April 6, 2004

OPEN AUDITIONS ANNOUNCED FOR PRODUCTION OF THE FANTASTICKS

The Strand Theater Initiative announced today that Nathan Brewer, Founder and Artistic Director of The Westminster Conservatory Actors Company in Princeton, NJ, is returning to Zelienople, PA to direct a special production of The Fantasticks.  Auditions for this production will take place Saturday, April 17th, at Noon and Tuesday, April 20th, 6:30pm at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Strobel Hall.  Address is 215 North Main St., Zelienople. The musical will be presented at the church hall from June 10 – 13 and 17 – 19, 2004. 

The following roles will be cast for this production:  El Gallo - Male (20-50) High Baritone, Strong Vocalist, Powerful; Luisa – Female (16-25) Soprano, Naïve, Attractive; Matt – Male (16-25) Baritone, Naïve, Attractive; Hucklebee – Male (30-60), The Boy’s Father, Baritone; Bellomy – Female (30-60) The Girl’s Mother, Alto; The Mute – Male or Female, Any Age, Physical, Expressive; Mortimer – Male (30-50), Dry, Comedic; Henry – Male (60+), Comedic.

Additionally, the production is seeking a Harpist willing to donate his/her talent for the production.

Performers should come prepared with a musical selection of their choosing as well as a monologue.  Dress should be appropriate for ease of movement as they may be asked to perform selections of the musical as part of the audition process.

Mr. Brewer is a talented director and choreographer.  As the Founder and Artistic Director of The Westminster Conservatory Actors Company in Princeton, he teaches two musical theatre courses and has directed productions of Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?, Pippin, The Fantasticks, Sweeney Todd and others.  Mr. Brewer was an intern for the Off-Broadway Cherry Lane Theatre and the resident directing intern for the Hedgerow Theatre in Media, PA.  He resides in New York City, where his season currently includes productions of Baby with the Bathwater & Hello Again.

Proceeds from performances of The Fantasticks will benefit The Strand Theater Initiative, a non-profit group dedicated to the revival of The Strand Theater in Zelienople as North Pittsburgh’s premiere performing arts, education and community outreach center.