In collaboration with the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences, the ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä Light Opera Guild will bring the classic tale about a beautiful girl who becomes the companion of a brutish beast to save her father’s life to the Clay Center’s Maier Performance Hall stage Oct. 25-27 and Nov. 2-4.
The stage version of the animated Disney film, “Beauty and the Beast,†includes all of the Alan Menken and Howard Ashman songs from the movie plus new songs written for the Broadway show by Menken and Tim Rice.
The Light Opera Guild presented the musical at the Clay Center in 2005 and 2016. Nina Denton Pasinetti is directing the upcoming production. David Patrick will be the musical director, with accompanist John Patrick. Shakira Martin will serve as the dance assistant. Thomas P. Pasinetti is the technical director.
“Beauty and the Beast†auditions will be held at the ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä Light Opera Guild Theatre, 411 Tennessee Ave. in ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä, next week, as follows:
Singing: 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29
Reading: 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30
Dancing: 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31.
Those auditioning for roles should prepare a vocal selection that shows range, preferably from “Beauty and the Beast.†Those who will be singing selections that aren’t from the show must bring sheet music for the CLOG accompanist.
Scripts will be provided for the reading auditions on Aug. 30.
Dance combinations will be taught at the Aug. 31 auditions; those auditioning should dress to dance.
The character Chip is portrayed by a small boy (ages 7 to 9). All others in the cast must be 14 years old or older. All of the characters will sing. A large singing ensemble and dancing ensemble are also needed for the stage production.
“Beauty and the Beast†characters/roles include:
Belle: Beautiful, courageous, intelligent, and strong-willed young woman; lyric soprano
Beast/Prince: A menacing character with a large temper; transforms to a charming prince; baritone
Gaston: Handsome, muscular-looking braggart who is determined to marry Belle; baritone with low A
Maurice: Belle’s dotty father who is an eccentric inventor; baritone
Lefou: Gaston’s bumbling sidekick who displays physical comedy; high baritone
Lumiere: A flamboyant and love-struck enchanted candelabra; a showman and dancer; high baritone-tenor
Cogsworth: A tightly-wound, pompous enchanted clock; baritone
Mrs. Potts: A kind, sweetly maternal enchanted teapot; mezzo soprano
Madame de la Grande Bouche: A comedic enchanted wardrobe; operatic soprano
Chip: An inquisitive little teacup and Mrs. Potts’ son; boy soprano
Babette: A sexy French feather duster with movement or dance abilities; mezzo soprano
Les Filles De La Ville: Three fanatical female followers of Gaston who are smitten with him; need dance or movement abilities; mixed vocal ranges from soprano to high alto (formerly called Silly Girls)
Monsieur D’ Arque: The slimy and calculating proprietor of the local asylum; baritone
Townspeople, Enchanted Objects: An ensemble of singers and dancers to play the town folk (Shepherd, Marie, Tavern Master, Laundry Lady, Baker, Milkmaid, Flower Seller, Sausage Curl Lady, Candle Maker, Hat Seller, Book Seller, Cronies).
Castle Staff become various objects, including kitchenware, flatware, napkins, and can-can dancing plates.
Also needed are performers to portray dancing wolves, an acrobatic doormat, the young prince, and the enchantress.
