Audition

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder

23 Jul 2023 @ 10:00am,
24 Jul 2023 @ 7:00pm
Williamstown Little Theatre Inc.

Author: Book and lyrics by Robert L. Freedman and the music and lyrics by Steven Lutvak.

Director: Director Barbara Hughes. Musical Director Janet Provan. Choreographer Jacqui McCallum

Genre: Musical

Synopsis

On the night of his mother’s funeral, Monty Navarro learns an incredible secret: he is, in fact, a member of the aristocratic D’Ysquith family and the ‘son of the daughter of the grandson of the nephew of the second Earl of Highhurst’ and ninth in line to the earldom. Monty quickly realises that he is unlikely to outlive eight heirs….unless.
Buoyed by his love for two different women, Monty sets his murderous course.
This madcap, musical retelling of the Alec Guinness classic Kind Hearts and Coronets, with its hilarious plot, toe-tapping score and unforgettable characters, will have you laughing…to death.

Characters

Characters Summary:

The show requires five lead actors (2 x M and 3 x F) and six ensemble actors (3 x M and 3 x F). Ensemble actors play a variety of roles and may include featured solos. All roles require good character actors who can sing and move well. English accents required. Vocal Range: B2 - F4

Characters Description:

The D'Ysquith Family (Male, Age range 30 - 60)
This is a major role for an experienced, skilled actor. This actor must have strong physical and comedic skills and be able to switch between accents/speech patterns to help establish and differentiate multiple characters. Must have the stamina to carry the different characters throughout the show and make extremely quick costume changes. Strong singing isn't paramount but must be able to carry a tune and hold their part in two-part harmony.
With the exception of Chauncey, the D'Ysquith family are all upper-class English. The family are:
Asquith D'Ysquith Jr., a dandy
Lord Adlabert D'Ysquith, Eighth Earl of Highhurst
Reverend Lord Ezekiel D'Ysquith, a clergyman
Lord Adlabert D'Ysquith Sn., an elderly banker
Henry D'Ysquith, a country squire
Lady Hyacinth D'Ysquith, a benefactress
Major Lord Bartholomew D'Ysquith, a bodybuilder
Lady Salome D'Ysquith Pumphrey, an actress
Chauncey D'Ysquith, a janitor
Vocal Range: B2 - F4

Monty Navarro (Male, mid 20s - 30s)
This is another major role. Monty kills off his entire family tree, but he does it in endearingly wicked ways. He is handsome, charming and charismatic with a twinkle in his eye as he knowingly involves the audience in his cunning plots. The actor must have good comic and physical skills and be capable of holding his own against the manic D'Ysquiths. He is also a lover and needs to be comfortable in (very tame) seduction scenes.
Vocal Range: B2 - F4

Sibella (Female, 20s - mid 30s)
Monty's lover. Deliciously sexy, flirtatious and wilful, Sibella knows what she wants and how to get it, Good comic timing required. Must be comfortable in (very tame) seduction scenes.
Mezzo, Vocal Range: F#3 to A5

Phoebe (Female, early 20s to early 30s)
Mounty's cousin. Beautiful, romantic and youthfully innocent. Although Phoebe is naïve, she is willing to fight for Monty, the man she loves. Good comic timing required.
Must be a true soprano with a legit, possibly operatic sound.
Vocal Range: G#3 (bottom) - high sustained C#6 with an optional Eb (top).

Miss Shingle (Female, 30s - 60s)
A Cockney housekeeper who has served the D'Ysquith family for 30 years. A small but important role, Miss Shingle delivers the news that will set Monty on his murderous path. Will also appear in the ensemble numbers.
Mezzo, Vocal Range G3 to A5

Ensemble
We require three men and three women of various ages and vocal types. All need to be versatile character actors who can sing well, move confidently and handle various English accents. Between them, these actors will play more than fifty roles.
Voice types: Legit soprano, Mezzo, Alto, Tenor, High/Low Baritone

Precast Characters:

Nil

Audition Venue & Dates

Audition Dates and Times:

10:00am on:

  • Sun 23rd Jul 2023

7:00pm on:

  • Mon 24th Jul 2023

Audition Venue Name: Williamstown Little Theatre

Audition Venue Address:

2-4 Albert Street
Williamstown

Audition Enquiries Contact: Barbara Hughes (Director) on 0417 589 015 or email bhughes@wlt.org.au.

Performances

Season Dates: 15 Nov 2023 - 2 Dec 2023

Showtimes:

5:00pm on:

  • Sun 19th Nov 2023
  • Sun 26th Nov 2023

8:15pm on:

  • Wed 15th Nov 2023
  • Thu 16th Nov 2023
  • Fri 17th Nov 2023
  • Sat 18th Nov 2023
  • Tue 21st Nov 2023
  • Wed 22nd Nov 2023
  • Thu 23rd Nov 2023
  • Fri 24th Nov 2023
  • Sat 25th Nov 2023
  • Tue 28th Nov 2023
  • Wed 29th Nov 2023
  • Thu 30th Nov 2023
  • Fri 1st Dec 2023
  • Sat 2nd Dec 2023

More info

Other Information

Other Information:

Callbacks (if required):
Tuesday 25th July from 7pm - Venue to be advised

Audition requirements:
Please prepare one song in the style of the show that demonstrates your range and musical ability. Please bring music in the correct key. No backing tracks or a capella. You will be given passages to read at the audition and you should familiarise yourself with the show prior to your audition. If you want to do some fun research, the show is based on the 1949 film, Kind Hearts and Coronets.
Please bring a completed Audition Form which can be downloaded from www.wlt.org.au/auditions. Please also bring a non-returnable headshot (studio shot not necessary).

Rehearsals:
Will be held at the theatre, 2 Albert St, Williamstown on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and on Sunday afternoons.
Please ensure that you are available for the performance dates prior to booking an audition time. There will be 16 performances from 15th November to 2nd December 2023.

Auditions are by appointment only
To book an audition or for any other questions about the show, please call the director, Barbara Hughes, on 0417 589 015 or email bhughes@wlt.org.au.