BLOOD BROTHERS – Casting Breakdown

Book, Lyrics & Music by Willy Russell

Astoria Performing Arts Center (APAC)

www.apacny.org

Director: Tom Wojtunik

Musical Direction: Julianne B. Merrill

Choreographer: Christine O’Grady

Casting Director: wojcik|seay casting (Scott Wojcik & Gayle Seay)

AEA Showcase (Approval Pending) – No pay/Travel stipend only.

DO NOT SUBMIT DIRECTLY TO APAC OR ANY APAC STAFF MEMBERS.

Set in Liverpool (1960-1985), Blood Brothers tells the story of fraternal twins who are separated at birth. One brother is raised in a family of great privilege and one brother is raised in poverty. Even with their different socioeconomic backgrounds, the two boys end up becoming best friends until a misunderstanding leads to a tragic ending.

Open Calls: 2/27 (sign-up starts 5:30p, closed @ 9p)

3/2 (sign-up starts 10:30a, closed @ 2p)

Prepare: Prepare 32-bar cut in the style of the show. Be prepared to sing more if asked. Bring sheet music, pianist provided. Actors are welcome to sing from the score.

Callbacks: 3/9, 3/11, 3/12

Location:

Good Shepherd United Methodist Church,

30-44 Crescent St, Astoria, NY 11102

(visit www.apacny.org for directions)

Rehearses: 3/28 – 5/21(weekday eves, Sat days)

Performs: 5/2 – 5/25 (Thu-Sat @ 8p, Sat @ 2p)

ALL ETHNICITIES ENCOURAGED TO AUDITION.

SEEKING STRONG SINGER-ACTORS.

Convincing British (Liverpool) accents required for all roles.

MRS. JOHNSTONE: Female, late 30-40s (ages 25-50 in the play). A single mother of seven who finds herself pregnant with twins. She used to be quite a looker, which we still get a sense of even underneath her grief (people used to compare her to Marilyn Monroe). Compassionate and determined, she always acts with her children’s best interest in mind. Strong pop Mezzo/Alto belt—expressive and lyrical vocalist. F3-C5

NARRATOR: Male, 40s. The Narrator observes and comments on the action of the play, and at times steps into the story as various characters. A facile actor with a Shakespearean command of language, and the ability to convincingly play different characters at the drop of a hat. Although he mostly remains outside of the action, he is not without empathy and warmth for the characters. Pop rock Tenor, strong upper register. F3-G4

MICKEY: Male, late 20s-early 30s (ages 7-25 in the play). Twin brother to Edward, Mickey is raised by his real mother in relative poverty. A good-natured and well-meaning kid, he turns to a life of crime when he has trouble providing for his family as an adult. This leads to a period of dark depression, from which Mickey never fully recovers. Expressive pop Bari-Tenor. C3-E4

EDWARD: Male, late 20s-early 30s (ages 7-25 in the play). Twin brother to Mickey, Edward is given away by his mother to the well-to-do Lyons family. He attends the best boarding schools, eventually becoming a respected politician. An earnest and sheltered kid, he is delighted to befriend Mickey and learn how to let loose and get in trouble. Hopelessly in love with Linda. Pop Tenor to high A. E3-A4

LINDA: Female, late 20s-early 30s (ages 7-25 in the play). Grows up in the same lower class neighborhood as the Johnstone family, and befriends Mickey and Eddie. She is in love with Mickey, and they eventually marry when she gets pregnant. She is doomed to pay a price for her role in the central love triangle. Alto (limited solo singing). G3-G4

MRS. LYONS: Female, late 30s-40s (ages 30-55 in the play). Upper class wife, from a world of privilege, she is desperate to have a baby and convinces Mrs. Johnstone to give her one of her unborn twins. Her devotion to Edward develops into an unhealthy obsession to protect him from the truth of his past, with tragic results. Alto. A3-C5

MR. LYONS: Male, late 30s-40s (ages 30-55 in the play). Upper class husband and successful (though ruthless) businessman. Doesn’t approve of adoption, despite the fact that he and his wife are unable to conceive. He is concerned with keeping things proper and “as they should be”. Baritone. C3-E4

SAMMY: Male, 30s (ages 13-31 in the play). Mickey’s older brother, a rascal and a troublemaker his entire life. Responsible for luring his brother into the criminal acts that undo him. Baritone. C3-E4

ENSEMBLE: 3 Men & 3 Women, 20s-40s. Strong actors capable of creating a variety of fully fleshed-out characters at the drop of a hat. All are highly featured. All vocal ranges needed.