Written by Ben Cox – The historic Brownwood Lyric Theatre is holding auditions for not one, but two plays this Saturday, while preparing for another.
In the midst of rehearsals for The Odd Couple, which opens April 5th, the theatre will hold a casting call for its next two productions: Windows Home and the summer musical 9 to 5.
Windows Home is a first for the Lyric, a world premiere. This is the first time this show will have been produced.
Written by Bangs resident Bill Foster, it is set in the uncertain days of Vietnam. “Bill happens to be one of our board members here at the Lyric, and we are excited about this show” says Eric Evans.
The play follows two young people as they fall in love, and are separated by war. As Carl is sent off to fight in the jungles of Vietnam, Chrissie is at home waiting for his return
She moves into the family kitchen, because that is the only room with a window that faces Carls direction. The kitchen takes up half the stage, with the other half occupied by Carl in his POW cell, after he has been captured by the Vietcong.
The cast list calls for actors of all ages, from high school students to “lil ole church ladies” in their 60’s. There are 5 female and 10 male roles.
The show will be directed by Caitlyn Tidwell, who is returning to the directors chair at the Lyric for her third time. Tidwell directed Moon Over Buffalo and Last Night of Ballyhoo, and starred in Steel Magnolias, MASH, Annie, and many other productions.
9 to 5, made famous by the 1980 Dolly Parton movie, is set in the business world. Employees of Franklin Hart find him to be one of the worst possible men to work for, so they take action.
Full of hilarious, outrageous and surprising moments, as well as funny and familiar music, the show is guaranteed to have audiences singing along and holding their sides from laughter. All of the music for the stage play was written by Parton.
Directed by Lyric Artistic Director Nancy Jo Humfeld, it features a largely female led cast that has several opportunities, with 14 speaking roles as well as an ensemble.
Evans says he is excited for this show, because of the largely female cast. “We have not had a lot of that in recent years and these are very meaty parts. More than just the top three cast, the rest of the show is full of great characters.”
Auditions for Windows Home are Saturday starting at 11 a.m. Interested parties need only come prepared to read selections of the show, no prepared monologues are required.
9 to 5 auditions are at 2 p.m., and will require singing, acting, and dancing. Hopefuls are asked to bring their music if possible, a pianist will be on hand to accompany them. Comfortable shoes and clothing that you can move in are also recommended.
Windows Home runs two weekends, opening May 24th and closing June 2nd. 9 to 5 also runs two weekends, from July 12th through the 21st.
