AUDITIONS FOR A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER

Director/Musical Staging
SHARON W. HOUK
Music Director
DAN RINGUETTE

PERFORMANCE DATES
Sat, Feb 2, 2019 | 8PM
Sun, Feb 3, 2019 | 2PM
Fri, Feb 8, 2019 | 8PM
Sat, Feb 9, 2019 | 8PM
Sun, Feb 10, 2019 | 2PM
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Sunday, November 4, 2018 at 7:00pm
(by Appointment)
Monday, November 5, 2018 at 7:00pm
(by Appointment)

This is a high-style, British romantic farce set in the Edwardian era. It requires highly trained actors who sing beautifully and have great comic skills. All roles are open to audition and are similar stylistically to characters in Oscar Wilde plays. British accents are required for all roles. There is also an ensemble of six to eight, all of whom play important roles throughout the play; solo singing required by all. All auditioners must be at least 18 years old.

Those auditioning will be asked to sing up to one minute of an uptempo musical theatre song, in the style of the show. Think: comedy, patter songs, Gilbert & Sullivan, Julie Andrews/MY FAIR LADY, THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD, etc. The song should show off character, different voices, facial expression, physicality & range. No ballads please!

Auditioners should mark their selection with a highlighter. An accompanist will be provided. A cappella singing or recorded accompaniments will not be allowed

Auditioners should also prepare a short, engaging paragraph, no more than 3-5 lines, which is from a published work such as a play, novel, or even a children’s book, that shows off word play, comedy, satire, and good rapport with an audience, etc. No monologue length speeches. We would just like something quick that can act as an intro or narration to a character or situation. There will be no dance call at the initial audition. The movement/dance call will be held at callbacks.

Please note: Audition appointment spaces are limited and filled on a first-come, first served basis.

CALLBACKS
Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at 7:00pm (if needed)

Rehearsals will be held three times per week on Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday evenings (7:00-10:00pm) with two Wednesday evening rehearsals on December 26 and January 2. Some performers may be called for additional rehearsals which will be determined once we review all schedule conflicts from those cast in the production. Rehearsals will begin on Sunday, December 2, 2018.

Tech week rehearsals will be Sunday through Thursday, January 27 – 31, 2019. We do ask that Friday, February 1, 2019 be held in case an additional tech week rehearsal is needed. The pickup rehearsal will be held on Thursday, February 7, 2019.

Please have all conflicts for the rehearsal period available, and please note on Audition Form. If you are unable to make the mandatory tech week rehearsals and/or pickup rehearsal, we will be unable to cast you in this production.

The Warner Stage Company is a regional community theatre company and does not offer compensation or housing for performers.

AUDITIONS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

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ABOUT THE SHOW
A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDERis the knock-'em-dead, uproarious hit and the most-nominated show of the 2014 season. With ten Tony nominations and four wins, including Best Musical, Book, Direction and Costumes, it also earned seven Drama Desk Awards (including Best Musical), four Outer Critics Circle Awards (including Best Musical) and one Drama League Award (Best Musical).
 
When the low-born Monty Navarro finds out that he's eighth in line for an earldom in the lofty D'Ysquith family, he figures his chances of outliving his predecessors are slight and sets off down a far more ghoulish path. Can he knock off his unsuspecting relatives without being caught and become the ninth Earl of Highhurst? And what of love? Because murder isn't the only thing on Monty's mind....
 
A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder is a murderous romp filled with unforgettable music, non-stop laughs and a scene-stealing role for one actor playing all eight of the doomed heirs who meet their ends in the most creative and side-splitting ways.
 
AVAILABLE ROLES
All ages are just a suggestion and will be adjusted to fit the needs of our casting.
 
PRINCIPALS:
THE D’YSQUITH FAMILY(30s – mid 50s). Must be an experienced, skilled, and transformational comedic actor who has a superb grasp on British farce. Physical comedy and stamina is a necessity. Does not necessarily need to be a phenomenal singer, but must be able to carry a musical comedy without an ounce of hesitation. Plays the following range of characters from the same family, ranging from an off-kilter priest to a closeted bee enthusiast to a lowly custodian (each of them intrinsic “English types”). Vocal range B2-F4.

