110 in the Shade Auditions
The Royal Players will hold auditions for their summer production of the musical 110 in the Shade, directed by Frank O. Butler. The auditions are May 15 at 10:00 a.m. and May 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Royal Theatre. It is located at 111 S. Market Street, in downtown Benton. Production dates are July 8-11 and July 15-18, 2010.
110 in the Shade is the musical version of N. Richard Nash’s books, The Rainmaker. This poplar 1954 play centers on Lizzie Curry and her relationships with local sheriff File and a charismatic con man Bill Starbuck. Lizzie is a spinster living with her father and brothers on a ranch in the American southwest. File is a cautious divorcé who fears being hurt again and the con man, Bill Starbuck, poses as a rainmaker who promises the locals he can bring relief to the drought-stricken area.
Nash faithfully adapted the play in collaboration with lyrics by Tom Jones, and music by Harvey Schmidt, the creative duo behind The Fantasticks, the world’s longest-running musical. 110 in the Shade originally opened on Broadway in 1963 and was nominated for four Tony Awards. They revived the play in 1992 by the New York City Opera and again in 2007 on Broadway, where it garnered five Tony Award nominations.
There are two female leads (ages 17-40), five male leads (ages 19-63), and various chorus roles from ages 8-68. There are a very limited number of children’s roles.
Actor should prepare one verse and the chorus from a musical number. Those with prepared numbers should bring sheet music or a CD. Those without prepared numbers should still be ready to sing. Cold readings will be from the script. There may be some light choreography so dress comfortably and wear appropriate footwear. Callbacks, if any, will be at the May 17th audition. For more information, contact the theatre by phone at 501-315-LIVE (5483), or by emailing info@theroyalplayers.com