MTA 2015-16 Season Character Breakdown

MTA 2015-16 Season Character Breakdown

MTA 2015-16 Season Character Breakdown
(Click the titles below to be taken to that page)
Shrek the Musical Jr. ....................................................................................................................................................... 2
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.................................................................................................................. 4
Annie Jr. ............................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Junie B. Jones, the Musical ............................................................................................................................................ 6
Legally Blonde Jr. ............................................................................................................................................................. 8
Disney’s Mary Poppins .................................................................................................................................................. 10
Disney’s 101 Dalmatians KIDS .................................................................................................................................... 12
Disney’s My Son Pinocchio Jr. ..................................................................................................................................... 14
Shrek the Musical Jr.
BIG BAD WOLF
He doesn't need to be a scary, threatening big-bad-wolf type. At this point, he's a pretty wolf who is reduced to
wearing Little Red Ridinghood's grandmother's dressing gown. Range: A4-Bb4
CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD
The perfect role for an actor with some inherent strength and authority. Should have a big, booming voice and
not afraid to put all the Fairy Tale Creatures in their place
.
DONKEY
A brash, loud, fast-talking animal with no concept of "quiet time." Strong singer who has a whole lot of
presence and character, as Shrek’s loyal and ever-faithful sidekick. Range: D3-E4
DRAGON
A dragon that has been charged with guarding Princess Fiona in her isolated castle. She eventually falls in
love with Donkey and attempts to keep him there forever. Imposing and flirtatious, but tired of her job as the
glorified baby-sitter.
DWARF
Farquaad's comparably short and grumpy father.
FIONA
She may appear to be an ideal princess straight from the fairy tale books, but there is more to her than that
stereotypical image. She is an audacious young lady with a wonderful sense of humor and - surprisingly manners akin to those of a teenage boy. Should be a singer, dancer, actress with a loveable spirit. Range:
Gb3-F#5
GINGY
A gingerbread man initially kidnapped by Lord Farquaad. His wit and resolution help him both avoid trouble
and inspire the rest of the fairytale creatures. Puppet that can be operated by actress appearing as Sugar Plum
Fairy.
KNIGHTS
The Dragon's background singers who all tried at some point to save Fiona from her tower but were held
hostage by the Dragon. Strong soul singers like the Dragon. Range: G3-D5
LITTLE OGRE
A role just right for a smaller, younger performer who is very important to the storytelling.
LORD FARQUAAD
A very short man with gargantuan ambition! He is solely interested in gaining as much power as possible. This
is a role for a good singer, but most importantly, a strong comedian who isn't afraid of making bold choices or
looking silly. Range: A2-Eb4
MAMA OGRE
Strong singer that is part of the dynamic duo that can kick off the show with a lot of energy and presence.
Range: A3-C5
PAPA OGRE
Strong singer that is part of the dynamic duo that can kick off the show with a lot of energy and presence.
Range C3-E4
PETER PAN
The boy who never grew up, and he continues to act the part in this story. Can be a boy or girl who will have
fun physicalizing the character. Range: E4-A4
PINOCCHIO
The wooden boy who cannot tell a lie without being belied by his growing nose. Pinocchio begins in a sour
mood about his second-class status but ends the story as a natural leader among the Fairy Tale Creatures.
Strong singer with a ton of personality. Range: F3-F4
SHREK
He may be a big, scary, green ogre to the rest of the world, but as they story reveals, he's really just a big
fellow with a big heart. Strong singer and excellent actor with comedic chops. Range: A2-G4
STORYTELLERS
Bold, energetic actors with natural stage presence and big, clear voices. These characters are important for
setting up the world and moving the story forward.
UGLY DUCKLING
He may be bitter about his unfortunate appearance, but he does find camaraderie among his fellow fairy tale
outcasts. Should be a comedic performer. Range: E4-C#5
WICKED WITCH
Character actress with a big personality. Range: C#4-Bb4
GUARDS, DULOC PERFORMERS, PUSS IN BOOTS, ROOSTER, PIED PIPER, RATS, BISHOP, BIRDS,
TREES, DEER, WOODLAND CREATURES, FAIRYTALE CREATURES
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
Below is a list of many of the characters in this beautiful story. Some roles may double and some require a
small amount of singing. All roles below require strong actors who can bring the various characters to life.
