Auditions for the fall production of Theatre 29’s 2016 season, the classic hit Broadway musical “The Secret Garden,” have been scheduled for Monday,
June 27, at 6:30 p.m. on the Theatre 29 main stage in Twentynine Palms. The musical comedy will take the stage for five weeks beginning August 26 through September 24. After the sudden death of her parents, 10-year- old Mary Lennox is sent to live with an uncle whom she’s never met. Uncle Archibald is distant and strange. Strong-willed and brave-hearted, Mary finds solace in a locked-up, hidden garden. Based on the beloved novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden’sheartwarming story and beautiful, soaring ballads make this Tony Award- winning musical a treat for young and old alike. Veteran director Kathryn Ferguson will be seeking a cast of 21 (10 male and 11 female) musical performers for this production. Auditions will consist of vocalization for 16 bars in the style of the show, movement and cold readings. Bring a karaoke or non-vocal backing track on CD or on mobile device or phone, please bring a speaker for the device as well. (Musical theatre piece, no original works or pop songs). Dress prepared to move. The production is also seeking technical assistance as stagehands, set builders and costume construction. Anyone wishing to participate in these capacities, please also attend auditions (you will not be required to audition). For more information, contact Ferguson via email at [email protected]. The roles being cast are:
Mary Lennox – Female, 10 (Range: Young Voice, Ab3-D5) A 10-year- old girl sent to live with her uncle, Archibald, when her parents die from cholera
in India. Quite the curious explorer, she often finds herself in trouble. She is stubborn and always fighting for what she believes in. Mary starts out as more than a bit spoiled, yet ignored, young girl, but finds what she seeks through her journey.
Lily – Female, 28-38 (Range: Soprano, Bb3-D6) Mary's aunt and Archibald Craven's wife. Died of a tragic accident within her garden and
metaphorically haunts the walls of Misselthwaite Manor. Even as a specter, she is the epitome of grace and love.
Archibald Craven – Male, 35-45 (Range: Baritone, C3-A4) Mary's uncle and lord of Misselthwaite Manor. He has a hunch-back. Haunted by the past
and afraid of the future, he locks himself away both physically and mentally. Mary painfully reminds him too much of his wife, Lily, who died 10 years ago. He shutters himself away from the world, a mortally wounded soul.
Dr. Neville Craven – Male, 35-45 (Range: Baritone, C3-F#4) Archibald’s brother. He is trapped by the idea that he is responsible for the caretaking of Colin. Even though he was never loved back by Lily, he is still in love with her. This adds to his unwillingness to move on and leave Misselthwaite.
Martha – Female, 18-30 (Range: Mezzo-Soprano Belt, G3-D5) A faithful housemaid. Grew up near Yorkshire and has the accent to prove it. Although she is from a lower-class family, her wisdom is often far beyond her age. A little spunky and good natured.
Mrs. Medlock – Female, Age Flexible (Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible) Archibald’s housekeeper. As cold as Misselthwaite Manor itself.
Dickon – Male, 16-25 (Range: Tenor, D3-G4) Martha's younger brother. Looks after the sick plants and animals within the Misselthwaite
grounds—including Mary. He is a young man who is between the world of child imagination and adult reasoning. Befriends Mary and convinces her to
take care of the garden. He is the embodiment of Puck or The Green Man.
Ben Weatherstaff – Male, Age Flexible (Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible, E3- D#4) Head gardener. Secretly entrusted to take care of the garden after
Lily’s death. Knows a great deal about the history of the garden and the grounds it sits on. He has worked for the family for many years. He calls
himself “an old man.” A bit gruff, but with a heart of gold.
Colin Craven – Male, 10 (Range: Young Voice, A3-E5) Archibald's 10-year- old son. Spent his life in bed due to a heart condition. He is very stubbor and throws temper tantrums to get what he wants. He believes his father hates him for causing Lily’s death.
Mrs. Winthrop – Female, Age Flexible (Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible) Headmistress of a private school. Prides herself on nurturing girls with
tempers. Mary seems to be more than she can handle. Doubles as a “Dreamer.” The Dreamers, who are the ghostly apparitions of those closest to Mary
and Archibald, act as a sort of Greek chorus. They include: Rose Lennox – Female, 28-38 (Range: Soprano, A3-D6) Mary's mother. A “dreamer” from the past who doesn’t understand how her sister Lily could truly love Archibald. Very loyal to her husband and refuses to leave India during the cholera outbreak that takes her life.
Captain Albert Lennox – Male, 30-40 (Range: Tenor, D3-A5) Mary's father. Tries to send Rose out of India during the cholera outbreak.
Alice – Female, Age Flexible (Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible) Rose's friend.
Lieutenant Wright – Male, Age Flexible (Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible) Officer in Mary's father's unit.
Lieutenant Shaw – Male, Age Flexible (Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible) Fellow officer.
Major Shelley – Male, Age Flexible (Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible) Officer.
Mrs. Shelly – Female, Age Flexible (Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible) Major Shelley's wife.
Major Holmes – Male, Age Flexible (Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible) Officer.
Claire Holmes – Female, Age Flexible (Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible) Major Holmes' wife.
Fakir – Male, Age Flexible (Range: Tenor, C3-B4) Itinerant Hindu ascetic.
Ayah – Female, Age Flexible (Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible) Mary's Indian nanny.
