Villagers Theatre Auditioning for ‘The Last Five Years’ and ‘Little Shop of Horrors’

Auditions for the musicals “The Last Five Years” and “Little Shop of Horrors” are set for Nov. 16 through Nov. 21 at the Villagers Theatre, DeMott Lane (near the municipal complex), Somerset.

Auditions for “The Last Five Years” are set for 3-6 p.m. Nov. 16, with potential callbacks 3-6 p.m. Nov. 23.

The show will run in the theater’s Black Box from Jan. 9-12, 2014. All performances are at 8 p.m., except for Jan. 12, which is at 2 p.m.

Produced by Joe Buz, directed by Corey Rubel and musically directed by, Francois Suhr, the show  is a “contemporary song-cycle musical that ingeniously chronicles the five year life of a marriage, from meeting to break-up, or from break-up to meeting, depending on how you look at it,” according to the audition announcement.

According to the announcement, producers are looking for actors to play the following:

• CATHERINE HIATT (25 – 35 years old) – Character arcs from an ambitious, fresh-faced girl in a new relationship to a woman stunned by a betrayal and a divorce that she is only beginning to understand. Prepare a 32-bar cut from “Still Hurting” and “A Summer In Ohio”
• JAMIE WLLERSTEIN (25 – 35 years old) – Character arcs from an ambitious guy on a promising first date with a dazzling career to someone who is blinded by success and ego. He is very lovable, yet makes unintentional choices that sabotages his own happiness. Prepare a 32-bar cut from “Shiksa Goddess” and “Nobody Needs To Know”

Auditions are open to those 18 and older only. Actors of all ethnicities are encouraged to audition.

Contact joe@villagerstheatre.com if you require sheet music for the above songs.

Between 10 and 12 rehearsals will take place off-site during December and early January. Tech week will take place January 6th – January 8th.

Auditions for “Little Shop of Horrors” will take place 7-10 p.m. Nov. 18 and Nov. 19, and 7-11 p.m. Nov. 21. Callbacks will be by invitation.

Directed by Mark Kalet, with musical direction by Rory Chalcraft and choreography by Jaime Moritz, the show is about  a down-and out skid row floral assistant who becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood, according to the audition announcement.

“Soon ‘Audrey II’ grows into an ill-tempered, foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore who offers him fame and fortune in exchange for feeding its growing appetite, finally revealing itself to be an alien creature poised for global domination! Charming, tuneful and hilarious, with tongue firmly planted in cheek, Little Shop of Horrors never fails to entertain,’ according to the announcement.

The production staff is looking for a small, multi-ethnic cast. Actors should be prepared to read from the script, learn a short dance and sing; prepare a 32-bar song in the style of the show, according to the announcement. No a cappella permitted, actors must bring sheet music for the pianist. This production will be the original off-Broadway production.

Performances will be Feb. 7-23, 2014, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.

Producers are looking for the following characters:

AUDREY: Bleached-blond, secret love of Seymour’s life. She has poor self-worth and education, but incredibly good looks and a sweet and vulnerable demeanor. Innocent but street smart. Female, 25-35 years old Range: G#3 – D5

CRYSTAL, RONNETTE and CHIFFON: African-American street urchins, acting as the occasional Greek Chorus. Young, hip, and smart, these girls are the only ones who have a grip on reality. Female, 20-35 years old Range: Ab3 – F5

MR. MUSHNIK: The seasoned owner of the failing East Side flower shop and Seymour’s nosy boss. He is profit-driven, greedy, and manipulative. Male, 55-65 years old Range: G2 – F4.

ORIN SCRIVELLO And OTHERS: An egotistical dentist with a passion for leather and sadistic tendencies. Audrey’s abusive boyfriend, who is targeted by Seymour. (Plays multiple roles). Male, 30-40 years old Range: G2 – G4.

SEYMOUR KRELBORN: An insecure, put-upon florist’s clerk and eventual hero. He is a genuine, well-meaning man who is taken for granted because of his clumsy ways and poor social skills. Male, 25-35 years old Range: A2 – G4.

THE PLANT (AUDREY II): Puppet. An anthropomorphic cross between a Venus flytrap and an avocado, the plant has an appetite for human flesh that is appeased by Seymour. Puppeteer doubles as other sizes of the plant.

VOICE OF THE PLANT: An actor/vocalist located offstage. The voice is that of a conniving, street-smart ‘villain.’ A funky Rhythm and Blues voice is best. Male, any age Range: G2 – G4.

The show will rehearse five times in December and resume in January for a 5-week rehearsal period. Rehearsals will be held three times a week, two weeknights and one full Saturday or Sunday.

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