THE TRAVELER/STORYTELLER
EDWARD
PELLEGRINA
SOCIETY LADY
MARTIN
MARGERY
LOLLY
JACK
WATCHMAN
OLD LADY
MARLENE
LUCIUS CLARKE
ABILENE
NELLIE
LUCY THE DOG
SARAH RUTH
NEAL
DOLL
THE OLD DOLL
SHOPPER
ABILENE’S FATHER
AMOS
LAWRENCE
BULL
BRYCE
HOBOS
Annie Jr.
ANNIE
Annie is a complex little girl. She is a tough, streetwise urchin who is nevertheless vulnerable when she thinks
she might lose what has become most important to her: a newfound “family” who loves her. The actor who
plays Annie must be strong vocally and musically. She must be capable of vocal projection without strain.
Although she is at times aggressive or crafty, the audience should never doubt Annie is a friendly and caring
child; she will go to any extent to gain the love of a family to which she can belong. Range: A3 - E5
ORPHANS - Molly, July, Kate, Duffy, Pepper, Tessie
Strong singers, actors, and dancers with varying personalities.
GRACE FARRELL
Grace has the ability to always remain mature, calm, put together. She is classy and businesslike when dealing
with Miss Hannigan and Warbucks, yet maternal toward Annie. Strong singer and actress. Range: A3 - D5
MISS HANNIGAN
This woman is definitely a "has-been." Her distaste for her job and the children should be very obvious and she
has an excellent sense of comedic timing. The acrid delivery of her lines and the torch-like rendition of her
songs must distinguish her from the other characters in the show. Range: G3 - D5
ROOSTER
Rooster is a flashy and self-assured singer, actor, and dancer Ranges: G3 - Eb5
LILY
Lily is an airhead and always distracted. She never acts as the leader, always bringing up the rear while
tripping over her own feet. Strong singer, dancer, and actress. Ranges: Bb3 - Eb5
SANDY
MTA has received permission to use a real dog as Sandy! Sandy is Annie's canine friend and scrappy in her
own right. Dog should be well-behaved, obedient, and friendly. Male or Female, Any Age
WARBUCKS
This may be the most challenging role as Warbucks must appear middle-aged, self-assured and confident. At
first awkwardly affectionate toward Annie, he soon finds himself completely charmed by her. He will need to be
extremely focused throughout the show, and his posture, walk and speech patterns are very important. Range:
A3 - D5
FEATURED ENSEMBLE of Servants, Orphans, Tourists, and many others who sing, dance, and act.
FEATURED ROLES including Louis Howe, Bundles, Drake, Mrs. Greer, Mrs. Pugh and many others
who sing, dance, and act.
Each role is distinct and should be developed in the context of the historical time period.
Junie B. Jones, the Musical
BOBBI JEAN PIPER
Grace's new best friend. Strong singer and actress. Range: G3-E5
CAMILLE
Lucille's new best friend and Chenille's twin sister. A follower. Strong singer and actress. Range: A3-Bb5
CHENILLE
Lucille's other new best friend and Camille's twin sister. Coordinated and cute. Strong singer and actress.
Range: G3-G5
DADDY
Junie B.'s dad. Encouraging and knows how to juggle. Strong singer and actor. Range: A2-Eb4
GRACE
Junie B.’s other former best friend. She rides the bus with Junie B. and is now best friends with Bobbi Jean
Piper. Strong singer and actress. Range: G3-E5
HERB
Junie B.’s new best friend. A cute boy, slightly shy. Endearing and charming. Strong singer and actor. Range:
C3-G4
JOSE
Another first grader in Mr. Scary’s class. Speaks both Spanish and English Strong singer and actor. Range:
G2-E4
JUNIE B. JONES
A quirky, energetic first grader with comedic flair. Loves having adventures and writing about them in her
journal. Gets upset when things don’t go her way. Wildly precocious, yet completely endearing. Strong singer
and actress. Range: G3-E5
LENNIE
Another first grader.
