Audition Notice – Irving Berlin’s White Christmas

Auditions for Irving Berlin’s White Christmas will take place:

Ilion Little Theatre, 13 Remington Ave., Ilion, NY

Summary

Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil’s former army commander. With a dazzling score featuring well-known standards including “Blue Skies,” “I Love A Piano,” “How Deep Is the Ocean” and the perennial title song, White Christmas is an uplifting, wholesome musical that will delight audiences of all ages.

Principal Roles

BOB WALLACE – (late 20s to mid 30s) A major singing star, Bob is the guiding force behind the song and dance team of Wallace and Davis. He wears his fame easily and is a born leader, but he has some trouble with social and romantic interactions. Despite his occasional gruffness, he is a deeply kind and principled man who is searching for his true love. A superb singer with a crooning style who moves very well. Baritone.

PHIL DAVIS – (late 20s to mid 30s) The fun-loving, go-getting song-and-dance partner of the team of Wallace and Davis. An irrepressible clown, operator and incorrigible ladies’ man who is determined to see his friend happy, even if it requires scheming and outright deception. He has a boyish charm and sex appeal. Strong jazz and tap-dancing needed – a song-and-dance comic performer. Bari-Tenor.

BETTY HAYNES – (mid to late 20s) The sensible, responsible half of the upcoming song-and-dance team, The Haynes Sisters. Destined to be a star in her own right, she is nonetheless hesitant to take the spotlight for herself. A woman of decent, upstanding principles, she is devoted to her younger sister. Like Bob, she hides her yearning for true love under a protective shell. A female singer of quiet beauty and charm with a rich chest mix sound and a soprano extension. Must move well.

JUDY HAYNES – (early 20s) The younger, more ambitious, slightly scheming Haynes sister. While wholesome and adorable, she is sexy and flirty – a winning charmer whom no man can resist. Strong jazz and tap dancing needed – a major song-and-dance performer. Chest mix.

GENERAL HENRY WAVERLY – (late 50s to mid 60s) A retired U.S. Army General, adjusting to civilian life in post-World War II America. Once a powerful leader, he now struggles to run an Inn in Vermont. He remains a man of great principle and dignity. Beneath his curmudgeonly military exterior lies a warm, compassionate man in need of family and love. Except for one line, a non-singing role.

MARTHA WATSON – (late 40s to mid 60s) Once a Broadway star, now the general’s housekeeper at the Inn, Martha has a very dry, wry, wisecracking sense of humor. Bighearted but completely unsentimental, she runs the General’s life despite his protestations. She is an irrepressible meddler, but always for what she believes to be the other guy’s best interests. A winning, appealing character-comedienne with a clarion belt voice.

SUSAN WAVERLY – (9-12 years old to play 9 years old) The General’s granddaughter, Susan is a lovable and outgoing real kid. She is very smart, wise beyond her years, and cares deeply about her grandfather. Once bitten hard by the showbiz bug, she demonstrates everything that is winning in the ultimate child performer. She must have an excellent belt voice and be able to move well.

Featured Roles

RALPH SHELDRAKE – (mid to late 30s) Army buddy of Bob and Phil’s, now a major television executive with the Ed Sullivan Show. Fast-talking, New York professional. Baritone.

RITA and RHODA – (mid 20s to early 30s) Bob and Phil’s star chorus girls, they are brash, sexy and fun, although perhaps not the smartest.

EZEKIEL FOSTER – (mid 40’s to late 50’s) The ultimate taciturn New Englander, he helps out at the inn and takes life at a very slow pace. Can be double-cast with the role of SNORING MAN.

MIKE – (mid 20s to late 30s) Bob and Phil’s stage manager. He tends to be over-dramatic and completely hysterical, but he gets things done. Never seen without his whistle and clipboard, which he uses to attempt to keep order. Can be double cast with the role of ED SULLIVAN ANNOUNCER.

Ensemble Roles

TESSIE – Bob and Phil’s extremely competent assistant.

JIMMY – The proprietor of “Jimmy’s Back Room,” a none-too-classy nightclub.

CIGARETTE GIRL

SNORING MAN

MRS. SNORING MAN

TRAIN CONDUCTOR

DANCE CAPTAIN

SEAMSTRESS

ASSISTANT SEAMSTRESS

ED SULLIVAN ANNOUNCER

REGENCY ROOM ANNOUNCER (OFFSTAGE VOICE)

SHELDRAKE’S SECRETARY (OFFSTAGE VOICE)

SOLDIERS, TRAIN PASSENGERS, INN GUESTS, CLUBGOERS, AND PATRONS OF THE REGENCY ROOM