The Philadelphia Story      Defying Gravity 

How to Succeed in Business, Without Really Trying

 

11am – 6pm

1285 E. Hillsdale Blvd., Foster City, CA  94404

 

 

7pm- at Theatre)

 

 

The CALLBACKS for all other shows will be by appointment only, per production. Callbacks are at the discretion of the Artistic Director and Director of Production. If you are not available to come to the General Audition, please send your picture and resume with a cover letter detailing the productions in which you are interested.

Mail to:  Joe Duffy, Associate Artistic Director, Hillbarn Theatre, 1285 E. Hillsdale Blvd., Foster City, CA  94404

 

Please, no calls to the theatre if you are not available for the General Audition, but DO call only if you need to cancel or change your appointment time/date.  Please call at least 24 hours before your appointment, so we may give your appointment slot to another actor.  NON-AEA.  / NO PAY

 

PREPARE

FOR MUSICALS:  One up-tempo and one ballad preferably in the style/genre of the production(s) for which you are auditioning.  Bring sheet music in your key; an accompanist is provided – NO RECORDED MUSIC PLEASE.  

 

FOR PLAYS:  Prepare one comedic and one dramatic monologue preferably in the style/genre of the production(s) for which are auditioning.  No longer than 2 minutes each.  

 

If you would like to be considered for MUSICALS and PLAYS, please prepare one song and one monologue of your choice.

 

ALL AUDITIONERS: Bring conflict calendar. Also, if you are auditioning for more than one production, bring that many copies of your headshot and resume for each director/production.  For example: if you would like to be considered for 3 of the 6 productions, bring 3 headshots and 3 resumes, etc.

 

HILLBARN STRONGLY ENCOURAGES NON TRADITIONAL CASTING

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REHEARSALS: Will begin approximately 6 to 8 weeks prior to the opening of each musical and 4 to 6 weeks prior to the opening of each play (see tech schedule below).  All shows rehearse Monday thru Thursday 7-10pm, one weekend day TBD.   Schedule subject to change based on overall calendar and directors’ schedules:

 

The Fantasticks:  Tech Sunday begins August 31, 2008  The Little Foxes:  Tech Sunday begins Oct. 19, 2008

Babes in Hollywood:  Tech Sunday begins Nov. 30, 2008     The Philadelphia Story:  Tech Sunday begins Jan. 18, 2009    

 

For an Audition Appointment call (650) 349-6411

PERFORMANCE CALENDAR

 

SHOW 1- Director: Joe Duffy, Associate Artistic Director

The Fantasticks by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt

SEPTEMBER 4-SEPTEMBER 28, 2008

THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
Preview-4	5	6	7
11	12	13 *	14
18	19	20 *	21
25	26	27	28

(* matinee and evening performance)

 

SHOW 2 – Director: Linda Piccone

The Little Foxes by Lillian Hellman (Drama)

 OCTOBER 23-NOVEMBER 16, 2008

THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
Preview-23	24	25	26
30	31	Nov. 1	2
6	7	8	9
13	14	15	16

 

SHOW 3 – Director: Tim Bair

Babes In Hollywood, The Music of Garland and Rooney (Musical)

by Vance Fulkerson and David Grapes

 ***A California Premiere DECEMBER 4-DECEMBER 31, 2008      

THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
Preview- 4	5	6	7
11	12	13 *	14
18	19	20	21
		27 *	28

(* matinee and evening performance)

 Special New Year’s Eve performance - Wed., Dec. 31, 2008 at 7 p.m.

 

 

SHOW 4 – Director: Toni Tomei, Artistic Director

The Philadelphia Story by Philip Barry (Comedy)

JANUARY 22-FEBRUARY 15, 2009

THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
Preview-22	Jan 23	24	25
29	30	31	Feb. 1
5	6	7	8
12	13	14	15

 

 

SHOW 5 – Director: Karen Byrnes

Defying Gravity a play by Jane Anderson (Drama)                         

MARCH 12-APRIL 5, 2009

THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
Preview-12	13	14	15
19	20	21	22
26	27	28	29
APR 2	3	4	5

 

SHOW 6 – Director: Bill Starr

How to Succeed in Business, Without Really Trying (Musical)

Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock

and Willie Gilbert.