• Asquith D’Ysquith, Jr., a dandy
• Lord Adlabert D’Ysquith, Eighth Earl of Highhurst
• Reverend Lord Ezekiel D’Ysquith, a clergyman
• Lord Adlabert D’Ysquith, Sr., an elderly banker
• Henry D’Ysquith, a country squire
• Lady Hyacinth D’Ysquith, a benefactress
• Major Lord Bartholomew D’Ysquith, a bodybuilder
• Lady Salome D’Ysquith Pumphrey, an actress
• Chauncey D’Ysquith, a janitor

 
MONTY NAVARRO (Mid 20s –30s). Handsome and effortlessly charming, clever and charismatic, vulnerable and endearing, with a highly developed appreciation for life’s ironies. Monty is the engine of the plot; must be able to command attention and draw the audience in.  Discovers he is in line to become the Earl of Highhurst, and intends to kill off the family that stands in his way.   While he is intent on killing off the entire family tree, he must have a winning charm that would garner anybody’s trust. Must have excellent comedic timing, vocal variation, and physical skills. Legit Baritone. A2-A4.
 
SIBELLA(20s –mid 30s).Sexy, flirtatious, narcissistic, willful girl that Monty loves - calculating, and irresistible. A social climber, yes, but also truly loves Monty, and in the end would do anything to protect him. Tremendous wit and high style.  Strong mover. Character mezzo, F#3 to A5, belting not required.
 
PHOEBE(Early 20s –early 30s).Beautiful, virtuous, forthright, romantic, comically earnest, with a backbone of steel. Monty’s young poised virtuous cousin (and potential wife).   She is not your typical ingénue, though. Actress must have a sense of irony and humor, in addition to a youthful innocence behind her sophistication. Coloratura soprano, range B3 up to a high sustained C#6 with an optional high Eb6. Very flexible and agile. Also open to performers from a strong operatic background.
 
ENSEMBLE:
PLEASE NOTE – The character breakdowns are subject to change.
Voice types: Legit soprano, Tenor, High/Low Baritones.  All should have decent to great movement/character physicality.
 
WOMAN #1(30s – 50s).Plays MISS SHINGLE, a Cockney housekeeper/governess who has served a wealthy, titled family for 30 years. She informs Monty that he is indeed a D’Ysquith.  Storytelling is paramount for her role.  Also plays TOUR GUIDE, as well as PUB OWNER’S WIFE, MRS. PEBWORTH, 3RD NEWSBOY. Seeking a character woman. Mezzo soprano, G3 to A5. 
 
WOMAN #2(30s –late 40s). Plays LADY EUGENIA, an unhappily married countess. Overbearing and mean spirited at times, but comically so. Must be highly adept at the biting quip and the withering glare. Also plays MISS HETHERINGTON, and 4TH NEWSBOY. Vocal range F#3-A5 
 
WOMAN #3(Mid 20s – mid 30s). Plays MISS BARLEY, an alluring artist model. Also plays SIBELLA’S MAID, HYACINTH COLLEAGUE, PHOEBE’S MAID, HILDA.  Vocal range G3-C6 
 
FEMALE SWING(Mid 20s –early 40s).Must have a wide vocal range, F#3 – A5. Covers all three on-stage female ensemble tracks. Must be able to play everything from an English aristocrat who despises her husband all the way to a flighty, young, lower-class girl with higher aspirations. Strong movers needed.  Versatility is paramount.
 
MAN #1(20s – mid 30s).Appealing and attractive. Plays TOM COPLEY (aka FARMER), as well as 2ND CLERK, HYACINTH COLLEAGUE, 2ND NEWSBOY, ACTOR, ANCESTRAL BUST, DR. PETTIBONE, and GUARD. High baritone with a strong top; solid A2-A4.   
 
