Thursday, December 30, 2010

Wizard of Oz Character Information

Leads
***Dorothy Gale: (Mezzo/Soprano) Young, innocent Kansas girl, in search of something more. Strong singing and some dance required.
***Hunk/Scarecrow: (Bari-Tenor) Wants nothing more than to get a brain, which he's convinced he lacks. Despite this, he is plucky and clever in a pinch. Singing & dancing required.  Gymnastic background preferred.
Supporting Roles
***Hickory/Tin Man: (Bari-Tenor) Desperate for a heart, The Tin Man joins Dorothy's journey to see the Wizard. Exceedingly charming and thoughtful. A kind-hearted romantic. Singing and dance (tap) required.

***Zeke/ Cowardly Lion: (Baritone) Full of Bravado, despite being convinced he's a coward. Nonetheless, a true friend, who proves himself when push comes to shove. Should Move well. Singing and good comedic skills required.
Almira Gulch/ Wicked Witch of the West:  (Alto/Mezzo or non-singing) Vengeful, nasty, and full of fire. Hungry for power and influence. Will do anything to get what she wants (and that goes for both characters).
Aunt Em/Glinda: (Soprano) A down to earth woman, plain in her dress and her ways, and with a genuine affection for her niece and her husband.  As Glinda- Beautiful, beloved, with a quirky side. Strong singing required.

Uncle Henry/ Oz Guard: (Baritone) Dorothy's Uncle, and guardian. Good hearted with a sense of humor. A hardworking
Kansas farmer, and affectionate family-man. As Oz Guard- A man full of character and wit.

Professor Marvel/Wizard:  (non-singing) Accidental ruler of the
land of OZ, who happens to be an ordinary man from Kansas, and a former circus magician. Verbose, articulate and prone to oration. Charming, and kind-hearted.
General Winkie: The head guard of the Witch’s Castle.  Will double as an Ozian.
Featured Roles
***The Crows (3 Males):
These pesky crows keep coming to eat in the Scarecrow’s field and laugh in his face.  Must be comfortable with three-part harmony.  The crows will double as Ozians.
The Trees (3 Females):  These lovely ladies scold the scarecrow for stealing their apples.  Must be comfortable with three-part harmony.  The trees will double as Ozians.
The Winkies (4 Males or Females):  The guards of the Wicked Witch’s Castle.  Will double as Ozians.
Ensemble
***Citizens of Oz: The Citizens of Oz are the adult chorus of the show. Singing and dance or movement audition required. Some Ozians will be featured dancers.  If you are a dancer and interested in Wizard, please go to the dance audition.
***Munchkins: The little people of Munchkinland.  The Munchkins will be played (at least mostly) by children from Children auditions. Singing and dance required.  There are some featured roles among the munchkins, such as The Mayor Of Munchkin City, The Coroner, The Lollipop Guild, and The Lullaby League.  Additionally Some Munchkins will double as Citizens of Oz and Flying Monkeys.

***Flying Monkeys:
Minions of the Wicked Witch of the West. The monkeys do not speak or sing, but will most likely be double-cast as Munchkins. Nonetheless, non-singers will be considered.
***= a dance audition is required.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

A Brain... A Heart... A Home.... The Nerve...

The most beloved musical of all time, THE WIZARD OF OZ, is blowing into the Springfield Muni Opera this August.  Follow the yellow brick road as Dorothy Gale, a young girl from Kansas is transported by a cyclone into the Magical Land of Oz and is deperately searching for a way home.  Come join Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tinman, the Cowardly Lion and Toto, too, as they travel "Somewhere over the Rainbow" in the Land of Oz.  Experience magic under the stars with lavish costumes, flying monkeys, and the classic story teaching us all "There's no place like home."
Rehearsals begin June 27