GUYS & DOLLS AUDITIONS
(Scroll down to view character descriptions, download audition pieces and to apply for auditions for Principal Roles, Dancers and Ensemble).
Summary:
It all begins with a bet. Nathan Detroit bets high-rolling gambler Sky Masterson that Sky cannot persuade Save-A-Soul Missionary Sister Sarah Brown to accompany him on a trip to Cuba. While the worldly Sky works his charms on a wary Sarah, Nathan is doing his best to stay outside the matrimonial clutches of his long-suffering fiancée, Miss Adelaide. "Guys and Dolls" is a fable about what happens to gambling men and the women who long to tame them. Set in the colourful world of New York City in the mid-20th century, the romantic and funny "Guys and Dolls" is populated with gangsters and gamblers, missionary dolls and scantily clad showgirls, and one of the great musical scores in the history of American musical theatre.
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A note on age ranges:
The stage ages are a rough guide. When casting roles, the audition panel will consider the relative ages of performers cast in those roles that require the audience to believe in particular relationships e.g. romantic partnerships, couples, family relationships and work roles. Therefore, your suitability for casting might depend on the ‘stage age’ of the person you are being cast opposite. Where there are no age ranges, any age from 18 upwards. The gamblers in the ensemble will be a variety of ages.
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Characters:
Sky Masterson - Male Lead Role- Baritone 25 to 40s
A charming but self-assured gambler. Sky is able to adapt to any
situation but ready to reel off prepared anecdotes regarding his view of the
world. Despite his failings, Sky is immensely likeable and oozes style. Charismatic, cool and charming. Sky is a suave, intelligent and confident gangster who naturally commands others’ respect and attention. Handsome, with buckets of stage presence and sex appeal, he is familiar with attracting the attention of the ladies but finds himself falling in love with the one woman who brushes off his advances. He surprises himself by discarding his spontaneous, freewheeling lifestyle for a conventional romance.
Some dance/movement ability required.
LUCK BE A LADY - AUDITION PIECE
MY TIME OF DAY - AUDITION PIECE
Nathan Detroit -Male- Lead Role- Baritone 30 to 50s
A feckless and humorous manipulator, Nathan is the facilitator of illegal gambling in town. He maintains a distance by acting only as a broker; seldom a gambler. A consummate businessman with divided loyalties; he pacifies his fiancé Adelaide with vague promises of a marriage ‘some time’ in the future. Organizer of the floating crap game. With a tendency towards neuroticism Nathan is a lovable rogue who is always struggling to stay one step ahead of the pack and looking for the big break he never seems to get. Funny, frustrated
but romantic his heart is torn between the camaraderie of his gambling circle and the woman he loves.
THE OLDEST ESTABLISHED - AUDITION PIECE
Nicely Nicely Johnson - Male - supporting role- Tenor 30+
Nicely is an eccentric gambler and one of Nathan’s closest
associates. He sings one of the most well known numbers of the show. Best pal to Nathan Detroit. With a voracious appetite and boundless enthusiasm, Nicely is ‘nice’ by
nature and name. Comic, cheerful and likeable he delivers hilarious one-liners and a big, Broadway showstopper (‘Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat’) with equal aplomb.
SIT DOWN YOU'RE ROCKIN' THE BOAT - AUDITION PIECE
Benny Southstreet - Male - supporting role- Baritone
Benny is a gambler and one of Nathan’s primary associates. Nicely’s pal with whom he sings the duet ‘Guys & Dolls’ and trio ‘Fugue for Tinhorns’. Upbeat, sometimes nervy, he is more of a novice in the gangster business and further down the pecking order.
FUGUE FOR TIN HORNS - AUDITION PIECE
Arvide/ Arvida Abernathy Male OR Female- 60s+
A member of the Save-a-Soul mission, Arvide is Sarah’s grandfather/grandmother. He/she is a reasoned old man/woman with a warm heart that harbours only the kindest intentions, even if he/she tends to be a little gullible.
