Audition to be held Nov. 17 for A Christmas Story

OMAK - Audition Information: All actors must come to the audition prepared with a 30-60 second selection of a song from a musical.  Please do not choose a song from the musical: “A Christmas Story.”  We suggest singing either a verse or a chorus of a piece that shows off your vocal range, but not the entire song.  If you go over 60 seconds we will most likely cut you off at the 60 second mark for time purposes.  Please bring a copy of your sheet music for your audition song to hand to the accompanist.  Please also make sure the start and end of your audition selection is clearly marked in your sheet music.  

We are not having actors say the parts that they want, but if you have a character in mind please choose a song that resembles the character you are wanting to be considered for.

Please come dressed to move.  No tight jeans, dresses or skirts without leggings or shorts underneath. You will be moving all over the place so make sure you can move in your clothing and shoes. Also if you tap please bring your tap shoes with you.

All vocal auditions will be private and only open to parents of the youth auditioning and only for their child’s audition.

When you come to the audition you will need to fill out your audition paperwork.  All students K-12 will need their paperwork signed by a parent.  With your paperwork we need all conflicts and an email for you and for your parent(s).  If you play a sport or are involved in an extracurricular activity please bring your schedule with you or let us know and get the schedule to us as soon as you have it.

If needed there will be call backs on November 18 for adults and children being considered for leading roles.  Time and location TBD.

For more information or questions about Auditions please email Nicole Leese at Nicole@omaksd.org
A Christmas Story
the Musical
Show Synopsis:
This musical, which received rave reviews on its Broadway run, is based on the movie classic that runs round-the-clock on television every Christmas. Set in the 1940s in the fictional town of Hohman, Indiana, the musical follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker and his quest for the Holy Grail of Christmas gifts—an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle. Rebuffed at every turn with a similar echoing response of “You’ll Shoot your eye out,” Ralphie plots numerous schemes to achieve his desperate desire for the coveted BB gun. All the iconic scenes from the movie are here: Ralphie’s friend, Flick, getting his tongue stuck to the flagpole; his brother, Randy, getting dressed in his snowsuit; the bullies, Farkus and Dill; the leg lamp award; the bunny suit; the Chinese restaurant; Christmas dinner; and many others. The delightfully versatile score ranges from gentle ballads to show-stopping full-ensemble numbers such as “Ralphie to the Rescue!”, “A Major Award,” “Sticky Situation,” “Up on Santa’s Lap,” “Somewhere Hovering Over Indiana” and the inevitable “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out!” A Christmas Story, The Musical will bring an exciting new dimension to those who have seen the movie and will certainly stand on its own for those who haven’t.

Characters:
Leading Roles:
Jean Sheperd/ Narrator:  Male Spoken Late 40s to early 50s Charismatic storyteller with a dynamic speaking voice who can draw an audience in to the world of the play. Radio personality. He (like his younger self) has a twinkle in his eye. An actor with presence and spark. A good-natured curmudgeon. Midwestern. This is a non-singing role.

The Old Man: Male High Baritone or tenor to a high G Late 30s to 40s He has a good heart, but it is buried under a rough exterior. He’s not the perfect father by any means – he is happiest when he’s tinkering in the basement. He usually expects the worst, but is secretly a dreamer. A devoted husband/father, who loves his family but does not feel the need to show it. Actor must be comfortable working with kids.

Mother: Female Mezzo Soprano low G to high Db 30s-40s She is more in charge than she would ever let anyone know. Warm but tough. Strong willed, straight forward, no nonsense, likable, midwestern – a kind of every-mom.  She is the secret engine that keeps the household running, keeping the household together with an impressive balancing act.

Ralphie: Male High belter, low F# to high D. 9, going on 10. A regular kid – cute but not overly handsome, not precious. He wouldn’t be lost in a crowd, but he wouldn’t stand out either. Bright, but not precocious; the boy next door. Ralphie above all is a dreamer. Seeking a young boy who is comfortable and honest on stage. Must be an excellent singer and able to carry a show.

Randy: Male High belter, low F# to high C#. 7 to 8.  Ralphie’s younger brother. Can be a bit awkward and offbeat; admires his big brother, Ralphie, but won’t admit it. Seeking a young boy who is comfortable and honest on stage, cute, cuddly, & whiny. He seems opposed to everything, but he’s still loveable- but not a brat.

Featured Roles:
Miss Shields: Female Alto belter Mid 30’s – late 50’s the local elementary school teacher. A seemingly stereotypical 1940s educator- prim and proper.  Stern when necessary, though warm and even humorous when the situation merits it.  In Ralphie’s fantasy, she becomes a dynamic, show stopping, brassy belter and tapper- a force to be reckoned with. Great mover tapping is a plus.

Santa: Early 30s-early 60’s.  The Santa Clause at Higbee’s Department Store is decidedly unlike the typical “Jolly Old Elf” of legend and lore.  Ill-tempered and slightly inebriated, he is unhappy with his job.  He dismisses each child as quickly as possible in an attempt to  put an end to the day and perhaps head to the nearest “watering hole.”

Scut Farcus: 14-15. The classic bully; tough, perhaps taller than the other kids; there’s nothing about him you want to like. He’s that kid you always made sure to avoid in school. Gruff character voice.

Grover Dill: Male 9-12 Farcus’ toady, smaller

Schwartz One of Ralphie’s best friends. He is in the same class and is a little smarter than his friends. He is one of those kids that acts perfect to his teachers but when adults aren’t around, he is brash, rude, and often says words or phrases he might have heard his father say.

Flick: on of Ralphie’s best friends. He is in the same class and is around the same level intellectually as Ralphie, but without the charm. He would like to think he is the “leader” of his group of friends, and will go to GREAT lengths to prove it including licking the frozen flag pole.

Esther Jane: featured classmate

Mary Beth: Featured classmate

Additional Roles for Children:
Nancy, Goggles Kid, Can-Can Girls, Can-Can Girlfriend, Waiter’s Daughter, Kid Ensemble

All kids need to sing and dance (tapping experience preferred) not all kids need be strong dancers

Additional Roles for Adults:
Elves, Delivery Men, Townspeople (Men and Women), Prairie Ensemble , Villain , Bank Robbers, Escaped Prisoner, Mrs. Schwartz Flick’s Mom, Nancy’s Mother, Bartender, Policeman, Fireman, Doctor, Nurse, Waiter.  All adults need to sing and be comfortable with some dancing. Strong dancers also needed.