Note: Fall Show has been changed. See news item Fall Show Changes to A Little Night Music.
The MAD Board has selected Stephen Sondheim’s Company as its 2023 Fall Show. We’ve applied for the rights and should hear soon. (On the off chance that it is denied, we will apply for A Little Night Music instead.) Auditions will be held August 7 and 9 from 7:00-9:00 and callbacks August 12 from 1:00-3:00 at the Goddard Visitor’s Center, so you will not need badges to attend. The Visitor’s Center is located just to the left of the Goddard Main Gate off ICESat Road. Audition materials are being made available in MAD’s member services area, https://madtheaterarchive.org/mem. Contact director Randy Barth (Randy.Barth@comcast.net) if you need the password. Eight performances are planned for the Rec Center Nov. 3-19 (Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday matinees). Auditions favor members (employees, civil service retirees, and immediate families, plus those approved for non-voting member status), but guests may be selected if there are unfilled openings. Contact Randy if you have questions about your membership status or eligibility. All races, ethnicities, and orientations are welcome.
Since this will be our first full production since the pandemic and we are getting a later start than usual, we will be taking a modest approach to the show. Tech, sets, orchestra, and dance will be limited. We will single cast unless schedules force otherwise. Orchestra will be in the main hall and voices will not be miked.
Character Breakdown:
I’ve not listed ages or vocal ranges since most of the parts are flexible in the former and identical in the latter. For those unfamiliar with the story, here is some additional information provided by Music Theater International. There are also versions available on YouTube.
Robert: The story’s protagonist, he is a keen observer who appears happy but holds pain in his heart. He is the only one of his friends still single. Terrified of marriage and fears a lifelong loneliness.
Sarah: Harry’s hypercritical wife. She is an avid learner of karate and tends to overeat. Open, accepting, and full of love.
Harry: Sarah’s husband. He is a recovering alcoholic continually falling off the wagon. Believes the advantages of marriage outweigh the disadvantages.
Susan: A delicate southern belle. Peter’s wife and ex-wife. Motherly in her affections towards Robert.
Peter: Susan’s husband. The perfect husband and ex-husband. He is very liberal in his view of relationships.
Jenny: Quietly manipulative, simultaneously square and wise. Loves her husband, David, and will indulge him from time to time.
David: Jenny’s husband, he is relaxed and always in control. Believes a man should be married and that the sacrifice of freedom is worth what you get in return.
Amy: A frantic neurotic engaged to Paul but terrified of marriage. After a mental breakdown, she finally realizes that Paul is, in fact, her soulmate.
Paul: Amy’s fiancé. Mildly clingy, but patient to her neurotic nature. He is fully committed to the idea of marriage and encourages Robert to do the same.
Joanne: Acerbic, demanding, and blunt. Too old to be part of the young crowd, but not old enough to be part of the older crowd. Puts on a brassy front that melts when she is alone with her husband.
Larry: Joanne’s husband. He is stoic and centered, but has moments of goofiness. Indulges his wife’s behavior but knows when to put his foot down.
Marta: A girlfriend of Robert’s. Intensely modern, who is seeking adventure and excitement in the city.
Kathy: An old girlfriend of Robert’s, who is now considered a good friend. She plans to leave the city for a life of domesticity. Sweet and loving.
April: A girlfriend of Robert’s. She is a flight attendant who came to New York to live in Radio City. Ditzy and adorable.
The Vocal Minority: Optional voices who double in group numbers. Allows for some additional participation but will depend on turnout.