LUCILLE
Junie B.’s former best friend, also in first grade. The ultimate child diva. Rich girl, well-dressed. In Mr. Scary’s
class with Junie B. Enthusiastic. Strong singer and actress. Range: F3-E5
MAY
Another first grader in Mr. Scary’s class with Junie B. Bossy, know-it-all. Junie’s nemesis. Strong singer and
actress. Range: G3-E5
MOTHER
Junie B.’s mom. Exasperated, but understanding. Strong singer and actress. Range: A3-Eb5
MR. SCARY
Junie B.’s first grade teacher, a warm man, despite his name. Strong singer and actor. Range: G2-E4
MRS. GUTZMAN
The kids’ favorite lunch lady at Junie B.’s elementary school, also known as “Gladys Gutzman, Queen of
Snacks.”
SHELDON
Another first grader in Mr. Scary’s class with Junie B. Nerdy, lactose intolerant, and gets a bit of stage fright.
Excited about playing music. Strong singer and actor. Range: C3-G4
FEATURED ENSEMBLE of singers, dancers, and actors.
Legally Blonde Jr.
AARON SCHULTZ, SUNDEEP AGRAWAL PADAMADAN and ENID HOOPES
Three law students with academic credits that would intimidate anyone.
BROOKE WYNDAM
An exercise video mogul who is also a former sorority girl. She is energetic and charismatic, yet currently on
trial for murder. Range: A3-D5
CHUTNEY WYNDHAM
Brooke's unhappy stepdaughter with a really bad perm and an even worse attitude.
DEWEY
Paulette's brash ex-husband who lives in a trailer and holds her dog captive.
ELLE WOODS
The quintessential Valley Girl may appear like a typical blonde California sorority girl, but don't count her out.
She is hardworking, optimistic and tenacious. Range: F#3-Eb5
EMMETT FORREST
A smart and sensitive law student who takes Elle under his wing. He is charming, quirky, loveable, and friendly.
Range: C3-F#4
GRANDMASTER CHAD
A fun cameo role for a young guy who is a great musician. Range: D3-D4
KATE
A featured Delta Nu sister - the academic of the bunch. Range: Bb3-Db5
KIKI THE COLORIST, CASHIER and STYLIST
Part of Paulette's entourage at the salon who are very adept at the "Bend and Snap."
Range: C4-A4
KYLE
The delivery man who Paulette has her eyes on each time his job brings him to the salon.
MARGOT, SERENA, and PILAR
Elle's trio of best friends and Dleta Nu sisters. Range: F#3-C#5
PAULETTE
A brash, caring, optimistic hair stylist who is friends with Elle and longs to find a man for herself. Range: A3Bb4
PROFESSOR CALLAHAN
The most-feared professor at Harvard Law School. Range: Bb2-F#4
VIVIENNE KENSINGTON
A smart, savvy, and uptight law student and Warner's fiancée who initially dismisses Elle, but grows to be her
friend. Range: A3-Eb5
WARNER HUNTINGTON III
A good-looking but shallow and pompous guy who breaks Elle's heart and heads off to Harvard Law. He is
caught between his former life with Elle and his newfound serious East Coast life with Vivienne. Range: D3-F4
WHITNEY
Vivienne's law school friend and partner in mischief when it comes to bringing down Elle.
WINTHROP, LOWELL and PFORZHEIMER
Three admissions officers of Harvard Law School who eventually admit Elle into the program after some critical
evaluation.
FEATURED ENSEMBLE of WAITERS, DELTA NUS, FRAT BOYS, GREEK CHORUS, STUDENTS and
INMATES.
GAELEN, JUDGE, JET BLUE PILOT, SALESWOMAN, STORE MANAGER, PRISON GUARD, BOOKISH
CLIENT and SABRINA
All with vibrant personalities who can sing, dance, or act.
Disney’s Mary Poppins
ADMIRAL BOOM
A retired Royal Navy man and neighbor of the Banks family. A physically large man with a loud and booming
voice, he speaks in Navy jargon and has a soft spot for his neighbor, Miss Lark. Can be any vocal range as
needed. If Admiral Boom doubles as the Bank Chairman, he can be a baritone.
