AUDITIONS
Merrily We Roll Along
The Fable Theatre is holding open auditions for Merrily We Roll Along. Initial auditions are by electronic submission only with in person invited callbacks on Sunday, January 15, 2023. Performances for Merrily We Roll Along run Sunday evenings only, March 26 - April 30, 2023.
The authors of the landmark Company reunite to turn the traditional showbiz musical on its head in this thrilling and compelling Broadway fable about friendship, compromise and the high price of success. Stephen Sondheim and George Furth expertly blend the excitement and energy of a backstage musical with a poignant and emotional contemporary story about the importance of staying true to one's ideals.
Merrily We Roll Along begins in the present and moves backwards, tracing the lives of wealthy, jaded composer, Franklin Shepard, and his two estranged friends through each milestone of their personal and professional lives (good and bad). The show ends with a touch of rueful irony, as the three best friends at the start of their careers face a bright future: young, talented and enthusiastic about the worlds waiting to be conquered.
Merrily We Roll Along is a show that crackles with the wit, humor and intensity that embody the spirit of New York City. With a brilliant score and that deep insight one expects from any Sondheim endeavor, Merrily We Roll Along is a spirited and moving cautionary tale for anyone who has ever pursued a dream.
Submissions are open through Friday, January 6, 2023. Invitation-only Callbacks are scheduled for Sunday, January 15, 2023 in North Hollywood from 1pm-5pm.
Rehearsals begin on/around Monday, February 6, 2023. Performances are scheduled to commence Sunday, March 26, 2023 and conclude Sunday, April 30, 2023. There is a possibility of an extension which will be confirmed at a later date pending Final Cast availability. Cast members will not be called for all rehearsals. Performances will be Sunday evenings only. All rehearsals will take place in/around North Hollywood and performances will take place at the Whitefire Theatre, 13500 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks, CA 91423.
Note: The Fable Theatre does not discriminate in casting or hiring. Qualified applicants are considered for all roles. The Fable Theatre believes in upholding the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, & accessibility. Performers of all ethnicities, nationalities, religions, gender expressions, sexual orientations, body types, and performers with disabilities are encouraged to submit! Age ranges listed are a guideline and may be adjusted to accommodate production needs.
All performers must be local to the Los Angeles area and must be vaccinated for COVID-19.
This production is being presented under the auspices of the Actors’ Equity Association Los Angeles Self-Produced Project Code. Equity and Non-Equity Performers are encouraged to submit. Stipends are available for all performers 18+.
ALL PERFORMERS MUST BE FULLY VACCINATED. Boosters preferred. Covid testing may be implemented pending any Covid surges during the production process.
“Fully vaccinated” is defined by the CDC as being at least 14 days after the receipt of the second dose of a two-dose vaccine (such as the currently available Pfizer-BioNtech and Moderna) or one dose of a single-dose vaccine (like Johnson & Johnson).
Acceptable proof of vaccination is one of the following:
1) the physical COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card issued to the individual at the time of vaccination.
2) a photograph of the individual's COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card.
3) a digital vaccination record.
All residents of California may request a digital vaccination record at https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
Franklin Shepard
A successful and sometimes seemingly vapid film producer, also an innocent optimist when he was younger; he's not a bad guy; talented and tormented.
Gender: Male presenting, 30-45
Vocal range: Baritone (A2 – Bb4)
Charley Kringas (Understudy Only)
Frank's best friend; sometimes stubborn, always intense; now a successful lyricist, also optimistic when he was younger.
Gender: Male presenting, 30 - 45
Vocal range: Baritenor (Bb2 – Ab4)
Mary Flynn (Understudy Only)
Frank and Charley's friend; very intelligent; sardonic and always witty; her optimism gets clouded over by missed opportunities.
Gender: Female presenting, 30-45
Vocal range: Mezzo (G3 – Gb5)
Gussie Carnegie
The flamboyant, self-invented actress. Her character begins at the end of her relationship with Frank, but throughout the show we see her grow more and more helplessly in love with him. Greedy and seductive.
Gender: Female presenting, 25-35
Vocal range: Big Theatre Belt (G3 – C5)
Joe Josephson
Big-talking Broadway producer and husband to Gussie. He later becomes pathetic and poor.
Gender: Male presenting, 40-55
Vocal range: Baritone (A2 – F#4)
Beth Spencer
A naive and insecure middle-American who is the mother of Frank's son. She arcs from a down-trodden housewife at her wits end to a hopeless romantic at the beginning of her engagement to the man of her dreams.
Gender: Female presenting, 30-40
Vocal range: Soprano (A3 – G5)
Frank Jr.
Son of Beth and Frank. Innocent, energetic and eager to please. Should sing well.
Gender: Male presenting, 8-12
Ensemble
The Ensemble consists of comedic singer/actors. Must be able to deliver various comedic bit parts throughout the show. Will possibly cover principal and/or featured roles.
Ensemble roles include TERRY, TV NEWSMAN, MR. SPENCER, SCOTTY, MINISTER, JEROME, BUNKER, YOUNG SCREENWRITER, CLUB PIANIST, NBC PAGE, PHOTOGRAPHER, TYLER, DORY, TV NEWSWOMAN, RU, JUDGE, MRS. SPENCER, BARTENDER, MAKE-UP ARTIST, K.T., GIRL AUDITIONING, MEG, EVELYN and more...
THE ENSEMBLE for this show is a VITAL and BUSY Ensemble - there are MANY parts for good actors and singers.
Also casting Swings/Understudies to cover all roles for any COVID related or other unforeseen circumstances.
To submit an audition, click on the AUDITION LINK and fill out the form completely, including all attachments requested. Should you have any questions, please email fable.merrily@gmail.com