(ORADELL, NJ) -- What do you get when you combine Disney's greatest composer with Dicken's classic A Christmas Carol? You get the longest-running family holiday spectacular in Broadway history! Bergen County Players (BCP) is pleased to announce open auditions for A Christmas Carol: The Musical at the little Firehouse Theatre, 298 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell, NJ on Tuesday and Thursday, September 12th, and 14th at 7:30pm and on Monday, September 18th at 7:30pm.
There are numerous opportunities for actors to shine in multiple roles in this 90-minute family spectacular. BCP is seeking a multicultural cast of men, women and kids aged 8 - 65+ with fantastic singing, acting, and dancing abilities to play main and supporting roles.
A Christmas Carol: The Musical premiered at Madison Square Garden's Paramount Theatre on December 1, 1994, and ran for eleven straight holiday seasons. Broadway heavy hitters, Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Newsies, Little Shop of Horrors) and Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime: The Musical, Seussical, Once on This Island), created a brand new take on the timeless holiday story of Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. To this day, A Christmas Carol: The Musical holds the record as the longest-running holiday show in Broadway history.
BCP’s holiday spectacular will be directed by Larry Landsman, director of last season’s hit Ragtime: The Musical. Steve Bell will be serving as musical director; Liz Erdmann will be handling choreography and Paige Erdmann will be Assistant Choreographer. Producers are Kathleen Ruland and Matt D'Elia, with Alyson Cohn serving as Stage Manager.
Open Auditions (in order of arrival - audition priority will be given to minors) will take place at Little Firehouse Theatre, 298 Kinderkamack Road, Oradell, NJ. Tuesday, September 12, 7:30pm – General Auditions (vocal and readings); Thursday, September 14, 7:30pm – General Auditions (vocal and dance); and Monday, September 18, 7:30pm – General Auditions (vocal and dance). Callbacks by invitation only will include readings from the script and singing a song from the show.
Rehearsals: Rehearsals are scheduled to begin immediately following the audition process. All rehearsals will take place at the Little Firehouse Theatre in Oradell, N.J.
Performances: Public performance dates are December 2 thru December 17, 2023 (performances are Friday evenings at 7:30pm; Saturdays at 3pm & 7:30pm; and Sundays at 12:30pm & 4:00pm.
General Requirements: A headshot/picture is appreciated but not required. Please prepare an excerpt of a song (16-32 bars) not from A Christmas Carol: The Musical that best represents your voice and bring sheet music for the accompanist in the proper key. A contemporary Broadway or pop genre song is preferred but not required. No a cappella or recorded music auditions please. Children under age 12 interested in being in the ensemble may sing a cappella. Those auditioning should also dress comfortably and be prepared to learn a brief dance routine.
Parents: Parents or guardians are required to provide a signature on our audition registration documents. Minors WILL NOT be cast without a parent signature.
If cast, all minors will be required to become a BCP Junior Member for $5.00.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
Scrooge - A man who lost his father to creditors as a child and has grown up heeding his father’s advice to save his money. Deaf to the needs of his fellow men, Scrooge must journey through his past to regain the spirit of charity and kindness he had as a young man. (Male, 45-65 yrs old - Range: A3 - G5 )
Marley's Ghost - Scrooge’s former business partner who, before his death, was exactly like Scrooge. Comes back as a ghost in chains to warn Scrooge of how his life decisions will bind him in the afterlife. (Male, 45-55 yrs old - Range: A3 - A5 )
Mr. Fezziwig - a portly, jolly man who used to throw a huge Christmas party every year for the community. He was Scrooge’s first boss and after teaching him all he knew, he became deeply disappointed in the man Scrooge became. ( Male, 55-65 yrs old - Range: A3 - B5 )
Ghost of Christmas Past/Lamplighter - An ever cheerful, sprightly ghost who comes back with the history book of Scrooge’s past to show him the events that led to his current state. Actor doubles as Lamplighter. (Male, 40-60 yrs old - Range: A3 - G5 )
Ghost of Christmas Future/Blind Old Hag - A beautiful, and terrifying wrath, the Ghost of Christmas Future is strong and silent as she shows Scrooge what will happen to him and those around him if he continues down the path he is currently treading. (Female, dancer - Range: A3 - G5)
Ghost of Christmas Present/Sandwichboard Man - A jovial, larger-than-life ghost who comes back to show Scrooge all the joy, love, and celebration he is missing out on while those around him celebrate Christmas. Actor doubles as Sandwichboard Man. (Male, 35-45 yrs old - Range: A3 - G5)
Mrs. Fezziwig - The consummate hostess and Mr. Fezziwig’s wife, she loved to help throw the Christmas party every year. She is prideful. (Female, 50-60 yrs old - Range: A3 - A5)
Young Marley - Young Adult Male. Must be able to move. Starts business with Scrooge at 18 and shares a similar mindset of greed. (Vocal range D3-F#4).