MORE I CANNOT WISH YOU - AUDITION PIECE
Rusty Charlie - Male, Baritone
Rusty is a gambler and one of Nathan’s primary associates (friends). Sings the trio ‘Fugue for Tinhorns’ with Nicely & Benny.
FUGUE FOR TIN HORNS - AUDITION PIECE
Big Jule - Male - speaking role - stage age 35+
An intimidating hustler from Chicago, Big Jule is temperamental and a
sore loser. Although not necessarily a large man, stage presence and acting ability
are the main requirements for this role. Powerful, intimidating, high status gangster from out of town, whose reputation precedes him. A man of few words but much clout. There is comedy in his straight-talking bluntness. Usually played by an actor of large height and stature to match his name, but can be played by a diminutive actor as an ironic and comic gesture. Enters the story part way through the first act.
Harry the Horse - is a gambler with a complaining streak and is one of Nathan’s
primary associates. Another gangster. Has come into money by collecting the reward on his father. Sidekick and mouthpiece to Big Jule, so, though a pleasant rogue, is more on the ball and can be a cool customer who is able to stand his ground when necessary.
Sings with the ensemble but not alone.
FUGUE FOR TINHORNS - AUDITION PIECE
Lt. Brannigan - Male - 30 to 50+
a policeman engaged in what he perceives to be a battle of wits with Nathan to stop the craps game. This is primarily an acting role.
Comic timing and acting ability are essential.
Angie the Ox - is a gambler in Nathan’s gambling group of friends.
Joey Biltmore - is a gambler and businessman who owns a garage.
Calvin - is a member of the Mission Band
Sarah Brown - Female Lead Role - Soprano- 20s upwards
Sarah is an idealistic but sheltered missionary, Sarah is kind-hearted but too categorical in her view of the world. Conventional, respectable and principled, Sarah is initially a little too buttoned-up for her own good. She has genuine passion for her calling and compassion for her ‘fold’ but gives Sky an initial frosty response. The actress playing this role has to play convincingly drunk, when under the influence of alcohol she allows her straight-laced persona to slip and falls exuberantly and madly in love. She goes on a journey of reconciling her feelings with her beliefs, and changing some of her prejudices so that her head can follow her heart. She learns she has an adventurous side and goes through character changes over the course of the show. Must feel comfortable with classic musical theatre singing as well as jazz.
IF I WERE A BELL - AUDITION PIECE
Adelaide - Female, Lead role singer/dancer- Mezzo- 20s upwards
Adelaide is a strongly comic and classic show girl. A club singer and
Nathan’s long-suffering fiancée, Adelaide is not always the brightest. Weary of the
disruption Nathan’s involvement in the crap games causes to their relationship, she longs for a quiet family life away from New York. Lead performer at the ‘Hot Box’ a somewhat tacky and dodgy cabaret joint. Strong comic actress required with dancing ability. She spends the whole show with the symptoms of a cold, acting through sneezes and congestion. She adores Nathan but is driven crazy by his antics with the gambling ring and having been engaged to him for 15 years.
ADELAIDE'S LAMENT - AUDITION PIECE
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General Matilda B. Cartwright - 40+ cameo
The regional director of the Save-a-Soul mission, Matilda is authoritative through necessity but motivated by charity. Regional representative of the Salvation Army. Powerful, matronly, no-nonsense with a formidable presence and, it transpires, a sense of humor.
Agatha & Martha - are members of the Mission Band and friends of Sarah.
Allison, Vernon, Ferguson - friends of Adelaide and main Hot Box dancers.
Ensemble:
The ensemble make up the characters of Times Square, gangsters and their molls,
Salvation Army personnel and other cameos. We are looking for strong performers who can create individual, well-drawn characters. Other minor roles (including Joey Biltmore, Agatha, Angie the Ox, Liver Lips Louie, Waiter etc.) will be allocated at the discretion of the auditioning panel or at a later date by the director - unless someone auditions for them.
VOCAL RANGES