MAN #2(Early 30s –40s).A versatile and appealing character man. Plays DETECTIVE PINCKEY, who has a featured number. Also plays 1ST CLERK, PUB OWNER, MR. CROSS, 1ST NEWSBOY, 1ST ACTOR, PHYSICIAN, and 2ND ANCESTRAL BUST. Bass, C2 to G#4.  
 
MAN #3(Mid 20s –40s).A character man. Plays THE MAGISTRATE, as well as MR. GOODSALL, ACTOR, and MR. GORBY. THE MAGISTRATE has a featured number with DETECTIVE PINCKEY. True tenor. Bb2 –Bb4
 
MALE SWING(Mid 20s – early 40s). Must have wide vocal range, C2-Bb4. Covers all three on-stage male ensemble tracks. Must be able to play everything from a not-very-bright, middle-class magistrate all the way to a working-class farmer.
 
FULL SYNOPSIS
Act One
London, 1909. In the Prologue, we learn the nature of the evening's bill of fare ("A Warning to the Audience"). In a prison cell, Monty Navaro, the ninth Earl of Highhurst, takes up a pen to write his memoir: "In the event of my execution, while I still have time." His story begins in a shabby flat in Clapham, where he receives an unexpected visit from Miss Shingle, an old friend of his recently departed mother ("You're a D'Ysquith").
 
With the stunning discovery that he is eighth in line to inherit a magnificent title and fortune, Monty sends a letter to the head of the family, Lord Asquith D'Ysquith, Sr., asking for a job in the D'Ysquith banking house. He then rushes to tell the news to his childhood sweetheart, Sibella Hallward, arriving just as she prepares to go out ("I Don't Know What I'd Do"). Monty tells her that only eight other D'Ysquiths stand before him in the line of succession, which means that he could be Earl himself some day. "And pigs might fly!" Sibella laughs. "Eight people would have to die for that to happen! How likely is that?!" Sibella teases Monty about her forthcoming outing with Lionel Holland, who is not only rich and good looking, but drives a motorcar. Regardless, Monty kisses her impulsively and passionately. Although Sibella shares his ardor, she draws the line at a future together. Sibella is determined above all else to marry a man with wealth and influence.
 
A letter from Asquith D'Ysquith, Jr., rebuffs any notion that Monty will be recognized by the D'Ysquiths ("Foolish to Think"). Among a group of tourists who are led by an informative guide, Monty visits Highhurst Castle, ancestral home of the D'Ysquiths, where the family portraits seem to speak directly to him ("A Warning to Monty"). The imposing and perpetually aggravated Earl, Lord Asquith D'Ysquith, discovers Monty on the wrong side of the velvet rope and ejects him ("I Don't Understand the Poor").
 
Seeking an ally, Monty visits the Reverend Lord Ezekial D'Ysquith. While enthusiastic about the architectural splendor of his historic church, the doddering cleric shows Monty no sympathy. In his zeal to share the view, Ezekial steps too close to the tower's edge. When he reaches out for help, Monty hesistates ("Foolish to Think – Reprise") and lets the Reverend fall. In one moment, Monty's life has changed forever... and, of course, the action has been set.
 
Monty then follows the man who snubbed him so unmercifully, Asquith D'Ysquith, Jr., to a winter resort, where he finds the young dandy skating on the lake with Miss Barley, his chorus-girl mistress ("Poison in My Pocket"). Grief-stricken over the "accidental" loss of his only son, Lord Asquith D'Ysquith, Sr., offers Monty a job at the family banking firm. Flush with excitement over his acceptance by the D'Ysquiths at last, Monty hurries to tell Sibella – only to learn that she is engaged to Lionel Holland ("Poor Monty").
 
