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White ChristmasPerformance Run: December 6-21, 2024
Director - Crissi (Cairns) Broward
Choreographer - Jacob Gutiérrez-Montoya
Music Director - Jia-Min Rosendale
Stage Manager - Lou Anderson
Auditions: Sunday, September 22 and Monday, September 23, 2024 - 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Callbacks: Tuesday, September 24, 2024, 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Audition Location: Theatre and Dance Annex, 520 Court Street. This is a block up from the theatre across from the library.
What to Prepare:
16 to 32 bars of a Broadway song in the style of the show to highlight your vocal range.
What to Bring:
Headshot with resume (if possible).
Please bring sheet music for the accompanist, no backing tracks or a capella singing. You may be asked for a second selection, so please bring additional options that show a contrasting vocal or character style.
A list of your conflicts for the rehearsal dates. No conflicts allowed after Monday, November 25th. (please be aware that conflicts may affect casting).
Please note: Everyone auditioning for White Christmas is required to attend the dance audition portion of the audition evening. Dance audition routines will be divided by roles considered. Please wear clothing and shoes appropriate for movement. Please arrive stretched and warmed up.
Important Dates:
Cast Orientation: Monday, October 7 at 7:00 p.m.
Rehearsals: Begin Monday, October 21 at 6:30 p.m. (Unless otherwise noted.) Rehearsals will generally be held Sundays between 12:00 noon and 10:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 6:30 to 10 p.m. with possible Saturday rehearsals as well. No rehearsal on Thanksgiving Day, November 28.
Tech week: Sunday, December 1 through Thursday, December 5, 2024
Performances: December 6-21, 2024.
1st weekend: Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm, Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
2nd Weekend: Thursday and Friday at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
3rd Weekend: Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (Closing Saturday evening).
The Woodland Opera House is proud to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for those auditioning.
Please be aware that some roles include stage kissing and affectionate moments between characters along with close partner dancing. Please note that the Woodland Opera House may conduct a background check and will review the Megan's Law database before making final casting decisions.
What the Show Is About:
White Christmas is a beloved musical that blends heartwarming romance, festive cheer, and memorable music. The story begins with Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, two talented performers who served together in World War II. Bob is a charismatic and principled singer, while Phil is his charming and playful partner. After the war, they become a successful song-and-dance duo.
Their lives take an unexpected turn when they meet the Haynes sisters, Betty and Judy. Betty, the older sister, is elegant and sensible, while Judy is vivacious and spirited. The four of them team up and travel to a quaint Vermont inn, only to discover that it's owned by their former commanding officer, General Waverly. The General, a respected and kind-hearted man, is facing financial difficulties with the inn.
Determined to help, Bob, Phil, Betty, and Judy decide to put on a spectacular Christmas show to draw in guests and save the inn. As they prepare for the performance, romantic tensions arise: Bob and Betty navigate their growing feelings for each other, while Phil and Judy's playful flirtation blossoms into love. The musical is filled with enchanting songs, including the iconic "White Christmas," which evokes a sense of nostalgia and holiday spirit.
With its rich character development, delightful humor, and a heartwarming plot, White Christmas is a celebration of love, friendship, and the magic of the holiday season.
Character Descriptions
Principal Roles:
BOB WALLACE: (stage age: 30s) A major singing star, Bob is the guiding force behind the song and dance team of Wallace and Davis. He wears his fame easily and is a born leader, but has some trouble with social and romantic interactions. Despite his occasional gruffness, he is a deeply kind and principled man who is searching for his true love. Partner dancing with the actor playing Betty. Comic partner dancing with the actor playing Phil. Kissing and embracing in line with 1950s social norms. A superb singer with a crooning style who moves very well. Baritone.
PHIL DAVIS: (stage age: 20-30s) The fun-loving, go-getting song-and-dance partner of the team of Wallace and Davis. An irrepressible clown and incorrigible ladies’ man who is determined to see his friend happy, even if it requires scheming and outright deception. Partner dancing with the actor playing Judy. Comic partner dancing with the actor playing Phil. Kissing and embracing in line with 1950s social norms. Strong jazz and tap-dancing needed—a song-and-dance comic performer. Bari-Tenor.