BANK CHAIRMAN
The head of the bank where Mr. Banks is employed, is an Edwardian stuffed-shirt. He can speak/sing his lyrics
if necessary. Range: C3 - D4
BERT
The narrator of the story, is a good friend to Mary Poppins. An everyman, Bert has many occupations,
including hurdy-gurdy player, sidewalk artist, and chimney sweep. Bert watches over the children as well as
the goings on in Cherry Tree Lane. He has charm, speaks with a Cockney accent, and is a song-and-danceman. Range: B2 - F#4
BIRD WOMAN
Covered in a patchwork of old shawls, and her pockets are stuffed with bags of crumbs for the birds. She tries
to sell her crumbs for the birds. She tries to sell her crumbs to passerby, who ignore her as if she doesn't exist.
Sings "Feed the Birds." There can be a gruff, folksy quality to her voice that reflects the hardness of her life.
Range: Gb3 - C5
GEORGE BANKS
The father to Jane and Michael Banks, is a banker to the very fiber of his being. Demanding "precision and
order" in his household, he is a pipe-and-slippers man who doesn't have much to do with his children and
believes that he had the perfect upbringing by his nanny, the cruel Miss Andrew. His emotional armor,
however, conceals a sensitive soul. A baritone, George may speak-sing as necessary. Range: Bb2 - Eb4
JANE BANKS
The high-spirited daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Banks, is bright and precocious but can be willful and inclined to
snobbishness. Range: A3 - F#5
JOHN NORTHBROOK
An honest businessman seeking a loan to build a factory for his community. He speaks with an accent from
Northern England.
KATIE NANNA
Jane and Michael's nanny at the beginning of the show. Overwhelmed and upset, she has absolutely had her
fill of the Banks children.
MARY POPPINS
Jane and Michael Banks’ new nanny. She is extraordinary and strange, neat and tidy, delightfully vain yet very
particular, and sometimes a little frightening but always exciting. She is practically perfect in every way and
always means what she says. A mezzo soprano with strong top notes, she should be able to move well. She
can have a more traditional soprano sound, but precision and diction is the key. Range: Gb3 - C6
MICHAEL BANKS
The cute and cheeky son of Mr. and Mrs. Banks. Excitable and naughty, he adores his father and tries to be
like him. Both he and Jane misbehave in order to get the attention of their parents. Range: A3 - E5
MISS ANDREW
George's overbearing and scary nanny. With her bottle of nasty-tasting brimstone and treacle to keep naughty
children in line, she is a bully who only knows one way of doing things - her way. A soprano with an alto belt,
there can be some heaviness to her voice along with the range. Range: Gb3 - F5
MISS LARK
The haughty next-door neighbor of the Banks family who treats her dog, Willoughby, as if he were her child.
MISS SMYTHE
The Bank Chairman's humorless secretary.
MRS. BRILL
The housekeeper and cook for the Banks family. Overworked and harassed, she's always complaining that the
house is understaffed. Her intimidating exterior is a cover for the warmth underneath. Mrs. Brill doesn't have a
high opinion of nannies in general and Mary Poppins in particular. She does not have to be a strong singer.
Range: F#3 - D#5
MRS. CORRY
Owns a magical gingerbread shop. She is a mysterious woman of great age who speaks with a Caribbean
accent (or any accent that would make her seem exotic).
NELEUS
The statue of a young boy posed with a dolphin in the park. Neleus was separated from his father, Poseidon,
and misses him very much. A small and lonely being, he is very happy to befriend Jane and Michael. Must be
a strong dancer.
PARK KEEPER
Uniformed and officious, he makes sure no one breaks park regulations. His life is defined by rules, but he
secretly hankers after his childhood.
POLICEMAN
A neighborhood fixture who is respected by and observant of the households on his beat.
QUEEN VICTORIA
A statue in the park.
ROBERTSON AY
The houseboy to the Banks family. Lazy, sleepy, and grumbling, he never gets things right and believes
himself to be useless. He doesn't do a lot of singing, but his "Spoonful" solo can be a fun surprise. Range: F3 G#4
VON HUSSLER
A businessman seeking a loan from the bank for a shady business deal. He speaks with a German accent.