At a village inn, Monty rescues wealthy landowner, Henry D'Ysquith, from the fists of an angry tenant farmer. Grateful, Henry buys Monty a round ("Better with a Man") and invites him back to his country estate, where he reveals his passion for beekeeping. Over time, he assures Monty that one builds up a resistance to bee stings: "I dare say it would take a hundred bees to kill me now." When Monty returns the following weekend to set a trap, he meets Henry's lovely, innocent sister, Phoebe D'Ysquith, with whom he develops an instant rapport. As the two draw closer, Phoebe is unaware that her brother is being pursued by a swarm of bees ("Inside Out"). Monty is left to console Phoebe, and it occurs to him that should he achieve his goal of becoming Earl, "I could find no finer woman to be my countess."
 
Lady Hyacinth D'Ysquith, an unmarried society matron of a certain age, is furious that her latest charitable venture has been ruined by scandal. She and her colleagues are aided in their search for a new cause by a helpful "Baron Philpot" aka Monty ("Lady Hyacinth Abroad"). After reading of Lady Hyacinth's tragic death at the hands of cannibals in deepest, darkest Africa, Lord Asquith D'Ysquith, Sr., notes Monty's closeness to the succession. While maintaining an affair with the newly wed Sibella, and continuing to offer consolation to the mourning Phoebe, Monty disposes of the fitness-obsessed Major Lord Bartholomew D'Ysquith and the transcendently terrible actress, Lady Salome D'Ysquith Pumphrey, whose Hedda Gabler takes naturalism one pistol shot too far. Asquith Sr.'s, sudden heart attack leaves only Lord Adalbert as the obstacle between Monty and the Earldom ("The Last One You'd Expect").
 
Act Two
At Asquith D'Ysquith, Sr.'s, funeral, the mourners discreetly ask the question on everyone's mind ("Why Are All the D'Ysquiths Dying?"). At Highhurst, Lord Adalbert is preoccupied with the same question ("Why Are All the D'Ysquiths Dying? – Reprise"). After an assignation with Sibella at his bachelor apartment, Monty explains why he stares at her so intently ("Sibella"). With the unexpected arrival of Phoebe, Sibella hides in the bedroom while Monty desperately tries to keep the two women apart ("I've Decided to Marry You"). Monty accepts Phoebe's proposal, with Sibella none the wiser.
 
To celebrate their engagement, Monty escorts Phoebe to a weekend with Lord Adalbert and his combative countess, Lady Eugenia, at Highhurst Castle ("Final Warning"), where he discovers the inconvenient presence of Sibella, also a weekend guest. At dinner, Monty is shocked to see Miss Shingle and learn that she has been a servant at Highhurst for 39 years. Monty realizes that this may be his only chance to complete his mission ("Poison in My Pocket – Reprise") but he is foiled in his attempt. With his relatives dropping like flies, Lord Adalbert relives his near-death experience in the Boer War ("Looking down the Barrel of a Gun") and collapses unexpectedly.
 
At the death of Lord Adalbert, Monty becomes the Ninth Earl of Highhurst. His triumph is short-lived, however, when, at his wedding to Phoebe, an Inspector from Scotland Yard arrests Monty for murder ("Stop! Wait! What?!"). At trial, Monty vehemently denies poisoning Lord Aldabert's port, but the circumstantial evidence is damning. Back in his prison cell on the eve of the verdict, Monty is astonished to discover that the unassuming janitor, Chauncey, is also a D'Ysquith. Phoebe visits Monty in his cell, and he tries his best to console her. She has but one question: "That woman, Mrs. Holland – is she in love with you?" Monty hesitates, which is all the answer that Phoebe needs.
 
That night, Sibella pays a surprise call on the Inspector while a Magistrate receives an unexpected visit from Phoebe ("That Horrible Woman"). With seemingly irrefutable evidence, the women each accuse the other of Lord Adalbert's murder, making it impossible for either of them – or Monty – to be charged. Monty is awakened by the news that he is being set free. As he emerges from prison, Monty is greeted by the secret conspirators, Sibella and Phoebe. Monty Navaro has finally triumphed at last... or has he? ("Finale")