What: Open auditions for Little Shop of Horrors — book and lyrics by Alan Menken & music by Howard Ashman. Directed by Robert Salberg.
When: 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 18.
Where: Pentacle Theatre, 324 52nd Ave. NW, off Highway 22, About 6 miles west of downtown Salem, Oregon.
Casting: Eight actors, including an onstage puppeteer and an offstage actor-vocalist. See list below.
Things to know:
- Open auditions for all roles begin promptly at 1 p.m. and may run as late as 5 p.m.
- Doors open at 12:30 p.m. Plan to arrive early to fill out an audition form. We encourage you to download a copy at org/auditions and complete it in advance. Please write clearly, especially your contact information. Headshots and resumes are not required, but always appreciated.
- Please bring your calendar and provide a complete list of your conflicts through Dec. 1.
- Please prepare a song from a Broadway musical other than Little Shop of Horrors that best showcases your vocal range and fits the style of character you are interested in auditioning for. Limit your selection to 1 minute — about 32 bars.
- An accompanist will be available, or you may provide your own. Please bring sheet music for the accompanist.
- Using a CD or smartphone recording of your accompaniment is OK.
- Absolutely no A Cappella singing will be allowed.
- Please dress comfortably and be ready to move and dance.
Callbacks: If needed. Time and location to be announced.
Rehearsals: Generally, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays at Pentacle Theatre’s rehearsal studio in downtown Salem. The director will set weekend rehearsals and work sessions as needed.
Show dates: Friday, Nov. 9, through Saturday, Dec. 1.
About the show: “A deviously delicious Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical, Little Shop of Horrors has devoured the hearts of theatre-goers for over 30 years. Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Beauty and The Beast, and Aladdin) are the creative geniuses behind what has become one of the most popular shows in the world.
“The meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names Audrey II, after his coworker crush. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn, as long as he keeps feeding it BLOOD. Over time, Seymour discovers Audrey II’s out-of-this-world origins and intent toward global domination.” — Musical Theatre International.
Cast of Characters: Eight actors able to play the following ages and roles.
- Seymour Krelborn — Mid-20s–mid 30s. An insecure, put-upon florist’s clerk and eventual hero. He is a genuine, well-meaning man who is taken for granted because of his clumsy ways and poor social skills. Vocal range: A2-G4.
- Audrey — Mid-20s–mid 30s. The Billie Dawn-like secret love of Seymour’s life. She has poor self-worth and education, but incredibly good looks and a sweet and vulnerable demeanor. Vocal range: G#3-D5.
- Mushnik — 45-70. The seasoned owner of the failing East Side flower shop and Seymour’s nosy boss. He is profit-driven, greedy and manipulative. Vocal range: G2-F4.
- Orin Scrivello — 30-45. An egotistical dentist with a passion for leather, and sadistic tendencies. He’s Audrey’s abusive boyfriend, who is targeted by Seymour. Vocal range: G2-G4.
- The Plant (Audrey II) — Puppeteer. An anthropomorphic cross between a Venus flytrap and an avocado, the plant has an appetite for human flesh that is appeased by Seymour. The puppeteer doubles as other sizes of the plant.
- Voice of The Plant — Offstage actor-vocalist. The voice is that of a conniving, street-smart villain. A funky rhythm and blues voice is best. Vocal range: G2-G4.
- The Doo-Wop Girls: Crystal, Ronnette and Chiffon — Age 18-25. A trio of singing street urchins, acting as the occasional Greek chorus. Young, hip and smart, these girls are the only ones who have a grip on reality. Vocal range: Ab3-F5.
For more information: If you have questions or a conflict on the audition date, please contact director Robert Salberg, 971-208-2799.
