Rock Island’s Circa ’21 Holding ‘Christmas Story’ Auditions
Rock Island’s Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse is thrilled to be producing A Christmas Story – The Musical. This is scheduled on the 10th anniversary of when the Tony-nominated Best Musical was first produced at the Rock Island theater in 2013.
Producer, Denny Hitchcock enthusiastically stated, “We are so happy to be producing this endearing, old fashioned holiday musical once again.” Adding to the excitement, he continued “and we are very happy to get Ashley Becher to direct this production and Ron May to once again serve as musical director.”
Denny Hitchcock founded and opened Circa ’21 in June 1977.
Becher and May collaborated as the directorial team on last year’s smash hit “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas,” as well as “Just Desserts.” Becher is “honored to bring another holiday classic to life.” She is especially “excited to have the opportunity to work with the talented Quad City youth at this professional level.”
Auditions for youth performers will be held by appointment starting at 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 14 and starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19. Call 309-786-7733 ext. 306 to schedule an appointment. All auditions and callbacks will be held at the downtown Rock Island theater, located at 1828 3rd Ave, Rock Island.
Becher and May are asking those auditioning to prepare 16-32 bars of a song from a golden age Broadway musical, or similar style. Singing from the show is welcomed. You must bring sheet music in the proper key. An accompanist will be provided. Performers should also bring a resume and photo, be prepared to read from the script, and dance, if asked to do so. Youth auditionees should bring tap and jazz shoes if they have them. A list of roles and requirements can be found at circa21.com/auditions.
Production dates for “A Christmas Story,” including two weeks rehearsal for the full cast are Oct. 26 through Dec. 30. Rehearsals for the youth cast, however, will begin mid-September. All roles in this professional production will be paid.