Young Scrooge at 18 - saving his money and running from a life of poverty, young Ebenezer is still happy and sociable and deeply in love with Emily. He is still searching for a place to call home, but has found a second family in the Fezziwigs. (D3 - D4)
Emily - Scrooge’s fiancé from when they were young. She is a beautiful girl, not impressed or in need of money. (Female, 18-25 yrs old - Range: A3 - B5)
Fred Anderson - Scrooge’s nephew and only living relative. He is a pleasant young man who believes in the good a joyful Christmas spirit can make in the world. (Male, 25-35 yrs old - Range: A3 - F5)
Bob Cratchit - A father and husband who cares deeply for his family, particularly his youngest son. He works hard to provide for them but is mistreated by his employer, Scrooge. ( Male, 30-40 yrs old - Range: A3 - E5)
Mrs. Cratchit - Tiny Tim’s mother and Mr. Cratchit’s wife. She is a loving mother who tries to provide the best for her children with what she’s got. ( Female, 30-40 yrs old - Range: A3 - E5 )
Mr. Smythe - recently widowed and left with a young daughter, Grace. Hopes Scrooge will be lenient and give him time to pay his debt. Respectable, but poor. (C3 - C4 - Baritone)
Sally Anderson - the wife of Scrooge's nephew Fred. (C4 - C5 - Alto)
Beadle - a worker in Scrooge's Bank. (C3 - Bb3 - Baritone)
Children's cast includes:
Tiny Tim - Mr. and Mrs. Cratchit’s youngest son. He is crippled and sick, but is the definition of loving Christmas spirit. He constantly reminds his family that as long as they all have each other, they will be happy. (Male, up to 12 yrs old, must look young - Range: A3 - E5 )
Fan at 10 - soft and sweet and clever, Fan is the younger sister to Scrooge. Scrooge is very fond of Fan. Will also play Martha Cratchit. (Vocal range A4-E5).
Boy Scrooge at 12 - a poor orphan who works all day at a bootmaking factory. Tired of poverty, he vows to save his money and make his fortune. He desperately misses his parents and wants to find a home of his own. (F#3 - A4 - Tenor)
Boy Scrooge at 8 - will also play Ignorance.
Grace Smythe - the young daughter of Mr. Smythe. Accompanies her father to ask Scrooge for leniency following her mother's death. Respectable, but poor. Will also play Want. 8-12 years old. The first instance of the ‘Let The Stars In The Sky’ theme needs to be sung purely and beautifully by Grace; it is a major theme of the entire show! (Db4 - Db5 - Soprano)
Jonathan, The Turkey Boy - Fun street urchin. Comedic. (Vocal range E-flat 4-E-flat 5)
Adult/Children Ensemble/Tap Dancers:
Charity Elves; Bankers; Street Vendors Sailors; Ghosts; Jailers; Clerks; Monks; Smaller Roles
Bergen County Players encourages and is committed to a diverse and inclusive theater experience. Unless otherwise specified, BCP will cast any actor in any role if appropriate, without regard to race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, physicality, or disability. Casting will be character-driven; therefore, actors are encouraged to audition for any roles in which they are interested.
Those interested in more information may contact Larry Landsman at [email protected] or go to www.bcplayers.org.
