Scarlet Pimpernel

Director : Chris Bradtke
Musical Director : Michael Loughlin

Season: May 12 - 27, 2006
Alexander Theatre
Monash University, Clayton

Audition Dates : Nov 5 – 7
Call Backs : Sun Nov 13

AUDITION BOOKINGS
PHONE : 1300 362 547

In 1998 Frank Wildhorn had two smash hit musicals running simultaneously on Broadway; Jekyll & Hyde and The Scarlet Pimpernel : the former, a dark gothic tale and the latter, a rollicking, swashbuckling intriguing adventure. Wildhorn’s dynamic, energetic tune smithing is perfectly suited to the musical adaptation of Baroness Orczy’s ever-popular story of love deception, intrigue and craftiness. The Scarlet Pimpernel is, as most will know, set against the backdrop of the French revolution and the “reign of terror,” 1794. Sir Percy Blakeney and his league of gentlemen deliberately play the fop so as to hide their true activity of snatching would-be victims from the very scaffolding of the guillotine.

Daring rescues, flashy sword fights, glittering costumes, a wonderful score that is filled with music-theatre standards all combine in a tongue-in-cheek entertainment that dazzled Broadway theatre goers.

A company of 24 is required although the ensemble covers all roles including some cameos. The cast needs vocal flexibility, strong personalities, agility and versatility.

CHARACTERS/VOCAL TYPES

SIR PERCY BLAKENEY
Male, leading role. 30 – 40 in appearance. Strong actor singer, physically fit. Capable of varying characterisations (The Pimpernel, Foppish Sir Percy, Grappin). Romantic hero.
Tenor, or High Baritone, strong and even through the range
B (below Middle C) to Ab above treble staff

CITIZEN CHAUVELIN
Male, leading role. Rival to Sir Percy. 30 – 40 in appearance. Strong actor singer. Mean to the core, will stop at nothing until the Pimpernel is uncovered. Romantically linked to Marguerite in the past.
Baritone capable of a dark colour to the voice
Ab (below Middle C) to G above staff

MARGUERITE ST JUST (LADY PERCY BLAKENEY)
Female, leading role. Romantic heroine. Strong actor, singer. Early 30Â’s in appearance. Strong-willed and beautiful, celebrated actress at La Comédie Française. Wife to Percy, ex-lover to Chauvelin. Charming but enigmatic.
Mezzo, with even quality,and good tone in lower register
G# below Middle C to F# (above top C)

ARMAND ST JUST
Featured role, male. Brother of Marguerite. (Doubles in some scenes) Mid 20Â’s to late 20Â’s in appearance.
Tenor, lighter voice than Percy
F# to top F# (treble stave)

MARIE GROSHOLTZ
Featured role. (Doubles in some scenes). Costume designer, feisty, joins the PimpernelÂ’s league. Late 20Â’s, early 30Â’s in appearance.
Mezzo, with "edge" befitting her character
D# to top E (treble stave)

THE BOUNDERS/THE LEAGUE OF GENTLEMEN
Varying ages, gentlemen, friends of Percy. Mid 20Â’s to 40Â’s, singers, actors, movers, varying personalities, foppish in England, courageous daredevils in France. They also double in some scenes. They are Ozzy, Farleigh, Dewhurst, Elton, Hal and Ben.
Mix of tenor, baritone & bass for the 6 roles. One high tenor would be an advantage
When singing as a group some higher notes (up to G) will be required.
OZZY: Bb to top Eb
FARLEIGH: Middle C to top Eb (in stave)
DEWHURST: Bb below Middle C to Eb (above top C)
ELTON: Lower D to Top D (treble stave)
HAL: Lower D to Top D (treble stave)
BEN: Bb below middle C to top C (treble stave)

The Bounders and 4 male ensemble cover the following roles:
Mercier (French thug)
Coupeau (French thug)
Tussaud (MarieÂ’s fiancé)
St Cyr (Doomed aristocrat) - G to top F# (treble stave)
Robespierre (Cameo role)
Prince of Wales (Cameo role) - Middle C to B (treble stave)
Prisoners
Sentry
Jessup (the Butler)
Wedding guests
Ball Guests
Soldiers

Marie and 9 female ensemble cover the following roles:
Cupids
Parisian mob
Prisoners
Wedding guests
Ball guests
Stall holders
Servants

Male & Female Ensemble – an even mix of voices for both male and female

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
• Prepare two contrasting songs in the style of the show. Do not prepare songs from the show.
• Remember, that as time is limited, you may not complete the song, so choose an appropriate starting point.
• Bring sheet music in a key you wish to sing it (no taped music or requests to transpose)
• Prepare a monologue (about 200 words) in contemporary language
• Bring a photograph of yourself (non returnable)
• Arrive early enough to fill in the appropriate forms and talk through your song with the audition pianist.
• Be available for call backs on the afternoon of Sun Nov 13 from 1.30pm.
• Note rehearsals i.e. Sunday afternoon, Monday & Wednesday evening.
• Note dates for the rehearsal weekend ie. 29/30 April, 2006.
• Minimum age for auditionees age 18 plus