Auditions to be held for 'White Christmas'
“White Christmas” tells the story of two veterans who follow singing sisters to a Vermont lodge where romance abounds.
As local residents await the first snowfall of this year, the Little Theatre of Tuscarawas County will whet their appetites with one of the most beloved musicals of all time, “White Christmas.” Just in time for the holidays, the tradition of dreaming of a white Christmas will be available to audiences Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 5-15.
Auditions for the show will be held Sunday, Sept. 29 at 7:30 p.m. and Monday, Sept. 30 at 6:30 p.m. at the theater. Registration will begin a half-hour earlier. No callbacks are planned.
Veteran Director Rex Huffman said auditioners should prepare a song from the show. Three songs — “White Christmas,” “Sisters” and “Count Your Blessings” — will be available on the theater website under Auditions. These may be sung by either males or females. Accompaniment will be provided.
Huffman said the style of music is important. “This is not a belter’s show,” he said. “We want to hear the music in the style of the period.”
There will be a dance session and readings from the script. Anyone age 16 and older may audition.
Huffman said he hopes to cast 25-30 including the ensemble, and rehearsals will be held Sundays through Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.
Leading characters to be cast are Bob Wallace, a tenor; Phil Davis, baritone; Betty Haynes, mezzo soprano; and Judy Haynes, alto. Actors will need to be able to portray characters in their 30s and 40s for the males and 20s and 30s for females.
Supporting characters include Gen. Waverly, in his 60s, a nonsinging role; the housekeeper, Martha Watson, alto, in her 40s; Gen. Waverly’s granddaughter, Susan, must pass for 12-16; Ralph Sheldrake, a nonsoloist singer, 40s; and Rita and Rhoda, who have featured roles in the ensemble.
This year is the 70th anniversary of the release of the original “White Christmas” film starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kay, Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen.
“There are changes between the movie and the stage production,” Huffman said. “And I think they are for the betterment of the show.”
“White Christmas” tells the story of two veterans who follow singing sisters to a Vermont lodge where romance abounds. Its well-known score features Irving Berlin’s “Blue Skies,” “I Love a Piano,” “How Deep Is the Ocean” and the title song “White Christmas.”
Sponsors for “White Christmas” are McInturf Realty, Christmas in the Park and Alley Cats Market Place.
Little Theatre of Tuscarawas County is located at 466 Carrie Ave. NW in New Philadelphia.