“Become a part of a holiday tradition!” The Chatham Community Players will hold open auditions for Philip Wm. McKinley and Suzanne Buhrer's original musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' most famous work, A CHRISTMAS CAROL. This biennial event has been pleasing audiences in Chatham since 1988 and has become a family tradition for many in Northern New Jersey.
Director/Choreographer Susan Speidel seeks a large cast of varying types and ages, all of whom need to sing and move well. Production schedule includes Tech Week – Dec 8 and Performances on Dec 9, 10 (2 shows), 11, 14, 15, 16, 17 (2 shows), 18 (2 shows), 20 and 21.
Auditions will be held for Adults (17 years and older) on Friday, September 9th at 7 pm and Sunday, September 11th at 3 pm at The Chatham Playhouse 23 North Passaic Ave., Chatham.
Auditions will be held for Children (16 years and younger) on Sunday, September 11th at 1 pm at The Chatham Playhouse 23 North Passaic Ave., Chatham.
Auditioners should be ready to sing a traditional Broadway song (pre-1970s preferred), which shows their vocal range, and must bring sheet music in the appropriate key and marked with chord changes. An accompanist will be provided. Child actors without previous audition experience or who don't know a traditional Broadway song, can choose to sing their favorite holiday song, a song from a Disney musical, or another non-rock and non-pop song that they know well.
Callbacks will be held on Sunday, September 11th, Children at 6 pm and Adults at 7 pm at The Chatham Playhouse 23 North Passaic Ave., Chatham. Callbacks for Adults will consist of readings from the script. Callbacks for children will consist of a brief movement combination, and some children may be asked to learn a portion of a song.
Rehearsals will be held one or two nights per week and on Sunday afternoons, starting at the beginning of October. For the majority of the rehearsal period, child actors will only be called for rehearsal on Friday nights and Sunday afternoons.
Synopsis
In this version, produced exclusively at the Chatham Playhouse since 1988, Dickens serves not only as narrator, but also as a character that befriends Scrooge and walks beside him during his life-changing journey through memories and premonitions. While the script remains true to the original story, the playwright also pulled from letters that Dickens wrote to family and friends. The story of Ebenezer Scrooge has become one of the most beloved of all holiday tales, and this unique production also reminds us that Dickens’ inspiration for penning the story goes much deeper.
PRINCIPAL CHARACTERS
- EBENEZER SCROOGE (50 to 60) Described as a “hard-hearted man of business,” he has no regard for Christmas and no time for other people. After his transformation, however, he becomes generous, almost childlike, and relishes the joys of the season. Requires a strong character actor with a wide emotional range and who sings well.
- CHARLES DICKENS (40 to 50) The narrator of the piece who tells the story and accompanies Scrooge on his journey of redemption
- FRED (30-40) Scrooge’s nephew who, unlike his uncle, is full of the holiday spirit. He celebrates fully and shows kindness to all.
- BOB CRATCHIT (25-40) Scrooge’s long-suffering clerk, a good-natured man who loves his family. Requires a strong singer.
- MRS. CRATCHIT (25-40) Bob’s loving and supportive wife and mother of their children. Requires a strong singer.
- JACOB MARLEY (50-60) Scrooge’s former partner who sets him on the road to redemption by demonstrating the dire consequences of a miserly life.
- CHRISTMAS PAST (15-25) A gentle and ethereal presence who tenderly guides Scrooge through an examination of his unhappy childhood. Requires a strong singing voice.
- CHRISTMAS PRESENT (30-40) Embodying the joy of the holiday, the spirit also has a deep understanding of the consequences of man’s neglect of his fellow man. Requires the ability to walk on stilts.
- CHRISTMAS FUTURE (20+) A non-speaking role that requires the ability to walk on stilts.
- MR. FEZZIWIG (40-50) Scrooge’s former employer, he has a huge personality and enjoys sharing holiday cheer with those around him. A broad comic character.
- MRS. FEZZIWIG (40-50) Much like her husband, Mrs. Fezziwig is a bubbly and giggly woman who enjoys celebrating the holidays.
- BELLE (19-24) Scrooge’s fiancé who releases him from their engagement and is strong enough to walk away when he chooses work and wealth over her. Requires a strong singer.
- TINY TIM (5-7) A small and frail child with a winning smile, Tim believes in goodness and love, despite his illness and physical challenges. Requires a strong singer.
- CRATCHIT CHILDREN (ranging in age from 6-15) All should have a warm presence and should sing and move well.
- FAN (10-12) Scrooge’s sister, whose warmth is only exceeded by her love for her brother. Requires a strong singer.
All cast members, with the exception of Scrooge and Dickens, play multiple characters including the Pawnbroker, Laundress, Undertaker, Charwoman, Citizens of London, Fezziwig Party Guests, Street Vendors, Carolers, etc.
The Chatham Players have an open call casting policy. ALL roles are open, none are precast, and everyone is encouraged to audition. Any questions, please call Gus Ibranyi at (201)-563-0362 or email casting@chathamplayers.org. For directions, audition form and additional information about the Chatham Playhouse, please visit www.chathamplayers.org