice: Baritone/Tenor
Charley Kringas - 35–45 (plays late 20s to 40s). Voice: Tenor
Mary Flynn - 35–45 (plays early 20s to 40s). Voice: Mezzo
Beth Spencer Shepard - 25–35. Voice: Soprano
Gussie Carnegie - 30–45. Voice: Mezzo/Alto (belter)
Joe Josephson - 40–55. Voice: Baritone
Ensemble:
6–12 people (16-65 years old) 1 male (7-10 years old)
Meg – 20s–30s, ensemble; sings in “Opening Doors”
Dory, KT, Jerome – 20s–40s, chorus, light solos
Ru, Scotty, Terry, Others – ensemble cameos
Frank Jr. – Young boy, 7–10 years old; small speaking role, no solo singing
AUDITION EXPECTATIONS:
The audition room will be closed, piano or prerecording will be available for the provided cuts.
Sides will be provided at auditions.
Callbacks from the audition night one may be called on audition night two.
Choreography: minimal with focus of choreographed movement.
Rehearsals will be 4 nights a week Monday-Friday (some weekend calls may be required during the rehearsal process).
PERFORMANCE DATES:
Thursdays: October 16 & 23 at 7:30 pm
Fridays: October 17 & 24 at 7:30 pm
Saturdays: October 18 & 25 at 2 pm
Sundays: October 19 & 26 at 2 pm