Monday, February 13, starting at 6:30 pm
Tuesday, February 14, starting at 6:30 pm
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Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens' nostalgic musical comedy My Favorite Year, is based on the beloved 1982 hit film starring Peter O'Toole. The original story line was fondly based on an encounter that Mel Brooks had with Errol Flynn while working together on Sid Caesar's Your Show of Shows.
Benjy Stone the freshman writer on the 1954 hit TV show, "The King Kaiser Comedy Cavalcade." When his hero, movie star Alan Swann, is booked as the live show's guest, it is up to Benjy not only to assure that the star is on stage but that he is sober as well! Benjy acts as chaperone, family mediator, bouncer, alcohol treatment counselor, escort, editor and psychiatrist to the wayward actor. Will Swann turn out to be just another failed father figure to Benjy? Or will he turn out to be a real hero in the end.
It is a fasted paced production that establishes the excitement experienced by the pioneers of live TV – performing before an audience of 20 million people.
BENJY STONE
Male, early to mid 20's.
The show is narrated by the young Freshman writer who will serve as a chaperone of sorts for the show's replacement guest star for the week – matinee idol Alan Swann. Eager, alert. Lead role, charismatic, lovable, must move well and must be able to carry the show. Vocal range high baritone/tenor to G.
ALAN SWANN
Male, 40ish.
A handsome, albeit well-traveled Hollywood leading man. Lead role, physical comedy (must do head or hand stand, not afraid of heights, fencing, may fall down because he is often drunk). A "has been" movie star, Errol Flynn -type. Loves women, booze, and the night life. You know he comes from "another place" – larger than life. Must walk fine line between comic and tragic. Charismatic but with a sad, dark side. (Should be willing to put in extra time for fencing.) Vocal range baritone. "I'm not an actor…I'm a movie star!" Must be a confident singing actor and talent.
KING KAISER
A big bear of a man in his 30's-40's.
Physical, loud. He used to be a Catskill Comic, now he's the host of America's number one TV show (very "Sid Caeser", "Milton Berle"-like). Perpetually exasperated. Came from nothing now a larger than life figure on a weekly live hour and a half comedy show. He has a lot of pressure due the stress of the show. Has trouble communicating with people when not in a sketch. Flirts with all the ladies. Vocal range baritone.
SY BENSON
Male, 40's+.
Tough, ruthless. Comic role. Head writer, bully to all but King Kaiser. A chicken and pushover at heart. Vocal range baritone.
ALICE MILLER
Female, 35+.
Dry, quick witted, fast talking, tough-gal gag writer, physical role. Writer on Comedy Cavalcade. Very rare to have a woman writer at this time. (in the manner of Rose Marie's Sally Rogers on the old "Dick Van Dyke Show".) show. She has no problem going toe-to-toe with King …or anyone else. (Based on Lucille Kallen TV writer on Sid Caser shows.) Vocal range low alto to D/belt.
HERB LEE*
Male, 35+.
Rumpled, silent but very expressive. Comic, physical role. Writer on Comedy Cavalcade. Communicates through Alice. Has little dialog, but must be expressive and possess good comic timing. A great physical actor role.
KC DOWNING
Female, early to mid 20's.
A bright, attractive career girl. Assistant to the producer. The only "straight man" in a world of funny people. Pretty enough to be the "Breck Girl", Benjy's love interest. Must move well. Vocal range high alto light belt.
LEO SILVER*
Male, 50's+.
Gray-haired, well dressed, antacid chewing Producer of the Comedy Cavalcade. Comic role. The only one who comes close to controlling King and usually at his side. Vocal range baritone.
BELLE MAY STEINBERG CARROCA
Female, 40's+.
Benjy's mother. A large presence of a woman, generous of nature and proportion (think tall, big hair, big bust). A substantial beacon of Brooklyn society. Loud and a bit overbearing, always looks her best, if not a bit too much. Lainie Kazan-type. Comic role but with a touching quality. Vocal range high alto belt.
"ROOKIE" CARROCA*
Male, 40's+.
Belle's husband, Benjy's step-father. Physically smaller than Belle. Must be able to pass as Filipino. Ex-wrestler. Comic role. Vocal range baritone.
TESS*
Female must look about 16.
Swann's estranged daughter. A very pretty, very Grace Kelly sort of sixteen-year-old. Quite a young lady. (doubles in some ensemble scenes).
TESS Female, 16+. Swann's estranged daughter. Very pretty (doubles in some ensemble scenes).
UNCLE MORTY*
Male, 45'+.
Benjy's uncle (Belle's brother). Loud, comic role (doubles in some ensemble scenes). The sort of uncle you run into when family gatherings get too dull. Vocal range baritone.
AUNT SADIE*
Female, 40's+.
Morty's wife. You should have no problem picking them out as a couple. Comic role (doubles in some ensemble scenes). Vocal range alto.
TESS Female, 16+. Swann's estranged daughter. Very pretty (doubles in some ensemble scenes).
ENSEMBLE ROLES -
Chorus Girls, Male Dancers, Sketch Actors, Stage Hands, Floor Manager, Grips, Cameramen, Wardrobe People, Secretaries, Assorted Denizens of Manhattan, Brooklyn Neighbors and more.
STAGE/FLOOR MANAGER Male, Organized, yet frustrated type. Tries to be in control of entire cast and crew, but is difficult. Doubles as ensemble/dancer/singer.
MAXFORD HOUSE GIRLS (3) Females, 20's+. Must sing well with close harmonies (think Andrew Sisters). Must dance well, tap dancing a plus (double in some ensemble scenes).
ENSEMBLE (8-10) Singers and dancers of various genders, ages, and types. Double as various roles throughout the show, and appear in 8 musical numbers. (i.e.MUSKETEER DANCERS,SCUNGILLI, ROQUEFORT, PRINCESS, COUNTESS)
* Actors in these roles will most likely perform in the group ensemble numbers as well. |
Casting Notices