AUDITION NOTICE FOR MEMPHIS
The Candlelight Theatre is presenting Memphis, September 12 through October 25, 2020. The production will be directed and choreographed by Devon Sinclair.
Candlelight is accepting video submissions only. Prepare a short monologue of your choosing and 16 – 32 bars showing range and in the style of the show. In your email please note the part(s) you’re interested in, and if you consider yourself a mover, a strong mover, or a dancer. Submissions are due by May 31st. An invited dance call and callbacks may occur in person at a later date-CDC permitting. Send information to Artistic Director, Bob Kelly at bob@candlelightde.org. All roles are open and paid. Restaurant opportunities available.
Rehearsals will begin mid-July. Performances are September 12 – October 25, 2020 and generally Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Also scheduled: 1 Thursday evening – October 1, 2 Wednesday matinees – September 16 and October 21. Tentatively scheduled Saturday matinee – September 19, Wednesday matinees – September 23 and October 14, and Thursday evenings – September 24 and October 8
No phone calls to the theater, please.
MEMPHIS CASTING BREAKDOWN
HUEY CALHOUN (Male, 20-35, Tenor with a great feel for pop/rock, R&B C3-B4)
ETHNICITY: Caucasian.
Charismatic, frenzied, bombastic, and outright unprecedented! Huey is our motor-mouthed hero who talks his way into becoming a DJ at a local “white” radio station. With a sincere heart and disregard for race barriers, Huey falls in love with black songstress Felicia. These things drive Huey
to bridge the cultural divide in Memphis and prove that music and love can transcend race.
“Justin Timberlake meets Forrest Gump”
FELICIA FARRELL (Female, 20-35, R&B, Belt voice G3-A5)
ETHNICITY: African American
Beautiful, wide-eyed, and a fiercely gifted singer! Like all black women, Felicia is the glue holding the community together. She carries the weight of the world on her shoulders, yet still dares to follow her heart, and make the sacrifices needed to succeed in a world that refuses to see her. Walking with grand spirit, Felicia’s prowess speaks for itself!
“Princess Tiana meets Michelle Obama”
DELRAY FARRELL (Male, 35-45, Commanding baritenor with a pop/rock/R&B, Bb2- Bb4)
ETHNICITY: African American
Felicia’s older brother who owns the club on Beale Street where she sings. Realistic, cautious, and protective of his sister. Forced to grow up sooner than he should, Delray is fiercely aware of the realities of the segregation that exists in Memphis and the world beyond.
His voice should command “Teddy Pendergrass meets Dre Johnson”
BOBBY DUPREE (Male, 20-35, Baritenor, G3-C5)
ETHNICITY: African American
Between work and his time at Delray’s, Bobby quickly becomes one of Huey’s best friends. Requires a comedic actor full of personality, heart, showmanship, and must dance well.
“Winston Bishop meets the Genie”
GLADYS CALHOUN (Female, 45-65, Strong singer, Alto-Belt mix B3-A5)
ETHNICITY: Caucasian
Excellent comedic actor; Huey’s stern, traditional blue-collar, southern mother who has worked her entire life to be able to support herself and her rabble-rousing son, whom she loves, but about whom she constantly worries.
“Helen ‘Mama’ Boucher meets Sophia Petrillo with a dash of Alba Villanueva”
GATOR (Male, 35-45, Baritenor, F#3-A4)
ETHNICITY: African American
Sweet, patient, and gentle. Bartender at Delray’s hasn’t spoken since age five, when he saw his father killed; a man of silent but deadly expressions. As the story progresses, he finds his voice again. Must be an excellent actor, singer, and move well, comic timing a plus. Strong harmonization skills needed. Actor will most likely double in the “Be Black” trio.
“Black Panther’s Zuri meets Stanley Hudson on Pretzel Day”
SIMMONS (Male, 40-60, role will double other characters)
ETHNICITY: Caucasian
Conservative owner of the radio station where Huey gets his start; a strong, southern, commanding businessman. The more money Huey makes him, the more liberal henbecomes. Great actor who is comfortable singing.
“Mr. Krabs meets Doug Dimmadome owner of the Dimmsdale Dimmadome”
WAILIN’ JOE (Male, 20-40; Excellent tenor Eb3 – Gb5)
ETHNICITY: African American
Wailin’ Joe sings “Scratch My Itch” and is featured in both Act One and Act Two; must also dance very well. Strong stage presence and harmonization skills needed. Actor will most likely double in the “Be Black” trio.
“Bobby Proud meets Bruno Mars”
BUCK WILEY (Male, 30-55; Light singing)
ETHNICITY: Caucasian
Buck Wiley is the DJ and host of Boppin with the Blues on WHDZ before Huey takes his place. As the show progresses, we see his disdain for Huey grow. He even goes as far to organize the attack on Huey & Felicia.
“Rush Limbaugh meets Don Imus”
BEALE STREET DANCERS & SINGERS (Female & Male), 16+
ETHNICITY: African American
Bold imaginative actors with strong character-building skills to play teenagers and adults; EXCELLENT dancers with great voices; comic abilities, partnering, and tumbling a plus! This show is a MARATHON and needs a kickass ensemble with high endurance. If you’ve ever been told “If you weren’t black, you’d make a great nicest kid in town!”, this is the ensemble for you!
“Corny Collins Council meets In Living Color”
MAIN STREET DANCERS/SINGERS (Female & Male, 20-30’s)
ETHNICITY: Open to all
Athletic dancers with great pop/rock voices; comic ability and tumbling a plus. These actors should be excellent storytellers!
“Nicest Kids in town meets Revolting Children”