MAY 7-JUNE 7, 2009

THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
Preview-7	8	9	10
14	15	16	17
21	22	23	24
28	29	30	31
JUNE 4	5	6	7

 

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SYNOPSIS AND CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

 

THE FANTASTICKS

                                                                                                                                    By Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt

The Fantasticks by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt (Musical) - This romantic charmer is still the longest-running musical in the world. Filled with breathtaking poetry, it is pure and simple and transcends all cultural barriers.  Featured songs; Try To Remember, Much More, I Can See It, Soon It’s Gonna Rain, They Were You, and many more.           

 “The Fantasticks” is the longest-running musical in the world, and with good reason: at the heart of its breathtaking poetry and subtle theatrical sophistication is a purity and simplicity that transcends cultural barriers. The result is a timeless fable of love that manages to be nostalgic and universal at the same time.

“The Fantasticks” is an intimate show which may be performed in virtually any space, engaging the audience's imagination and showcasing a strong ensemble cast. Its moving tale of young lovers who become disillusioned, only to discover a more mature, meaningful love is punctuated by a bountiful series of catchy, memorable songs, many of which have become standards. Lush and romantic, with a beautiful musical score.

 

El Gallo (The Narrator):  A rakish, handsome and gallant, Baritone: A flat - High G, with beautiful speaking and singing voice, he addresses audience directly and manipulates the story and the other characters.  They are:

 

The Mute: A speechless presence who watches, acts as the “wall”, and so on. Male or female. Non-singing role, but equal in narration to El Gallo, this role is Omni-present and very effective if cast with an actor who can mime and show intense energy and emotion through physical movement/dance and react to story as it unfolds. The Mute helps with all personal props and scenic elements as on stage valet to the entire cast.

 

Luisa (The Girl):  A romantic idealist, naïve, Soprano: Soprano: B - High B and higher if possible, must have trained Lyric Coloratura abilities.  She too must move well and be able to play the put upon, spoiled daughter as well as the young love to The Boy.  She is easily swayed by El Gallo as is:

Matt (The Boy): An innocent young man who pretends to be older than he is in order to impress the girl.  Baritone/Tenor: A - High G.  He wants to grow up quickly and eventually travels the world seeking his fortune, to no avail. Good looking, but quirky with beautiful singing voice.

 

Hucklebee (The Boy’s Father):  Former navy man, meticulous gardener: Baritone: A - High F sharp- must be able to hold harmony with other roles.  Character actor needed who can be both funny and warm.  He is strong and firm with Matt, yet easily flustered by:

 

Bellomy (The Girl’s Father): A merchant, also a picky gardener: Baritone: A - High F sharp- Sweet and endearing, proud of his little girl and unsure of himself and the entire situation at hand.  Character actor- must be able to hold harmony with other roles. He has 2 great numbers with Hucklebee and weaves in and out other numbers as well.

 

Henry (The Old Actor):  An aging, over-the-top thespian, non-singing character role.  Must play 70-80 yrs old convincingly and hysterically!  Will require age-make-up if younger actor is cast.  This role is part story teller who gets lost in his own reverie and senility. He is a pawn for El Gallo, as is his side-kick:

 

Mortimer (The Man who Dies):  Henry’s goofy yet loveable side kick.  Doesn’t say much but is very funny.  Facial expression (not mugging) and physical comedy are crucial.  Must have excellent comedic timing.

 

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The Little Foxes

                                                                                                                                                By Lillian Hellman

 

In a charming home in the south, lives the prosperous Hubbard family.  Desperate brothers Ben and Oscar, with a clever sister Regina, hatch a plan for Regina’s ailing husband to invest in a cotton mill.  This small plan is the catalyst for a defining moment and the fireworks to come, as the conflicts in the family intensify over the tragic events which follow. .