WINIFRED BANKS
George's wife and Jane and Michael's mother. A former actress, she is a loving and distracted homemaker
who is busy trying to live up to her husband's desire to only associate with "the best people" as well as be a
model wife and mother. She suffers from the conflicting feelings that she's not up to the job of "being Mrs.
Banks," yet, she is, and more. She has a great warmth and simplicity to her tone. Range: A3 - D5
FEATURED ENSEMBLE of Annie, Fannie, Valentine, Teddy Bear, Mr. Punch, Doll, Chimney Sweeps,
Toys, Park goers
All lively and strong singers and dancers
Disney’s 101 Dalmatians KIDS
ANITA
Anita is the sweet, nurturing owner of the Dalmatians and a painter. This role requires a strong actor with a
good singing voice. She should be comfortable playing a wife, and ideally should resemble Perdita. B2 - C4
CANINE NARRATORS
Canine Narrators should have loud speaking voices and strong stage presence. They should have a good
memory for lines and more complicated blocking. Singers who are also great speakers. A#2 - C4
CRUELLA DE VIL
Cruella should be a strong actor, singer and mover. She should be a natural leader with dramatic flair, lots of
energy, and unafraid to be mean and bossy. A#2 - C4 (opt speak-singing up to Eb4)
DALMATIAN PUPPIES PATCH, LUCKY, PENNY, PEPPER and other DALMATIAN PUPPIES
The named puppies should be the strongest actors of this group with loud speaking voices. A few should be
strong enough singers to lead the group. These actors should be comfortable using their bodies to transform
into dogs. A2 - D4
DOGCATCHER
The Dogcatcher appears at the end of the show to dramatically remove Cruella from the scene. Comedic role
that can be played by a boy or a girl.
HORACE and JASPER
Horace and Jasper provide comic relief à la Abbott & Costello or Laurel & Hardy. They should be good singers
but stronger actors. The characters always appear and act together, and should be good at physical comedy
as well as willing to use Cockney accents. Ab2 - C4
LONDON DOGS
The London Dogs are the "ethnic" dogs who help rescue the Dalmatian Puppies from Cruella. They should be
strong singers and movers with a willingness to do a British, Scottish, French or Spanish accent. In order to
achieve the full effect of the Twilight Bark, the BOXERS, SCOTTIES, POODLES and CHIHUAHUAS should
use appropriate accents and movement in the style of their country of origin. C3 - C#4
NANNY
Nanny is the warm yet outspoken housekeeper to Roger and Anita. This is a small acting role that requires a
strong speaking voice. Not necessarily a strong singer.
FEATURED DALMATIAN PUPS including SPOT and DOT
They are discovered in the fur vault.
POLICE OFFICER
The Police Officer arrests the villains at the end of the show. Strong speaking voice, but not necessarily a
strong singer. The Officer can be played by a boy or a girl.
PONGO and PERDITA
Pongo and Perdita are the Dalmatian parents. These parts require good actors, but not necessarily strong
singers. They should ideally resemble their human counterparts Roger and Anita and be slightly larger in
stature than the Dalmatian Puppies. B2 - C3
ROGER
Roger is a songwriter and owner of the Dalmatians. He is soft spoken yet confident and displays leadership in
a quiet and composed way, contrary to frenetic Cruella. He should be a strong actor, singer and mover, and
comfortable playing a husband. If possible, Roger should physically resemble Pongo. If the child you cast plays
piano, like Roger, even better. A#2 - C4
SERGEANT TIBBS
Sergeant Tibbs is the army cat who rallies the London Dogs to rescue the Dalmatian Puppies. This role can be
played by either a girl or boy. He or she should have a strong singing and speaking voice. G3 - Bb3
Disney’s My Son Pinocchio Jr.
ANIMALS (Pig, Foxes, Horse)
The Animals serve as voices of reason for Geppetto’s journey. Performers cast in these roles do not have to
sing; however, comic timing and deadpan delivery are essential. These performers should be comfortable
inhabiting the mismatched animals they portray.
BERNARDO & MARIA
Bernardo & Maria are married residents of Idyllia who are looking to purchase a “perfect” daughter from
Professore Buonragazzo. These roles require group singing only.
