Auditions for the College of the Siskiyous Theatre and Music Department’s Spring Musical, The Boys from Syracuse are set for January 29th and 30th from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM with Call Backs on the 31st. The music is written by the famed team of Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart and the book by George Abbott. The musical was written in 1938 and is loosely based on Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors, a story of the mistaken identities of two sets of identical twins separated as infants and the havoc that ensues when they show up unknowingly in the same city years later. It features the popular songs; “This Can’t be Love,” “Falling in Love with Love” and “Sing for Your Supper.” Auditions will take place in the Studio Black Box Theatre in the Performing Arts Building. Over twenty five roles are available as well as many back stage jobs. Those interested are asked to prepare, that is memorize and rehearse, a one minute comedic monologue from a play and a song from a musical. Please bring printed piano music for the accompanist. A sign-up sheet is on the theatre call board in the Performing Arts Building hallway. Boys will rehearse Monday-Thursday from 3:30-6:30 PM beginning the 5th of February and performances are April 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th at 7 PM, April 21st at 2 PM in the COS Kenneth Ford Theater. Musical Director Elaine Schaefer picked the musical because of the fortune of having two sets of very talented twins in the musical theater program here. Sharon Swingle is directing and says of the fun, campy musical, “We will have a ‘swell’ time playing with the period slang and humor.” If you are interested in a back stage job--stagehand, stagemanager, lighting op, etc., contact the director, Sharon Swingle at 530.938.5351. If you have a question reguarding the musical aspect of the production please contact Elaine Schaefer the musical director at 530.938.5315.
AEGEON--The father of the two Antipholuses, (Antipholi?) he has spent seven years looking for them. He has not seen Antipholus of Syracuse since that time, he has not seen Antipholus of Ephesus since he was an infant.
ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS--A womanizing cad who expects too much from his long-suffering wife. A man of standing in the city - he is called 'Sir' - and uses his position of authority and money for having a good time with the good-time girls. He appears to change for the better. (Male, Baritone)
DROMIO OF EPHESUS--A doting slave who is dominated by his wife, Luce... you might even say “hen pecked.” He is worried for himself about coming home late with his master. (sings)
ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE--A nice guy and a little “nerdy.” He is completely thrown by the confusion all around him. He is comically led on by Adriana in her confusion, but is really smitten when he meets Luciana. (Male, Baritone)
DROMIO OF SYRACUSE—He is determined to catch a woman, but ends up being caught by Luce. (sings)
ADRIANA--A lonely wife, who is determined to make her husband the stay-at-home type. Has a history of nagging although can be sweet. (female, soprano)
LUCE--A dominating and abusive wife who demands attention. She also likes her man well under her thumb. Faithful servant to Adriana. (female, alto)
LUCIANA--More of a dreamer and a nerd than her sister, she idealizes about her perfect husband. She is attracted by the idea of being in love but is caught off guard when it happens. (female, soprano)
COURTESAN (COURTI)--A typical good-time girl who would secretly like to settle down. She wants to find an honest, reliable man. (female, alto)
TAILOR—He is the first victim of the mistaken identities, when two Antipholuses buy identical suits from him. (Male, Baritone) (Also Plays Townsperson/Chorus)
ANGELO--The local goldsmith who has made a chain for one Antipholus, only to find 'he' isn't wearing it, denies having had it and refuses to pay for it! Seems to be always hanging around. (Parts and Chorus)
SORCERER—An amateur street magician, but wholly believes in himself. VERY dramatic and probably crazy. (Chorus)
EMILIA—The Seeress. As a Deux ex Machina, she does not put in an appearance until the final scene and she puts the last piece in the jigsaw puzzle. Priestess of Zri Cult to give her comparable duties in the musical’s universe of 1938. (Chorus)
DUKE--Stern and a stickler for the rules, but he will sell mercy at a price. Likes his position and epaulettes. (Parts and Chorus)
SERGEANT—Loves Drama. (Parts and Chorus)
POLICEMEN--Sure they love a little crowd control, but what they really want is to have fun. They sing, dance and fraternize with the good-time girls. (Chorus)
CORPORAL—One of the Policemen. Dutiful. No lines (Chorus)
GOOD-TIME GIRLS—Always just a little tipsy, always giggling, and always together. Courti’s Entourage. May also play MAIDS (Chorus)
MAIDS—Work in Adrianna’s home. (Chorus)
TAILOR’S APPRENTICE—He is excitable and definitely ‘weirded out’ by all the strange goings on. (Also Plays Townsperson/Chorus)
MERCHANT OF SYRACUSE--Businessman, but secretly a cross-dresser. (Also Plays Townsperson/Chorus)
FATIMA--Secretary to Courti (Chorus)
MERCHANT OF EPHESUS—He is having a bad day and needs to get the money Angelo owes him. (Also Plays Townsperson/Chorus)
RADIO ANNOUNCER—Sets the tone of the play before each Act and reminds the audience about their cell phones, etc. (Also Plays Townsperson/Chorus)
“I Had Twins” – Sergeant, Aegean, Duke of Ephesus and Chorus
“Dear Old Syracuse” – Antipholus of Syracuse and Dromio of Syracuse
“What Do You Do With a Man?” – Dromio of Ephesus and Luce
“Falling in Love with Love” – Adriana
“The Shortest Day of the Year” – Adriana and Antipholus of Ephesus
“This Can't Be Love” – Antipholus of Syracuse and Luciana
“He and She” – Dromio of Syracuse and Luce
“You Have Cast Your Shadow on the Sea” – Antipholus of Syracuse
“Come With Me” –Sergeant, Angelo, Antipholus of Ephesus and Policemen
“Big Brother” – Dromio of Ephesus (or by both Dromios)
“ Sing for Your Supper” – Adriana, Luce, Luciana,
“Oh, Diogenes!” Courti, entourage, Chorus