 

ADDIE (mid 50’s-mid 60’s)  – Strong, opinionated, and caring housekeeper for the Giddens’ family.   Has been with the family a long time and has a motherly relationship with the Giddens’ daughter, Alexandra.  

 

CAL(mid 50’s-mid 60’s) – Servant at the Giddens’ family home.  Works in and around the house with Addie.     

 

BIRDIE HUBBARD (40’s-50’s)  – Married to Oscar Hubbard.   She comes from a well bred family of plantation owners.  She is nervous and timid and frail after years of abuse from her husband which has led her to drink.      

 

OSCAR HUBBARD (late 50’s/early 60’s) – Younger brother to Ben and Regina.  Married to Birdie and has one son, Leo.    Oscar has a cruel and arrogant aire about him compounded by the fact that both his brother Ben and sister Regina are both better at anything he tries to attempt.   A partner with Ben in Hubbard Sons, Merchandise.   

 

LEO HUBBARD (early 20’s) – Son of Birdie and Oscar.  Following in the footsteps of his father and uncle but he is easily led and therefore weak, scheming and unprincipled.  However, he holds a job for his uncle Horace Giddens’ who owns the local bank.    

 

REGINA GIDDENS (40’s-50’s)- Sister to the Hubbard brothers.  The mere fact that she is a woman has excluded her from the day to day dealings of the “family” business.  So, she married well …. Not for love but for money. She is cold, calculating and wickedly clever.   

 

WILLIAM MARSHALL (mid 40’s/early 60’s) – A wealthy businessman from Chicago, entertaining going into business with the Hubbard’s to build a cotton mill in town.  He is of strong and self-possessed.   He is fair and kind, a gentleman with the ladies.  He would be comfortable in the surroundings of any class of society.  Not as easily duped as the Hubbard’s seem to believe.  (This character only appears in ACT 1 – a great role.)

 

BENJAMIN HUBBARD (mid 50’s/late 60’s) – The oldest sibling in the Hubbard family.  Possessive and scheming, he has an ambition to build a cotton mill in town.   Not one to be frivolous with the family money, he is always looking for a new angle, a new venture.   Every relationship he has, even with family is strictly business. 

 

ALEXANDRA GIDDENS (to play 17) – She is the delicate looking daughter of Regina and Horace Giddens’.  She is naive and wistful.  Loves her family very much, especially her Aunt Birdie and she is extremely concerned about her father’s health.   More drawn to those whose weakness’ are seemingly reflected in her.  

 

HORACE GIDDENS (mid  50’s- late 60’s) – The local banker, married to Regina.  He has been away at hospital.  He is extremely ill with a heart ailment that is reflected in his face.   He is tired and ill and walks stiffly with enormous effort as though he is unsure of his balance.  He knows Regina better than she knows herself.   There is a sense of resignation in him about his fate but he will fight to the end to protect his daughter and his legacy. 

 

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BABES IN HOLLYWOOD,

 the Music of Garland and Rooney

 

 by Vance Fulkerson and David Grapes

 

A California Premiere saluting the legendary careers of Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney.  This is a magical journey from the soundstages of Hollywood to stages of New York.  Enjoy the music that defined an era as well as the lives of these two phenomenal entertainers.  Sure to delight all ages with songs such as; Over the Rainbow, You Made Me Love You, Strike Up the Band, Yankee Doodle Boy, Where or When, and many more. 

 

 

WOMAN 1: G to D#  (though G3 thru E5 is a plus)  A bright-eyed ingénue, subtly reminiscent of the young Judy Garland but capable of playing a more sensual part in Act Two.

 

WOMAN 2: F to D  (though F3 thru E5 is a plus)  A worldly chanteuse, subtly reminiscent of the older Judy Garland but secure enough to be a trustworthy emcee - a gal who’s been-there-done-that but has an admirable attitude about it.

