Book, Music and Lyrics by Willy Russell

AUDITION INFORMATION
Bookings Open Saturday June 16, 2007
Ph: 1300 362 547

Director : Shaun Kingma
Musical Director : Martin Macaulay

AUDITION DATES
Friday June 29 - Sunday July 1, 2007
Call Backs: Wednesday July 4 (evening)

First Rehearsal: Sunday 8 July 2006

SHOW SEASON: 5-20 October 2007
Alexander Theatre, Monash University, Clayton

Rehearsal and Audition Venue:
Hampton Baptist Community Church
Cnr Thomas & Edinburgh Streets HAMPTON VIC

Blood Brothers, the worldwide hit musical, tells the story of twins separated at birth and the fateful, inevitable paths their lives seem destined to take. Blood Brothers has swept the world with its warmth, humour and tragedy, making it a favourite with all that see it.

CHARACTERS:
For CLOC’s production of Blood Brothers we require a small cast of 14 (6 Female, 8 Male), made up of strong actors and singers. The power of the piece rests on strong performers with the ability to handle a fast paced and dramatic book. With the exception of some lead characters, all cast members will be required to play many parts throughout, from children through to adults and everything in between, making this an ensemble cast in every sense of the word.

MRS. JOHNSTONE
Mid 30s – Strong Actor/Strong Singer
Single mother of many children who decides to give away one twin at birth. Has led a tough life and would look older that she actually is. Central character to the piece, she must show warmth and humour with a strong resolve. She is always ready to look on the optimistic side and face problems head on. Superstitious. Liverpudlian accent.
VOCAL RANGE/TYPE: (Low F to C in the stave) Strong vocal mezzo with belt. Sings many numbers.

NARRATOR
30s upwards – Strong Actor/Strong Singer
The storyteller and moral commentator. Plays a hand in all that we see. An imposing and enigmatic force. Also must play various other parts throughout the piece. Enters in and out of the action with ease. Light Liverpudlian accent.
VOCAL RANGE/TYPE: (Tenor. Low G to F) Strong vocally with a rock edge. Sings many numbers.

MICKEY
Mid to late 20s (Ages from 7 to late 20s) – Strong Actor/Singer
The twin that is kept by Mrs. Johnstone. A strong versatile actor is required. Must be able to convincingly play a small child for the majority of Act 1, through to a teenager into adulthood. We should see the transformation of a small mischievous, energetic child, into an adult, slowly sinking into depression and no longer able to cope with the cards he has been dealt. Liverpudlian accent.
VOCAL RANGE/TYPE: (Tenor. D to E’) Good modern vocals. Sings some numbers.

EDDIE
Mid to late 20s (Ages from 7 to late 20s) – Strong Actor/Singer
The twin given away to Mrs. Lyons. Bought up in wealthy surroundings. Must be able to convincingly play a small child for the majority of Act 1, through to a teenager into adulthood. As a child he is awkward and unsure but eager to make friends and wanting to have fun that all the other children seem to have. As a young adult we see him progress into a mature and caring man, torn with his feelings over Linda. English accent.
VOCAL RANGE/TYPE: (Tenor. Low E to E in the stave/2 octaves) Sings some numbers and full solo.

MRS. LYONS
Mid to late 30s – Strong Actor/Singer
Wealthy woman who cannot have children. Makes a deal with Mrs. Johnstone to keep one twin (Eddie). She becomes over-protective to the point of paranoia. We see her slowly break down as she frantically tries to keep the two boys apart. English accent
VOCAL RANGE/TYPE: (Mezzo. A below middle C to C in the stave) Strong vocals. Sings some numbers.

MR. LYONS
Late 30s/Early 40s – Strong Actor/Singer
Patient and understanding. Attempts to support his wife but does not fully understand what she is going through. Does not know that Eddie is not his child. English accent.
VOCAL RANGE/TYPE: (Middle C to D in the stave) Strong vocals. Sings one solo number.

LINDA
Mid to late 20s (Ages from 7 to late 20s) – Strong Actor
Must be able to convincingly play a small child for the majority of Act 1, through to a teenager into adulthood. She is one of the ‘boys’ as a child and slowly as she develops, falls in love with Mickey as a teenager. After they are wed as adults, she must become strong to keep Mickey from falling apart. Highly emotional role. Liverpudlian accent
VOCAL RANGE/TYPE: (Mezzo. Low G to C’) Good vocals. Mainly ensemble singing.

SAMMY
Late 20s (Ages from 9 to late 20s) – Strong Actor
Mickey’s older brother. Must be able to convincingly play a small child for the majority of Act 1, through to a teenager into adulthood. Rough with a violent edge. A “bad seed” that we see emerging as a child.
VOCAL RANGE/TYPE: Good vocals. Mainly ensemble singing.

ENSEMBLE
Mid 20s to Late 30s (3 Male, 3 Female) – Strong Actors/Strong Vocals
To play a variety of characters such as: Donna Marie, Teacher, Miss Jones, Policeman, Perkins, Bus Conductor, Children, Neighbours, Wedding Guests, Policemen, Judge etc. All must be versatile in characterisations and be able to convincingly play children from 7 upwards. Very busy roles for all involved.
VOCAL RANGE/TYPE: (Mix of SATB/Low G to Eb’ in stave) Strong Vocals of all types.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

• Prepare two contrasting songs in the style of the show. Please note that as time is limited you may not complete the song(s) so please choose an appropriate starting point.
• Bring sheet music in the key you wish to sing it (no backing tapes or requests to transpose)
• Bring a photograph of yourself (non-returnable)
• Auditionees may be required to read a selection from the script (including those auditioning for Ensemble). Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to prepare and to talk through your songs with the pianist.
• Please note that Call Backs will be held on Wednesday July 4 for all character parts and ensemble members.
• Arrive early enough to fill in the appropriate forms and talk through your song with the audition pianist.
• Audition Forms can also be downloaded here so that you can complete it before arrival if you wish.

• Note following dates:
  First Rehearsal: Sun 8 July 2007
  Full Day Rehearsal: Sun 5 August 2007
  Photo Shoot: Sun 19 August 2007
  Rehearsal Weekend: 22/23 September 2007
  Sitzprobe: Thurs 27 September 2007