Aloha Performing Arts Company

Aloha Performing Arts Company
P.O. Box 794
Kealakekua, HI 96750
322-9924

11/25/06

PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jerry Tracy or Sam Valenti, 322-9924

AUDITIONS FOR "URINETOWN"

Aloha Performing Arts Company will hold auditions for "Urinetown, the Musical" by Mark Hollman and Greg Kotis on Sunday December 17 at 2:30 p.m. and Monday December 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the APAC loft in Kainaliu, on the second floor of the building containing Creative Costumes. Auditions are being held early so singers can get a head start on learning the complex music. Some rehearsals will be held in late January and early February, and a full rehearsal schedule will begin in mid February. The show will be performed at the Aloha Theatre April 6-29, 2007.

"Urinetown, the Musical" is the newest Broadway musical ever to be produced in Kona. It opened on Broadway in September 2001 and had an extremely successful run, winning three Tony awards, for book, score, and direction. The show is a grand and winking love letter to the conventions of the musical theatre, and an untempered satire wherein no one is safe from scrutiny. "Urinetown" depicts a world wracked by ecological disaster and corporate greed. In a Gotham-like city, a depletion of the earth's water supply has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The privilege to pee is regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity's most basic needs. A hero arises to lead the people to freedom, but the show defies Broadway musical tradition by forsaking a happy ending.

A company of 20 to 25 strong adult or teen singer/dancer/actors is sought. Those under 18 will not be allowed to audition without a signed parental consent form. Cast members should be at least 13 years of age. Singers in all ranges are required. Major characters include Officers Lockstock and Barrel, a pair of corrupt cops; Penelope Pennywise, the proprietress of the cheapest, dirtiest toilet in town; Caldwell B. Cladwell, a corporate fat cat; Mr. McQueen, his lackey; Senator Flip, a bought and paid for congressman; Little Sally, a street urchin; Hope Cladwell, the ingenue; Bobby Strong, the hero, and Josephine Strong, his mother. A small, hard working chorus will play street people, office workers, police, and various other supporting characters.

Director is Jerry Tracy, music director is Dale Ross, and choreographer is Amma Maxwell, assisted by Jillian Collier and Delaney Ross. Auditionees will be seen in groups of ten in order of arrival, and should be prepared to learn a short dance routine, read a speech from the show, and sing a few bars of one of the following songs: "Run Freedom Run" from the show, "Amazing Grace," or "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer." The script and score are available for onsite perusal at the loft Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking at the loft is scarce, so those attending auditions are encouraged to park on the street or in the public lot just north of the building. Audition forms and parental consent forms may be obtained online at www.apachawaii.org. For more information, call the APAC office at 322-9924.