MAN 1: A to E  (though G#2 thru A4 is a plus)  A vaudevillian performer subtly reminiscent of the young Mickey Rooney, but capable of coming across as real in ballads.

MAN 2:  G thru D (though G2 thru F#4 is a plus)  Less an impersonator of Mickey Rooney than a grown man to counter-balance Man 1 – a solid, musical theatre emcee – perhaps the man Mickey Rooney might have become had he stayed purely a Broadway song and dance man.

 

For more information about this exciting NEW review, please go to:

  http://www.summerwindproductions.com/babes/index.html

 

 

 

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The Philadelphia Story

                                   By Philip Barry

 

The Lord family of Philadelphia is getting ready for a wedding!  A merry mix-up of who is who at the house is just the beginning as reporters try to get the story and our bride tries to find her way to a normal life and we get to find out who she eventually walks down the aisle with!

 

 

DINAH LORD (to play 15 yrs)  –  The youngest in the Lord family and smarter than all of ‘em.  Precocious and, opinionated, and has the biggest crush on her sisters’ former husband.   Oh, if only age were not an issue.  Is fast mouthed and clever in her verbal repartee with adults.   She knows everything that goes on in the Lord home and then some.   

 

TRACY LORD (mid to late 20’s) – Tracy is the radiant “bride to be”, strikingly lovely and vivacious.    Always the belle of the ball and in love with love, she has convinced herself that she no longer loves her former husband and has a new fiancé to prove it!   Is perhaps a bit melodramatic when it comes to (her) life and is a bit of a cockeyed optimist.     

 

MARGARET LORD (late 40’s-50’s)  – Married to Seth Lord although they are currently estranged.  Mother to; Sandy, Tracy and Dinah.   She runs the Lord home beautifully.  She’s very attractive, calm, collected and smart.    As “mother of the bride” is all a flutter with the activities at hand.        

 

ALEXANDER (SANDY) LORD  (late 20’s-early 30’s) – Older brother to Tracy and Dinah.  He is married with a baby and lives in New York.   He has returned for his sister’s wedding and is trying to stifle a story in the tabloid magazine Destiny about his father’s liaison with a questionable “dancer”.  He’s fun-loving, likeable and doesn’t take himself or his family’s position in society too seriously.    

 

 WILLIAM (UNCLE WILLIE) TRACY (late 50’s-60’s) - Brother to Margaret Lord and uncle to Sandy, Tracy, and Dinah.  He’s always been a “ladies man” and a big flirt.   He enjoys his cocktails and being a part of the party of life.  Is swept up into Tracy’s game of “mistaken identity” and is more than happy to go along for the rise.    

 

ELIZABETH (LIZ) IMBRIE (late 20’s early 30’s) –  She is a fairly famous photographer, in her own right, with the tabloid magazine Destiny.   She is accompanying Mike Conner on assignment to get the scoop on the “wedding of the century”.   She has a huge crush on Mike and has fallen into the pattern of being his “buddy” on assignments.    They make an ideal team in more ways than one.  If only she could get him to see it. 

 

MACAULAY (MIKE) CONNOR (30’s) –  Mike has published several books and is the lead reporter with the tabloid magazine Destiny is on assignment to get the story on the Lord family.   He has a keen sense and knows that there is more than meets the eye.   He finds himself infatuated with the “idea” of Tracy, even though his better half is his work partner, Liz.   He takes his job as a working writer seriously but not his surroundings.   

 

GEORGE KITTREDGE (30’s) –  He is Tracy’s fiancé.  Is a good match for her, on paper.  He has made his career and his money in the coal mining business.   Is still a bit naïve to the affluent lifestyle in which he is “marrying into”.  Is truly smitten with Tracy but will be nobody’s fool.   

 

C.K. DEXTER HAVEN (mid 30’s- mid 40’s) –  He is Tracy