Glorious! by Peter Quilter
Directed by Meredith Jacobs
Audition Date: 5 November 2024
Arrive: 7.30pm doors open for a 7.45pm start
Location: The Pavilion Theatre, Doran Drive, Castle Hill
The Play
The true story of the worst singer in the world.
The action takes place in New York in 1944 telling the story of Florence Foster Jenkins, the legendary socialite who wanted to be a great operatic diva despite having one of the worst singing voices in history and who used all her money, charm, and unstoppable will-power to make it happen.
The characters are:
Florence Foster Jenkins – Eccentric American socialite, 60s-ish, sings multiple songs during the play so must be comfortable selling a song regardless of lack of singing ability. Fabulous, charming with impeccable comic timing.
St Clair – Florence’s husband, 60s an English actor, charming and sociable, adores Florence, a gentleman.
Cosme McMoon – 30s, new pianist for Florence, affable young man who is amused and not a little disturbed at the situation he finds himself involved in i.e., employed to accompany a woman (in public) who clearly cannot sing.
Dorothy – Florence best friend, loyal and delightful a dedicated dog owner.
Maria – Florence & St Clair’s Mexican cook and housemaid, speaks only Spanish. Needs great comic timing and nonverbal reactions. Potential to steal the show!
Mrs Verrinder-Gedge – an American lady, middle age, music teacher who is apoplectic that Florence is considered a singer and believes it is her duty to protest and stop her performing.
For the audition please:
- Read the script so you know what you are auditioning for and it will prep you for scene work – contact me for a copy.
- Prepare a 2min max monologue (no need to learn it, happy for you to read it) in the accent of the character you are auditioning for i.e. American for all except St Clair (English), and Maria (Spanish)
- For Florence prepare a short song to perform in an operatic style. The song could be happy birthday or Madame Butterfly. What I am looking for is the brave actor who is happy to sell me their best, worst singing. Feel free to bring a backing track if that helps you. Also, very happy to discuss as this is an odd request.
Commitment for the production:
- A read through and some blocking rehearsals in December 2024
- BOOKS DOWN rehearsals commence 20 January 2025
- Monday & Thursday rehearsals, 7.30pm to 10.30pm
- Weekend contribution to set building & decoration
- Two weekend rehearsals in final lead up to Opening Night
- Previews 7.30pm 31 March & 8pm 2 April
- Performances – 4-26 April, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 8pm & Sunday 4pm
- Bump Out – 27 April
I am very happy to chat about the play, characters and the audition if you have questions, please contact me on 0402 645 808 or Meredith.jacobs@icloud.com
Cheerio Meredith x
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