Community theater auditions

Brush up you monologues, amateur actors. Following are releases for two audition opportunities in northern NJ. And yoou could not ask for more variety: "Mary Shelley's Frankenstein" in Randolph (October play dates) and "Crimes of the Heart" in Chatham (November play dates).

I'd like to see the range of the actor who gets a part in both. But there is a connection: both were written by women.

More to come this week as the theaters scramble to get their fall productions going. No professional plays to review yet this weekend, but "The Bald Soprano" opens next week at the Shakespeare Theatre of NJ. Have I mentioned their first preview on Tuesday is a Pay What You Wish Night? For info, visit www.shakespearenj.org.

Read on for the audition stuff:

Brundage Park Playhouse, Carrell Road, Randolph, will hold auditions for their October production of MARY SHELLEY'S FRANKENSTEIN on Tuesday, August 7, and Thursday, August 9, from 7:30 until 9:30 PM.

The October "chiller" has become a bit of a tradition at the Randolph playhouse. This year's show follows BRAM STOKER'S DRACULA which was the theater's popular offering last season. Based on Mary Shelley's classic novel, as adapted by Victor Gialanella, FRANKENSTEIN is unquestionably an intriguing tale of horror and suspense perfect for the Halloween season.

Set in nineteenth-century Switzerland, MARY SHELLEY'S FRANKENSTEIN details the ill-fated experiments of young Dr. Frankenstein as he attempts to fathom the secrets of life and death. Purchasing cadavers from two unsavory grave robbers, he gives life to a creature so physically powerful and mentally twisted that he soon brings death and destruction to all who stand in his way.

Adhering more closely to the original novel than did the famous motion picture versions, the play blends moments of brooding terror and sudden shock with questions of morality and the dangers of unrestrained scientific inquiry. Blending thrills and shuddering horror with moments of touching sentiment and compelling philosophical insights, the play accomplishes the singular feat of being as moving and affecting as it is terrifying.

Director Richard Norman seeks 3 women (age ranges from 20's to 50's), 8 men (age ranges from 20's to 50's) and a teenage boy who can play younger. Men auditioning for the role of The Creature should be in their 20's/30's, athletic and in excellent shape.

Complete cast requirements can be found on the theater website at www.brundageparkplayhouse.org.

Cold readings from the script will be provided for the audition. Auditioners are requested to bring a recent headshot or snapshot and resume. Performances will run for three weekends from October 12 to the 27th.

For further information please call the theater at 973-989-7092.

Cold readings from the script will be provided for the audition. Auditioners are requested to


CRIMES OF THE HEART AUDITIONS

The Chatham Community Players is pleased to announce auditions for CRIMES OF THE HEART by Beth Henley. The show opens November 2 and runs through November 17, 2007. Director Bob Cline asks that actors come prepared to read from the script. Auditions will be held on Monday, July 30 and Monday, August 6 at 7 p.m.Rehearsals will begin after Labor DayAll auditions will be held at The Chatham Playhouse, 23 North Passaic Avenue, Chatham, NJThe Chatham Community Players has an open casting policy. All roles are open; none are pre-cast. For more details, please visit www.chathamplayers.org/auditions.htm. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Kristin Barber at (732) 208-4184 or email casting@chathamplayers.org

Additional Information
Synopsis: A tale of three sisters who are trying to make sense of their lives -- In Hazlehurst, Mississippi, the three Magrath sisters have gathered to await news of the family patriarch, their grandfather, who is living out his last hours in the local hospital. Lenny, the oldest sister, is unmarried at thirty and facing diminishing marital prospects; Meg, the middle sister, is back after a failed singing career on the West Coast; while Babe, the youngest, is out on bail after having shot her husband in the stomach. The three reminisce over old memories while making new ones. Like most families, these three sisters have their fair share of laughter, jealousy, and differences.

Casting Information
All characters are extremely southern, and must have great comic timing, as well as emotional depth. The ability to add real detail to character work is a plus. We can easily play with some of the ages and character descriptions below, as we are seeking the best actor for each part.

Casting Breakdown
Lenny Magrath: 30, the oldest sister. Described as having a round figure and face. Most importantly, she is the oldest sister and has had to embrace all that that entails.Meg Magrath: 27, the middle sister. Described as having sad magic eyes. Moved to Hollywood to become a famous singer, she's back in town to help out. Self reliant and an individual. Babe Magrath: 24, the youngest sister. Described as having an angelic face and fierce volatile eyes. Described by sisters as being the prettiest and most perfect. When play opens, she has just shot her husband the night before. Must be capable of portraying everything form exuberance to devastation.Chick Boyle: 29, the sisters’ first cousin. Described as a brightly dressed matron. Could be tall and skinny, or even lanky. Knows how to sniff out drama, and sort of knows no boundaries. Makes self at home.Doc Porter: 30 (but appears older), Meg's old boyfriend. Described as an attractive worn man with a slight limp that adds rather than detracts from his quiet seductive quality. Barnette Lloyd: 26, Babe's Lawyer. Described as a slender, intelligent young man with an almost fanatical intensity that he subdues by sheer will.