Jesus Christ Superstar by Middleton Players Theatre

Jesus Christ Superstar

Music & Lyrics by Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice

Directed by Thomas J. Kasdorf & Matt Starika-Jolivet

It seems especially fitting that the first rock opera, created as a concept album at the end of the turbulent '60s, should have at its center a social and political rebel. Jesus' meteor-like rise in renown provides, as the title suggests, a parallel to contemporary celebrity worship. As his radical teachings are evermore embraced, Judas increasingly questions the enlightened motives of this new prophet, resulting in betrayal. Christ's final days are dramatized with emotional intensity, thought-provoking edge and explosive theatricality. Propelled by a stirring score, by turns driving and majestic, satirical and tender, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR illuminates the transcendent power of the human spirit with a passion that goes straight to the heart.

Produced by Middleton Players Theatre at Middleton Performing Arts Center, Middleton High School, 2100 Bristol Street, Middleton

Performances: May 28-29, 2016

Performance Times:
May 28 at 7:30pm
May 29 at 2:00pm

Ticket Prices: TBA

Call TBA for reservations or more information.

Auditions

Auditions for Middleton Players Theatre's summer productions of Jesus Christ Superstar and Seussical the Musical will take place January 7-10, 2016, at Clark Street Community School, 2429 Clark Street, Middleton WI 53562. Click here to sign up for an audition time.

OPEN CALL
Thursday, January 7th: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Friday, January 8th: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Saturday, January 9th: 9:00am – 5:00pm

DANCE CALL (REQUIRED)
Saturday, January 9th: 1:00pm – 3:00pm

CALL BACKS
Seussical The Musical: Saturday, January 9th: 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Jesus Christ Superstar: Sunday, January 10th: 3:00pm – 7:00pm

AUDITION MATERIALS:
Anyone auditioning for Jesus Christ Superstar and/or Seussical The Musical must prepare the following:
· 32 bars of an up-tempo, contemporary musical theater song.
· 32 bars of a classic/standard musical theater ballad.
· A headshot and resume are suggested, but not required.
All audition songs need to be accompanied (no a cappella or tracked accompaniment). Please bring sheet music, with cuttings clearly marked. A skilled accompanist will be provided.
Anyone auditioning for either show MUST attend the dance call on Saturday, January 9th from 1-3pm.
Click here to sign up for an audition time.

Video Audition Submissions
If you are unable to attend our open call auditions for Jesus Christ Superstar and Seussical the Musical, you may submit a video audition. Your video must include 32 bars of an up-tempo, contemporary musical theater song AND 32 bars of a classic/standard musical theater ballad. You do not need to submit a dance audition.
All submissions must be received by Monday, January 4, 2016. Please email a digital file (.mov, .mp4, .m4v, .mpg, etc) or the link to your video on YouTube or a similar site (please make sure your video is set to "public") to mptdirectors@.... Please, no hard copy DVDs or VHS.

Tips

THE VERY BEST - Your video may be the only chance for you to show us what you’ve got! Take multiple shots and send us the best one you have.

SOUND BALANCE - We need to hear your voice and the accompaniment clearly and in balance with each other. Make sure you and your accompanist are not too close or too far away from the camera.

WE NEED TO SEE YOU - Please make sure you are centered in the video frame. It’s not necessary for us to see you from head to toe, but we’d like to see as much of you as possible.

SLATE YOURSELF - Before you begin singing, please make sure you tell us your name and the show(s) you are auditioning for. (If you are only auditioning for a specific role, please tell us that role.)

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Character Descriptions

JESUS CHRIST Tenor (A2-G5)
Protagonist of the story, leader of the twelve Apostles, and son of God, Messiah and King of the
Jews. This text—Rice and Lloyd Webber's show—is interested in Jesus as Messiah and man both,
and not only his spiritual ministry, but also his personal experience and political role in the world.
So we're looking for a kickass singer with something interesting going on in mind and soul.
JUDAS ISCARIOT Tenor (D3-D5)
One of the twelve apostles of Jesus; concerned for the poor and for the consequences of Jesus' fame.
A tragic figure, a conflicted man, and a powerfully passionate guy. Most certainly not a bad guy—
he's as desirous of being pure as Jesus is, and believes he is doing the right thing.
MARY MAGDALENE Alto (F3-E♭5)
A female follower of Jesus who finds herself falling in love with him. Keep in mind, if you're
preparing her music, that she might not be sentimental or soft. She's a prostitute, and she tries in
her way to care for Jesus, so there is tenderness, and desire, but this is a woman of great strength.
PONTIUS PILOT Baritone (A2-B4) May consider male & female actors
Governor of Judea who foresees the events of Jesus’ crucifixion from beginning to aftermath in a
dream and finds himself being presented with that very situation. One of the most complex
characters in the play, a man of his time and a leader capable of great brutality, yet also a man of a
certain conscience.
CAIAPHAS Bass (C2-F4) May consider male & female actors
Joseph Caiaphas was the high priest of Jerusalem who, according to Biblical accounts, sent Jesus to
Pilate for his execution.
ANNAS Tenor (G2-D5) May consider male & female actors
Fellow priest at the side of Caiaphas who is persuaded by Caiaphas into seeing Jesus as a threat
PETER Baritone (G2-G4)
One of Jesus' 12 apostles; denies Jesus three times upon the night of Jesus' arrest to save himself
SIMON ZEALOTES Tenor (G3-B4) May consider male & female actors
One of Jesus' 12 apostles; urges Jesus to lead his followers into battle against the Romans
KING HEROD Baritone
The King of Galilee; Jesus is brought to him for judgment after first being taken to Pilate
DISCIPLES, PRIESTS, ENSEMBLE - 20s-40s; must be singers who are at home in pop/rock stylings; must move very well; strong sight reading and musicianship skills a plus.

SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL Character Descriptions

THE CAT IN THE HAT Baritone/Tenor May consider male & female actors
Narrator, Soloist, some improvisational interaction with audience is required. MUST NOT BE AFRAID TO BE A MISCHIEVOUS COMEDIAN!
JOJO May consider male & female actors
Child with a wild imagination. Preferably a boy with an unchanged voice. Must be able to read/learn music, sing independently, dance, and act.
HORTON THE ELEPHANT Tenor/Baritone
A pushover that can’t say no to anyone.
GERTRUDE MCFUZZ Mezzo Soprano
Whiny voice. A ditsy comedic bird who likes Horton, but he doesn’t notice her. Several solo songs, lines.
MAZZIE LA BIRD Alto
A bird who is completely irresponsible, and always takes the better offer. Kind of a boisterous, “hot stuff” character.
SOUR KANGAROO Alto
Strong voice! Crabby until the end. Voices her negative opinion about everything.
WICKERSHAM BROTHERS (3)
They are monkeys. Picture tough guys hanging out on the street corner like West Side Story. Opportunity to be goofy.
MR. MAYOR
The mayor of Whoville. Jojo’s father.
MRS. MAYOR
The mayors wife. Jojo’s mother.
GENERAL GENGUS KHAN SCHMITZ Tenor/baritone
A general that takes Jojo to the military academy.
ENSEMBLE: Birds, Circus animals, Jungle Creatures, Citizens of Whoville, 1 fish, 2 fish, red fish, blue fish, etc. Lots of solos and small ensemble roles.