BLUE FAIRY
The Blue Fairy is convinced of her own perfection and does not like having it called into question. The
performer you cast should have good comedic instincts and a solid singing voice. This role does not require
excessive dancing. Range: G3 - E5
BOY 1
Boy 1 is the first replacement for Pinocchio, created by Professore Buonragazzo’s machine. Should be able to
minic a comedic version of the famous puppet. Range: C3 - C4
BOY 2
Boy 2 is the second replacement for Pinocchio. He should be even more wooden than Boy 1. Range: C3 - C4
CHILDREN OF IDYLLIA
Children of Idyllia (Amelia, Salvatore, Carla, Lucia, Giuseppe, Boy 1, Boy 2) are the perfect children created
by Professore Buonragazzo. Performers cast in these roles should be able to sing in groups, with featured
speaking lines. There are great opportunities for movement and dance.
DELINQUENTS
Delinquents (Malvolio, Brutto, Sporco, and others) are actors who must be comfortable turning into
donkeys. GEPPETTO Geppetto is a lonely toymaker who longs to be a father. Should be a mature performer
who feels comfortable playing a parent to Pinocchio and isn’t afraid of showing emotion. Must be a Strong
Singer and Actor. Range: Bb3 - F5
JUNIOR
Junior is Professore Buonragazzo’s mirror image assistant, created using the child-making machine. The
performer in this role will need to work closely with the performer playing the Professor to mimic his
movements. Range: Bb3 - C#5
MARIONETTES
Marionettes are the stringed puppets in Stromboli’s show. Singers, actors, and dancers. Range: Bb3 - E5
PINOCCHIO
Pinocchio is a wooden puppet who doesn’t know where he belongs. Should have a lively personality of a little
boy while also capturing tender moments. Although Pinocchio is a boy, the role can be played by a boy or girl.
Strong character actor who can sing.. Range: G3 - E5
PROFESSORE BUONGRAZZO
Professore Buongrazzo is a passionate, mad scientist obsessed with building perfect children. Singer and
character actor. Range: Bb3 - C#4
RINGLEADER
The Ringleader runs Pleasure Island. The performer playing this role should have a real sense of
showmanship. This role requires some singing and should be a strong dancer. The Ringleader can be played
by a boy or a girl who can commit to the character’s mischievous ways. Range: A3 - E5
ROSA, VIOLA & ARANCIA
Rosa, Viola & Arancia, fairies in training, are sweet and kind. The performers in these roles should be
expressive observers since they often oversee the action occurring onstage during flashbacks. They sing as a
group, often alongside the Blue Fairy. Their individual distinctions from one another can be discovered during
rehearsal.
ROUSTABOUTS
Roustabouts are the sidekicks to Pleasure Island’s Ringleader. When performing these roles, personality is
key. Group singing is required.
SIGNORA GIOVANNI
Signora Giovanni is Pinocchio’s teacher.
STROMBOLI
Stromboli is a bumbling, loud, incompetent puppeteer who has at least a few screws loose. Should be a
versatile performer who can create silly voices to take this character and his marionettes over-the-top.
Stromboli’s songs are challenging, and should be a strong singer and actor who doesn’t shy away from
silliness. Range: Bb3 - F5
SUE
Sue is a fairy in training who marches to the beat of her own drum. She isn’t your typical fairy, as sweetness
isn’t in her nature. The performer in this role can be brooding or brash, but certainly a contrast to Rosa, Viola
and Arancia, although vocally she should blend in.
TALIA
Talia is the “perfect child” created for Maria and Bernardo by Professore Buonragazzo’s machine. Talia sings
and dances to impress her parents, so she should be a strong dancer. Range: C3 - C4
TOWN CHILDREN
The Town Children (Dante, Agata, Fiorello, Francesca, Adriana, Luigi, Gina, Lia, Rico) love the toys in
Geppetto’s shop. The performers cast in these roles should be able to create individual personalities for their
characters. Solo and group singing.
TOWN PARENTS
Town Parents (Signora Lisi, Signore Fucito, Signora Mancini, Signor Alcamo, SIgnora Sommelia,
Signora Contrastana, Signora Rosati, Signore Proto, Signore Marino) are the beleaguered mothers and
judgmental fathers of the town children. The performers cast in these roles should be able to create individual
personalities for their characters. Solos and group singing.