Northport Community Arts Center holds Wizard of Oz auditions
Grab your ruby sneakers! Northport Community Arts Center (NCAC) is seeking adventurous performers and volunteers for this summer’s unique, imaginative production of The Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum, directed, designed, and choreographed for NCAC by New York actor and director, Scott Lilly.
This production is a faithful “re-imagining” of the classic MGM musical: same songs, same script, with an original, contemporary spin appropriate for all audiences of all generations: something familiar, but also brand new. Adapted in the present day, Dorothy Gale—a lonely, artistic teenager—and her beloved dog Toto get tossed into a world of her imagination, a place “over the rainbow,” where she and her fellow misfits must face wacky witches and a wondrous wizard in order to find the brains, heart, courage, and sense of home they’re looking for.
Auditions will be Saturday, May 19 at 10 a.m., Sunday May 20 at 2 p.m., and Sunday, May 27 at 2 p.m., or by special arrangement if an actor is unable to make one of these dates. All auditions will be at NCAC, 104 S. Wing St, at Northport Public School, with performances at NCAC July 28, 29, 31, August 1, 2, 4, and 5.
“We are looking for a diverse and creative company of volunteers to join us in this endeavor,” said Lilly. “We are not looking for the best film impersonations, but rather original re-interpretations of all your favorite characters. We want to see you and make you shine!”
Newcomers and old pros are welcome. NCAC is particularly interested in seeing teenagers and young adults for the lead roles, but is open to considering anyone with the brains, heart, and courage for the parts. NCAC is also seeking children ages 8-13 for the Munchkins. Performers of all shapes, sizes, and ethnicities are encouraged to audition. We are open to non-traditional casting. As well as performers, Northport is also seeking production volunteers to help with making sets, props, and costumes.
This production will be unlike anything you’ve ever seen. So come out, support your local performing arts, and be a part of something fun, creative, and completely original this summer. For more information or to volunteer your services, contact Northport Community Arts Center at 231-386-5001.
The Wizard of Oz is presented by special arrangement with Tams-Witmark, with music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg; background music by Herbert Stothart; dance and vocal arrangements by Peter Howard; orchestration by Larry Wilcox; adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company; based upon the classic motion picture owned by Turner Entertainment Co. and distributed in all media by Warner Bros.
Cast of Characters:
M-male/F-female. All roles require some stylized movement. Dance skills/a sense of rhythm a plus
Dorothy Gale: F. A rebellious, artistic, teenager; sarcastic, willful, and always getting into trouble. Singing voice mezzo/mix to E.
Prof. Marvel/The Wizard: M. A looney vagabond; and the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Non- singing role.
Wicked Witch of the West/Miss Gultch: F/M. A grande-dame; vaudevillian villainess, and Kansas counterpart. Non-singing role; comedy, clown, and improv experience a plus. *Open to considering brave character men for this role, in the spirit of Harvey Fierstein/John Travolta in HAIRSPRAY.*
Scarecrow/Hunk: M/F A childlike and inquisitive innocent, and Kansas counterpart. Baritone to F#. *Movement skills a plus.*
Tin Man/Hickory: M A sensitive, damaged metal man, and Kansas counterpart. Baritone to G. Lion/Zeke: F/M A neurotic lion(ess) on a mission to become ‘King’ of the Forest, and Kansas counterpart. Mezzo/Baritone to F. *Especially considering bold character actresses for this role.*
Glinda, Witch of the North/Aunt Em: F. A mysterious and alluring sorceress, and Kansas counterpart. Mezzo/soprano to middle C.
Oz Guard/Uncle Henry: M. A charming and ostentatious showman, and Kansas counterpart. Baritone to B?.
The Munchkins: M/F. 9-15 children, boys & girls; ages 8-13. A colorful tribe of children saved from a Witch. Each child will have a featured moment onstage.
The Ensemble: M/F. 6-8 versatile talents to play multiple characters, including monkeys, poppies, snowflakes, Winkies, crows, trees, and citizens of Oz; each actor will have a featured moment onstage.
Toto: A docile, well-behaved little dog; comfortable in high-stimuli environments. *Canine performer will have limited stage time and will only be needed at the beginning and end of the show.*
