About the “Will Rogers Follies
Winner of six 1991 Tony Awards, including “Best Musical,” and “Best Score,” The Will Rogers Follies combines the opulent spectacle of the legendary Ziegfeld Follies with the homespun wisdom of a legendary American, Will Rogers (1879-1935). This author of such famous quotations as “I never met a man I didn’t like,” was arguably the most famous personality of his time. This musical is an upbeat celebration of the life of this quintessential American folk hero who made the world a whole lot better place to inhabit.
Principal Characters and Vocal Ranges for “Will Rogers Follies”
Will Rogers (warm baritone, low Ab - F, moves well) – star of the Ziegfeld Follies, strong, charismatic performer with the ability to entertain the audience with a natural and
calming charm, and a grand twinkle in his eyes; knowledge or willingness to learn to spin a rope; ability to play guitar elementary guitar a plus. Must deliver many long monologues, with ability to improvise on current events. Age: 30’s.
Betty Blake (alto Low F - E flat, moves well) - Will's wife, attractive, down-to-earth, engaging warm actress with the ability to sing many musical styles from romantic ballads to belted torch songs, stunning, strong performer. Age: 30’s
Clem Rogers (character baritone, B to E, comic, moves well) - Will's father, mature actor with strong comic chops, also doubles as Will's butler and ranch pianist (does not actually have to play the piano); gruff and stern, but also able to give fatherly advice. Age: 50’s.
Ziegfeld's Favorite (belter low G-mid - B flat, tap) - a beautiful show girl, sexy, long-legged and statuesque, with strong comic chops. Age: 20’s.
The Follies would be nothing with out the Follies Girls! These dancers are constantly
“featured” in this show.
The New Ziegfeld Girls (tap/jazz) - Beautiful leggy showgirls; lots of dance and singing. Age: late teens-30’s.
Will is backed up by his “Wranglers” –
a quartet who figure prominently throughout the show.
The Will Rogers Wranglers (tap/jazz, sing close harmony) - a featured male quartet: “Will's Wranglers” – lots of dance, singing, and potential roping. Age: 20’s-30’s.
Additional Characters
Wiley Post – Pilot of Will’s ill-fated aeroplane, who watches the Follies, exhorting our hero with “Let’s go flying, Will!”. Age: 30’s-50’s/
The Roper – Experienced male (or female) trick roper; great opportunity for the right person!
Wild West Show Dog Act – Male or female (with a dog/dogs!), to perform in Follies Vaudeville acts.
Unicyclist – Male or female unicyclist, to perform in Follies Vaudeville acts.
Juggler – Male or female Follies Vaudeville performer.
Will and Betty’s Children – all sing and dance with their Will and Betty: we’re looking for four adorable, precocious kids! (ages are approximate; limited rehearsal):
Will Jr., 10 – 12
Mary, 8 – 11
James, 7 – 10
Freddy, 7 – 10
Pit Singers: We are seeking a group of strong women and men singers to enhance the very substantial amount of choral singing in the show. This will involve only limited rehearsal time.
Florenz Ziegfeld – distinguished, sonorous, mature voice; recorded – no rehearsal required.