SUMMER MUSICAL ANNOUNCEMENT
The Theatre Downstream has encountered an unexpected and unfortunate circumstance even though we completed a lengthy process to secure the necessary permissions to make the public announcement that we would perform, “The Sound of Music.”
We were contacted this past week by the company informing us that Rodgers & Hammerstein were planning to revive “The Sound of Music” on Broadway to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the film’s release.
That’s great news, but how does that affect our production?
When a show is revived, it is policy that any currently active touring Broadway show is given the right to deny other local theaters the opportunity to perform the production.
It pertains to us because we have been denied permission to produce “The Sound of Music” by a Broadway company that is currently touring in the United States.
Fortunately, The Theatre Downstream Executive Board was able to work extremely fast and secure the rights and permissions from another musical and their touring company late last week.
To that end, we are absolutely thrilled to announce that we are partnering with Henry County Public Schools Theatre to perform one of Disney’s most popular musicals…
……Beauty and the Beast!!
This “tale as old as time” is sure to appeal to theatre lovers of all ages. As you can see, it’s well-known score is already playing in our minds!
Although the show has changed, audition dates and requirements are the same as originally announced.
JUNE 30th & JULY 2nd 6:00-8:00pmat the John W. Smith Auditorium. (Also known as Henry County High School), 1120 Eminence Road, New Castle, KY.Performance Dates will be August 27-30 (Thursday-Sunday)
Please come prepared with:
*16 bars of a song if you would like to audition for a singing role
*Be prepared to sing and/or cold read from the script and musical score
Thank you and we hope to see you at auditions!!
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
BELLE (Stage Age:18-30)
Belle is the original fairy tale heroine–kind, gentle, and beautiful–but with an important 21st Century twist. She is a strong, intelligent, spirited and independent young woman. Belle is the moral conscience of the story, elevated by her thoughts and deeds. The maturity and depth of her character allow her to see the true beauty and spirit within The Beast, and to love him for it. This role requires a very strong singer who portrays innocence with her singing and speaking voice. Mezzo-Soprano: Low A-High F
THE BEAST (Stage Age:21-35)
The Beast’s tortured soul is evident for all to see. He is paying the
ultimate price for a moment of mean-spiritedness, and wishes beyond wishing that he could rectify his mistake. There is anger and menace in The Beast’s appearance and behavior, but increasingly we see his soft and endearing side as he interacts with Belle. It becomes clear that he is a loving, feeling, human being trapped within a hideous creature’s body. This role requires a very strong singer, and the actor must have a strong speaking voice and stage presence. Baritone: A–High F
GASTON (Stage Age: 21-35)
Gaston is the absolute antithesis of The Beast. Although he is physically handsome, he is shallow, completely self-centered, not very bright, and thrives on attention. However,when his ego is bruised he becomes a very dangerous foe for The Beast, Belle and Maurice. This role requires a strong singer and character actor who moves well. Baritone: A–High F
LEFOU (Stage Age:18+)
Lefou is Gaston’s dim-witted, servile sidekick. He goes to extraordinary lengths and suffers repeated humiliation in his efforts to please his master. The actor must be comfortable with physical comedy, and the role requires strong character acting. Baritone: B–High F Sharp
MAURICE (Stage Age:40+)
Despite being a bit scatter-brained,there is no mistaking Maurice’s
steadfast love for his daughter Belle. Kindly, gentle, enthusiastic and inventive, he becomes single-minded and determined when Belle faces danger. Maurice and Belle sing the lovely duet No Matter What. Baritone: B flat–High D flat
BABETTE (Stage Age:20’s-40’s)
Babette is a saucy, enchanted feather-duster, and the object of Lumiere’s affections. This role requires good character acting and she should move well, as she dances a tango with Lumiere during Be Our Guest. This character speaks with a French accent. Alto: C–C
LUMIERE (Stage Age:30+)
Lumiere is the French butler who was transformed into a Candelabrum. He is light-hearted, suave, romantic, smooth-talking, and charming. He has a romantic involvement with Babette. This character speaks with a French accent. This role requires strong character acting, and he should move well. Baritone: A–High F sharp
COGSWORTH (Stage Age:30+)
Cogsworth is a tightly-wound, enchanted mantle clock and the head of the Beast’s household. He is a stuffy English man who loves perfection. This character speaks with a British accent. This role requires strong character acting.Baritone: A–High E
MRS. POTTS (Stage Age:30+)
Mrs. Potts is a warm-hearted, maternal enchanted teapot. She sings the title song Beauty and the Beast. This character speaks with a British accent. Mezzo-Soprano: Low F sharp–High G
CHIP (Age 8-12 years old)
Chip is an inquisitive little teacup who is the son of Mrs. Potts. Boy Soprano: D–High D
MADAME DE LA GRANDE BOUCHE (Stage Age:30+)
Madame is a former opera diva turned enchanted wardrobe. Soprano: C sharp–High G
MONSIEUR D’ARQUE (StageAge:25+)
D’arque is the creepy, scheming proprietor of the local insaneasylum,The Maison De Lune. He doubles as a townsperson. Tenor: D–High A
THREE SILLY GIRLS (Stage Age:16-25)
The silly girls are three pretty young maids who swoon over Gaston.They are featured dancers who double as enchanted objects.
ENSEMBLE (TOWNSPEOPLE – THE ENCHANTED OBJECTS)
There are several additional ensemble roles for men, women, and children.
The Theatre Downstream 