audition notice - BIG FISH - Mesa Community College - May 9

BIG FISH
Edward Bloom has lived a full and fantastical life, populated by witches, giants, and mermaids, marked by true love that stops time in its tracks, and framed by heroics that push the limits of believability. His adult son, Will, is no longer amused by his father’s tall tales, insisting on learning a rational account of his father’s life. When Edward’s health declines and Will learns that he will have a son of his own, Will decides to find out his father’s “true” life story once and for all. Big Fish is a heartfelt, powerful, and truly magical musical about fathers, sons, and the stories that we use to define our identities. With spine-tinglingly beautiful music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, and a funny, heartwarming book by John August, Big Fish is a magnificent “big fish” of a tale, itself -- spectacular, fantastical, and overflowing with love.

Edward –  (plays ages 16-60). Edward is a charming, charismatic storyteller. A devoted yet absent father nearing the end of his life and wanting to reconnect with his son. As a young man, he leaves his small town in search of adventure. Indentured with a traveling circus, he eventually meets the love of his life, Sandra, and begins family life. But Edward's heart is on the road where he works as a traveling salesman. Edward maintains his tall tales are true — which in a way they are, as a reflection of the way he sees the world and wants his son to live. Comedy and charisma are essential. Edward is a storyteller. Must be an excellent singer and a strong character actor. He is on stage for most of the show. Vocal range: Broadway baritone, C below middle C/ sustained G above middle C.

Sandra – (plays ages 17-50) Edward's wife, the love of his life. She is patient and calm, the
perfect balance to Edward’s enthusiasm. She adores and appreciates Edward and tries to bring reconciliation to her husband and son, both of whom she loves. Must be a strong actress, singer and dancer. Vocal range: Mezzo or soprano with strong mix to Eb/F.

Will – Edward’s and Sandra’s son (ages 20-30). Will is a critical part of the story. He is an earnest, serious, thoughtful young man wanting to reconnect with his storytelling father, but unable to appreciate Edward’s romantic view of life. He has to be able to take us on the journey of understanding and make us believe the complex relationship and final heartfelt embrace of his father’s legacy. Must be an excellent actor with a strong voice. No dance. Vocal range: Tenor with sustained G and high A.

Young Will – (age 8-12) The young version of Will is intrigued by his father's stories, but already starts to doubt their truth. With his father always on the road, he feels he is the man of the house. Must be a strong actor.  Vocal range: B below middle C to octave above middle C.

Josephine – (age 20-30) Will’s lovely and funny wife. She is pregnant through most of the story. She's charmed by Edward and happily inserts herself into his stories. She is successful, sweet, intelligent, and acts as the bridge between Edward and Will, explaining the deeper meaning of the stories. Must be a strong actress, little to no dance, little singing. Vocal range: Mezzo soprano.

Karl – The Giant (plays ages 25-50) Edward’s best friend. Karl is shy, exceptionally intelligent, a loner, and has a quiet charisma. He needs a booming voice and a large personality. The actor doesn’t need to be a “giant” but should be at least a large man who is tall and comfortable with learning to use short stilts. Vocal range: Bass with a low E.

The Witch – (age 30-60) Commanding female performer with great confidence and storytelling ability. She convinces Edward to pursue a Big Life without fear. Must be an excellent singer with big voice. Vocal Range: Big belt to F# and lives up in that range.

Jenny Hill – (plays ages 16-55). Jenny is Edward's first girlfriend in high school, a cheerleader. She is trusting and beautiful and has never gotten over Edward. Must be a strong actress. Vocal range: Mezzo soprano to D-natural.

Amos Calloway – (age 30-60). Amos is the rather eccentric, quirky owner of the circus that employs young Edward. He is a down-market P.T. Barnum with a secret. Must be a bigger than life character actor with strong comedic chops.  Vocal Range: Baritone to sustained A-flat.

Don Price – (plays ages 16-45) Edward Bloom’s life-long nemesis (high school, college, and aging to mayor). Don is Sandra’s first fiancé and a snarky hot-headed bully. Must have strong comedic chops. Vocal Range: Baritone to sustained E#.

Zacky Price – (plays ages 25-45) Don’s younger brother (high school, college, and aging to later). Zacky is somewhat nerdy and easily-spooked, a shadow of the older brother he idolizes. Must have strong comedic chops. Vocal range: Tenor to sustained A-flat.

Doctor Bennett – (age 40-75) Edward’s physician and good friend. He is warm, frank, and the epitome of a great small town doctor. MUST have strong acting chops. No singing or dancing necessary.

Red Fang – (age 20-40) World War II villain. No singing necessary.  Stage combat/fight experience is a plus.

Ashton Mayor – (age 40-60) Typical small town good-guy mayor personality. Some singing and movement. No dancing.

Alabama Lambs – (ages 15-22) Dancers. Perform with Sandra at the circus. Must have strong singing and dancing skills.

Ensemble - This show has an active ensemble that is vital to telling the stories. We’d like a wide variety of ages and types to play the many characters in Edward’s various stories. Some numbers will have featured dancers.

Women (ages 15 and up): Strong singers, actors, movers or dancers that can play a wide range of characters, including circus performers and crowd, witches, USO dancers, Old west characters, townspeople. Dance experience and stage combat/fight choreography skills a plus.

Men (ages 15 and up): Strong singers, actors, movers or dancers that can play a wide range of characters, including circus performers and crowd, military, old west characters and townspeople. Dance experience and stage combat/fight choreography skills a plus.

Children (ages 8 - 14):  We’d like to have a small ensemble of children play the various roles in a few scenes including the circus scene and the townspeople of Ashton. We’re looking for strong singers, actors, and dancers.