book & lyrics by Tom Eyen, music by Henry Krieger
Audition Location:
ALT Adventure Space (2751 Civic Circle)
Audition Dates:
Monday, March 3 or Tuesday, March 4 @ 7:00 pm
Callbacks:
Wednesday, March 4.
Callbacks will be by director invitation only. The call back list will be posted on the ALT homepage by Noon on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
Production Dates:
May 1-18, 2025
ALT Allen Shankles Mainstage (2019 Civic Circle)
Directed by:
Jason Crespin & Kissey Cummings
Music Direction:
Jennifer Akins
Choreography:
Shawn Walsh
Audition packet available on the ALT website here.
The following roles are available:
-DEENA JONES: (African American, Female presenting, Age 20s-30s) Initially modest backup singer for The Dreamettes, turned lead singer of The Dreams. An endearing ingenue with regality, grace and quiet confidence. Her humble beginnings make her an unsuspected underdog. As the lead singer, she is magnetic, effortless and effervescent. Replaces her best friend, Effie under pressure. Embodies both innocence and star power. Mezzo, big full belt voice.
–EFFIE MELODY WHITE: (African American, Female presenting, Age 20s-30s) Vibrant young woman who is as oversized in talent as she is in person. Lead Singer of The Dreamettes. A powerhouse and a soaring singer with undeniable talent. The true underdog. A vibrant, confident and outspoken young woman who wears her heart of gold on her sleeve. Becomes overcome with anger, jealousy and paranoia when Curtis betrays her trust. Her journey from snappy confidence to depths of betrayal ultimately ends in triumph. Effie should be full-figured, and her size carries with it a true sense of sexuality. Must have a huge gospel belt voice.
-LORRELL ROBINSON: (African American, Female presenting, Age 20s-30s) The group’s youngest member. Bubbly, energetic, youthful and pragmatic. Eager for success, she’s swept off her feet by the married James Thunder Early. Speaks her mind. A high-energy, quirky, hopeless romantic. Has a keen sense of humor and comedic skill. Soprano, on top of most triad harmony, big full belt voice.
-C.C. WHITE: (African American, Male presenting, Age 20s) Effie’s songwriting younger brother. Idealistic, loyal, endearing and soft-spoken. While initially inspired by Curtis’s business savvy, his efforts to do the right thing are ultimately eclipsed by Curtis’ controlling vision. Goes through the journey of losing and regaining himself.
–MICHELLE MORRIS: (African American, Female presenting, Age 20s-30s) Replacement for Effie. A Dynamic singer/performer that better fits into Curtis’ aesthetic for The Dreams. Headstrong and sure of her place. Falls in love with C.C. and facilitates the reunion of him and his sister, Effie.
–JAMES THUNDER EARLY: (African American, Male presenting, Age 30s – 40s) Self-proclaimed King of Soul. A chart-topping and dynamic performer. A sexy, high-energy star full of flash, charisma and pizazz. Once a trendsetter, the newer trends threaten to pass him by. A deeply troubled showman of the era, who lets loose in every aspect of his life.
-CURTIS TAYLOR JR: (African American, Male presenting, Age 20s – 40s) Former Cadillac dealer turned entertainment manager, turned music mogul. Charming, funny, handsome, smooth and seductive but ruthless in the pursuit of his dreams. He is motivated by his hunger for mainstream success, an appreciation for crossover music and keen business mind. Takes over the management of Jimmy Early’s career and oversees the rise to stardom of The Dreams. Initially warm and approachable, he becomes hardened by wealth, power and control.
-MARTY: (African American, Male presenting, Age 40s-60s) -NON-SINGING. Street savvy, long-time manager of Jimmy’s career and the one to clean up after his mistakes. Represents an earlier age of African American entertainment; honest and loyal, never overstepping his bounds. At odds with Curtis and his ideas and schemes. Later oversees Effie’s comeback.
–DAVE:(White, Male presenting, Age 20s-30s) and the SWEETHEARTS (2 White, female presenting, AGE 20s-30s) Cadillac Car soloist. Lead singer of Dave and The Sweethearts. “All American” pop singer of the 1960s. Covers Jimmy Early and the Dreamettes’ ‘Cadillac Car’ and steals their thunder.
-ENSEMBLE OF EXCELLENT SINGER / DANCERS: (Males, Females, Any Ages, Any Ethnicity)
Singer/Dancers for various supporting roles: strong singers who move very well. All possess unique and vivid personalities and have the ability to play a wide variety of characters including Tiny Joe Dixon, Dave & the Sweethearts, The Stepp Sisters, The Tuxedos, Charlene, Joann, M.C., Stage Manager, Little Albert, Mr. Morgan, The Tru-Tones, Dwight, fans, reporters, stagehands, party guests, photographers, film executives, etc.
– DAVE & THE SWEETHEARTS: (Pat Boone types)
– WAYNE: African American Male, assistant to Curtis
– FRANK: White Male, press agent
– DWIGHT: African American Male, TV studio director
– M.C.: African American Male, emcee at The Apollo Theater
– CHARLENE & JOANN: African American Females, backup singers for J.T. Early
– MR. MORGAN: White Male, Effie’s lawyer
– JERRY NORMAN: African American Male Nightclub owner
– CARL: African American nightclub pianist.
– African American Male and Female Singing Groups:
– Female: STEPP SISTERS … LES STYLE .
– Male: LITTLE ALBERT & THE TRU-TONES … THE FIVE TUXEDOS … TINY JOE DIXON
All ethnicities are invited to audition. Ages and genders indicated are how the characters will be perceived, not necessarily the age/gender of the actors.
Amarillo Little Theatre is rooted in reflecting the Amarillo community through art and authentic storytelling. We recognize that in order to do that, every member of our community must be represented by our productions. We invite you to join us in providing art that challenges, entertains and represents us – Amarillo.
Perusal scripts are available at the ALT Box Office for a $10.00 refundable deposit. Please contact the ALT Box Office for more information.