BETTY HAYNES: (stage age: 20-30s) The sensible half of the upcoming song-and-dance team, The Haynes Sisters. Destined to be a star in her own right, she is nonetheless hesitant to take the spotlight for herself. A woman of decent, upstanding principles, she is devoted to her younger sister. Like Bob, she hides her yearning for true love under a protective shell. Partner dancing, kissing, and embraces with the actor playing Bob within 1950s social norms. A female singer of quiet beauty and charm with a rich mezzo-soprano range. Must move well.
JUDY HAYNES: (stage age: 20s) The younger, more ambitious, slightly scheming Haynes sister. While wholesome and adorable, she is a flirty charmer whom no man can resist. Partner dancing, embraces, and kissing with the actor playing Phil. Comic partner dancing with the actor playing Betty. Physicality within 1950s social norms. A strong tap and jazz dancer and major song-and-dance performer. Chest / Mix.
GENERAL HENRY WAVERLY: (stage age: 50-70s) A retired U.S. Army General, adjusting to returning to civilian life in post World War II America. Once a powerful leader, he now struggles to run an Inn in Vermont. He remains a man of great principle and dignity. Beneath his curmudgeonly military exterior lies a warm, compassionate man in need of family and love. Affectionate physicality in line with 1950s social norms with the actor playing Martha.
Featured Roles:
MARTHA WATSON: (stage age: 40-70s) Once a Broadway star, now the General’s housekeeper at the Inn, Martha has a very dry, wry, wisecracking sense of humor. Bighearted, but unsentimental, she runs the General’s life in spite of his protestations. She is an irrepressible meddler, but always for what she believes to be the other guy’s best interests. A winning, appealing character-comedienne with a clarion belt voice. Affectionate physicality within 1950s social norms with the actor playing General Waverly.
SUSAN WAVERLY: (stage age: 8-14) The General’s 9 year old granddaughter, Susan is lovable and outgoing. She is very smart, wise beyond her years, and cares deeply about her grandfather. Once bitten hard by the “showbiz” bug, she transforms into the ultimate child performer. She must have an excellent belt voice, and be able to move well.
RALPH SHELDRAKE: (stage age: 30-40s) Army buddy of Bob and Phil’s, now a major television executive with the Ed Sullivan Show. Fast-talking, New York professional. Baritone.
RITA AND RHODA: (stage age: 20-30s) Bob and Phil’s two star chorus girls. They are brash, sexy, and fun, although perhaps not the smartest–they push the boundaries of 1950s social norms.
EZEKIEL FOSTER: (stage age: 40-70s) The ultimate taciturn New Englander, who helps out at the Inn and takes life at a very slow pace.
MIKE: (stage age: 20-50s) Bob and Phil’s stage manager. Has a tendency to be over-dramatic and completely hysterical, but will get things done. Never seen without his whistle and clipboard, which he uses to attempt to keep order.
TESSIE: (stage age: 20s-50s) Bob and Phil’s extremely competent assistant.
JIMMY: (stage age: 30s-50s) The proprietor of “Jimmy’s Back Room,” a none-too-classy nightclub.
Ensemble:
The Ensemble will consist of a mix of strong singers and dancers (stage ages 18+), who will play a variety of smaller roles in scenes, as well as performing in larger production numbers. Dancers are needed as well as actors who can hold tight jazz vocal harmonies. Physicality in line with 1950s social norms. Ex: Some ensemble members’ partner dance, kiss under the mistletoe, hug, etc. The following roles will be played by members of the Ensemble: CIGARETTE GIRL, TRAIN CONDUCTOR, MR. & MRS. SNORING MAN, DANCE CAPTAIN, SEAMSTRESS + ASSISTANT, ED SULLIVAN ANNOUNCER, REGENCY ROOM ANNOUNCER, SHELDRAKE’S SECRETARY, “JIMMY’S BACK ROOM” CLUBGOERS, TRAIN PASSENGERS, INN GUESTS, CHORUS KIDS AND PATRONS OF THE REGENCY ROOM.
Sign up for your audition at https://app.initlive.com/web-admin/app/#/join-party?k=jlk1kh0aablh64
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
520 Court St, Woodland, CA 95695-3424, United States
