directed by Frank D. Shutts
musical direction by Christopher A. Tomasino
choregraphy by Stefan Sittig
produced by Mary Beth Smith Toomey
Audition Dates:
Saturday, May 16, starting at 2pm (please check in by 3pm)
Sunday, May 17, starting at 7pm (please check in by 8pm)
Callbacks:
TBA
Performance Dates:
July 25 - August 15, 2015
Tuesdays - Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sundays at 3:00pm
Show Description:
The Little Theatre of Alexandria is very proud to present the local premier of In the Heights, the 2008 Tony-Award winning Best Musical! It's the story Washington Heights, a close-knit New York community where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open, and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It's a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams, and pressures where the biggest struggle can be deciding in which traditions you take with you and which ones you leave behind.
Character Descriptions and Audition Notes:
Auditionees are asked to sing 32 bars of an up-tempo, contemporary musical comedy number. Those interested in Usnavi, Benny, Sonny, and Graffiti Peter will be asked to demonstrate their ability to rap with special emphasis on diction. Be prepared to dance several styles including hip-hop and Latin.
The majority of the characters and ensemble are first-generation Americans from Hispanic parents. The older characters have emigrated from Latin countries (Abuela Claudia, the Rosarios, and the Piragua Guy). Spanish-speaking auditionees are a plus. Some (Benny and a few ensemble members) are African Americans who grew up in Washington Heights. The ages listed are suggested. Actors need to be able to play those ages, not be them—necessarily.
USNAVI DE LA VEGA - 25 year old owner of De La Vega’s Bodega, his parents emigrated from the Dominican Republic and have since passed away. He lives with Abuela Claudia (Grandmother Claudia), who isn’t actually his grandmother but they are as close as family. Usnavi is in love with Vanessa and remains the eyes and ears of his Washington Heights neighborhood. Strong actor must be an excellent rapper and a good mover. Singing a plus – Bari-Tenor to G4.
NINA ROSARIO - 19 year old Nina has just finished her freshmen year at Stanford University. She is the daughter of Kevin and Camilia Rosario. Nina is the only member of her family and friends who made it to college. She is best friends with Vanessa and a beacon of hope and inspiration to all who know her; she represents the opportunity outside of “the heights.” Strong belt/mezzo-soprano F5. Must be an excellent mover.
KEVIN ROSARIO - In his forties and owner of Rosario Car and Limousine, Kevin is a husband to Camilia and father to Nina. While Kevin was born and raised in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, he immigrated to New York City with Camilia. Kevin immediately started working to provide a better life for his newly-arrived family. He is stubborn, hot tempered at times and can be quick to act without thoughts of repercussions. Singing (Bari-Tenor - E4) actor who moves well.
CAMILIA ROSARIO - Also in her forties, she is the co-owner of Rosario Car and Limousine with her husband Kevin. Also from Arecibo, Puerto Rico, she fell in love with Kevin at 19 and immigrated with him to New York City. She is cool-headed yet keeps a subtle but strong leash on Kevin. Her daughter Nina has just returned for the summer from her first year at Stanford. Singing (Alto G3 - B4) actor who moves well.
BENNY- Now a 24 year old dispatcher for Rosario Car and Limousine, he once was a street punk and hoodlum, often finding himself in trouble. Kevin saw promise in Benny and helped shape him into a responsible, hard-working young man. Benny has enormous respect for Kevin and sees him as a father figure. Eventually falling in love with Nina, Benny sees a future for them by becoming a businessman. He and Usnavi are best friends. Preferably African American. Strong singer (Tenor – Ab4) and excellent mover.
VANESSA - A 22 year old shampoo girl and Daniela’s Salon, Vanessa is strong, intelligent and grew up with Benny and Usnavi. Though Usnavi would like to be something more than Vanessa’s “friend,” he has never made any attempt. Vanessa dreams of leaving to create her own life away from her alcoholic mother. Very sexy. Strong belt/mezzo-soprano – E5). Must be a strong dancer.
SONNY - Usnavi’s younger cousin, Sonny is spending the summer working for Usnavi at the bodega. He usually hangs out on the street with his friend Graffiti Pete but avoids trouble. He is an extremely intelligent young man who strives to emulate Usnavi. Passionate to solve the social and economic problems of the city, he is someone that needs guidance or risks ending up a street punk. Comic actor, must be a good rapper (tenor to Bb4) and a strong mover.
ABUELA CLAUDIA - In her late 60’s, she raised Usnavi after his parents passed away and continues to live with him. She emigrated from Cuba when she was very young. Of all the characters, Abuela Claudia has been in “the Heights” the longest. She struggled to learn English, struggled to find work and in turn has helped others who have followed in her path. She is clearly the matriarch of the neighborhood. Strong belt (F#3 to C5).
DANIELA - In her thirties or early forties, she is the owner of Daniela’s Salon. Savvy to say the least, she is quick witted, brassy and outspoken. While she retains a motherly relationship with Vanessa, she remains the gossip queen of the neighborhood. Non-nonsense, she has built a successful business but is being forced of the neighborhood because of rent hikes. Comic actress with a strong belt (G3 to C5). Should be an excellent mover.
CARLA - In her mid-twenties to early thirties, she is a hairdresser at Daniela’s Salon. Born and raised in Queens, she is a pure, sweet, innocent, and loving woman who is devoted to her family and friends though she is easily taken advantage of because of her naivety. She and Daniela are best friends. Strong belt mix. Should be an excellent mover.
GRAFFITI PETE - A graffiti artist and the nemesis of Usnavi, he is always hanging out on the streets, dancing to his boom box music, spraying any surface he can. Usnavi is unhappy that Sonny and Graffiti Pete are friends because Graffiti Pete epitomizes everything that Usnavi hopes that Sonny will not grow up to be. Singer/tenor. Must be an extremely strong dancer. Acro a plus.
PIRAGUA GUY - Age not defined, he walks the hot and humid streets of Washington Heights selling piraguas (flavored ice shavings) to earn a living. He represents a rhythm of the islands in the big city. Bright, soaring tenor (must have sustainable A4).
ENSEMBLE - Residents of Washington Heights - MUST BE SINGERS/DANCERS with dance in multiple styles – Latin /hip hop. Experience with partnering, especially in Latin dance (merengue and/or salsa) a plus. Mostly late teens/early twenties.
If you have questions, please email Frank Shutts, Director, at fds_2@hotmail.com
NOTE:
Auditions are first come, first served. No appointments are necessary. If you have a black and white headshot and acting resume, you may bring them with you; all auditionees, however, will be asked to have their picture taken by the LTA photographer. Please bring an accurate list of rehearsal conflicts with you to the audition.
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All actors cast are required to become members of LTA.
To download an audition form, click HERE.
