Aloha Performing Arts Company will host open auditions for its summer musical production, “next to normal.” ADVERTISING Aloha Performing Arts Company will host open auditions for its summer musical production, “next to normal.” Auditions are slated for 3 p.m. April
Aloha Performing Arts Company will host open auditions for its summer musical production, “next to normal.”
Auditions are slated for 3 p.m. April 16 and 6 p.m. April 17 at the Aloha Theatre in Kainaliu, with a possible invitational callback audition at 6 p.m. April 18. Regular rehearsals will begin May 31, and the production is set for July 15-31. Auditions are early so singers can work on their parts before group rehearsals begin.
The 2009 Broadway hit, “next to normal,” which won the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, is a deeply moving new musical about one family’s struggle with mental illness. With music by Tom Kitt and hard-hitting lyrics by Brian Yorkey, this controversial piece examines contemporary societal attitudes about mental health, and focuses on the professional treatment of one specific case, a middle-age mother and wife, who is subjected to electroshock therapy.
Six roles are available:
• Diana, the mother, who is sexy and sharp. She is a delusional bipolar depressive in her 30s or 40s.
• Gabe, her son, who is almost 18. He is dashing, gentle, bright and playful.
• Dan, her husband, a handsome, genuine, constant, tired man in his 30s or 40s.
• Natalie, her daughter, 16 and trying in vain to be perfect.
• Henry, a romantic slacker/stoner musician and philosopher, age 17.
• Doctor Madden, a rock star on the young side of ageless; also plays Doctor Fine, an eager psychopharmacologist.
The musical made history by publishing an adapted show in short segments via Twitter the year it opened on Broadway. Those auditioning need to be prepared to sing a song from the show, preferably one by the character for which he or she is auditioning. The choices are:
• Diana: “Didn’t I See This Movie,” “The Break” or “So Anyway.”
• Natalie: “Everything Else” or “Perfect for You.”
• Henry: “Perfect for You.”
• Dan: “I’ve Been” or “A Light in the Dark.”
• Gabe: “I’m Alive” or “There’s a World.”
• Dr Madden: “Make Up Your Mind/Catch Me I’m Falling.”
Music for these songs is available for loan in exchange for a deposit by arrangement with APAC Operations Director Melissa Geiger at 322-9924. Auditions also will include some brief cold reading and simple movement.
For more information, call 322-9924.
