Catchment Players Host Auditions For The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

Audition bookings for our October production of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

Show Synopsis:

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas is based on the true story of a legendary Texas Brothel known as the Chicken Ranch, which operated from the 1840s to 1973. Protected by a friendly Sheriff and frequented by politicians, football teams and others, the Chicken Ranch thrived in the small town of Gilbert, Texas. Girls come from all over to work at the ranch and make a little extra cash. However, a crusading do-gooder, Houston radio commentator and his conservative audience, expose the Chicken Ranch forcing it to shut its doors forever. And there is more.............

Director: Anne Dewar
Musical Director: Ashley Meliki Shoup
Choregrapher: Di Crough

Auditions:
Monday 27 June and Wednesday 29 June 2011.
Dance audition and Callbacks: Sunday 3rd July 2011.

Meet & Greet: Monday 11 July 2011.

Audition venue: 10 Malua, St Reservoir 3073

Rehearsals: Monday and Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons.

Performance season: 21 - 29 October 2011, Banyule Theatre, Buckingham Dve, Heidelberg.

Audition Requirements:
Prepare 2 songs. (Please bring sheet music in the correct key)
Please bring a CV and photo.

*Please note that a lot of the songs in the show require a USA Country and Western style of singing so please prepare one song in that style. (eg. Leanne Rimes, Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton) or a song from a Western style musical. (eg. Big River, Calamity Jane, Annie Get Your Gun, Oklahoma, Paint Your Wagon, Lil Abner, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers) plus one other song of your choice that shows off your voice.

You may be asked to read - dialogue pieces will be available at the audition.

Please phone Faye on 0424 565 375 after 7pm to book your audition

Cast of Characters:

MISS MONA STANGLEY (F) Ex-working girl and proprietor of The Chicken Ranch. A business woman who plays house mother to the girls. Charming, attractive, well kept Madam, heart of gold. Endearing stage presence. Alto age 35 - 55

SHERIFF ED EARL DODD (M) The town's Sheriff and long-time friend of MONA - a good ol' boy who is blind to the power of the media. He tends to shoot off his mouth and gun before thinking. Towering actor. Sings. Baritone age 35 - 55

MELVIN P. THORPE (M) Publicity-seeking, self-styled-champion-of-moral-virtue, and
presenter of popular television programme "Watch Dog", fanatical character man. Good Mover - Baritone age 30 - 55

JEWEL (F) Housekeeper and Miss Mona's confidant. Sassy but respectful. An experienced, long-serving girl at The Chicken Ranch - Torch, blues style singer. Alto/Mezzo age 30 - 45

SHY (F) A naive, inexperienced girl, fresh off a farm, who arrives at
The Chicken Ranch looking for work. Some dancing. Mezzo age 18- 25

ANGEL (F) A somewhat experienced, street-wise working-girl, who
arrives at The Chicken Ranch looking for work. Mezzo age 25 - 35

DOATSEY MAE (F) A seemingly introverted waitress at the local diner/cafe, with secret
dreams of being wild and outgoing - Sings Country and Western. Alto 25 - 35

GOVERNOR (M) A Texas politician with a brilliant knack for managing to
sidestep all the important issues. Good mover, does a soft shoe - Sings. Tenor age 35 - 65

NARRATOR/BANDLEADER (M) Opens the show and the occasional-narrator of the story. Country and Western voice. Good speaking voice. Ability to play Guitar a plus! Age 18 +

THE GIRLS who work at The Chicken Ranch
LOU, DAWN, GINGER BEATRICE, TADDY JO, DURLA, RUBY RAE, ELOISE
All different characters. Singers/Dancers. Various ages 18 - 35

Mayor Rufus Poindexter (M) The local Mayor and used-car salesman. 35 - 65

C. J. SCRUGGS (M) President of local committee and insurance salesman. Age 35 - 65

EDSEL MACKEY (M) Editor of local newspaper. Age 25 - 55

SENATOR WINGWOAH (M) Local politician who takes the local football team, THE AGGIES, to The Chicken Ranch after a big win. Age 35 - 65

IMOGENE CHARLENE (F) Attractive cheerleader. Sings and Dances/ tapping. Age 18-25

Ensemble are also featured as
THE DOGETTES Melvin's singers
MELVIN P. THORPE SINGERS Gospel type singers
ANGELETTES Cheerleaders, some lines, dancing and some tapping required.
THE AGGIES High testosterone football team. "Singing, dancing with some solo dancing and tapping".

Some of the roles will double up and you may be cast into more than one role.
Other parts include
COWBOYS; A FARMER; A SHY KID; MISS WILLA JEAN; A TRAVELLING SALESMAN; A SLICK DUDE; CHOIR;
LEROY SLINEY; SOUNDMAN; STAGE MANAGER; TOWNSPEOPLE; TV ANNOUNCER; PHOTOGRAPHERS; REPORTERS; GOVERNOR'S AIDES.

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