Words and Music by

Gerry Goffin and Carole King, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil

Book by

Douglas McGrath

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AUDITION NOTICE

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Information Meeting

Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 7:00 pm

 

Audition Times

Please arrive on time for check in, administration and incidentals. Each audition group will be needed for approximately 90 minutes.

·         Monday, November 18, 2024 – booking slots at 6 pm, 7 pm and 8 pm

·         Tuesday, November 19, 2024 – booking slots at 6 pm, 7 pm and 8 pm

·         Wednesday, November 20, 2024 – booking slots at 6 pm, 7 pm and 8 pm

·         Thursday, November 21, 2024 – booking slots at 6 pm, 7 pm and 8 pm

·         Monday, November 25, 2024 – booking slots at 6 pm (reserved for Gerry Goffin, Barry Mann, The Drifters, The Shirelles. See role requirements below.)

 

Callbacks

If needed, callbacks will be held:

Monday, November 25, 2024, at 8:30 pm

 

First Rehearsal

Thursday, November 28, 2024, at 7 pm

 

**NOTE: All auditions and rehearsals take place at Orpheus House, 17 Fairmont Avenue**

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Performances
All performances take place at Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe, 101 Centrepointe Drive

·         Friday, February 28, to Sunday, March 9, 2025

·         Performances start at 7:30 pm except on Sundays, when performances start at 2 pm

·         There will be no performance on Monday, March 3, 2025

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About the Show​

Beautiful tells the true story of Carole King’s meteoric rise to fame as one of the twentieth century’s foremost singer-songwriters. We are introduced to Carole when she is 16 and pitching her first song (“It Might As Well Rain Until September”) to New York music producer Don Kirshner. Soon after, she meets her future husband and creative collaborator, Gerry Goffin. In a musical whirlwind, the couple are married, King gives birth to their first child and the duo make a name for themselves in the music business, knocking out hit after hit.

 

However, while their careers are on the rise, Carole’s personal life falls apart when Gerry announces that he wants an affair. As Carole tries to negotiate marriage, adultery and personal happiness, she is supported by friends and playful rivals, Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann. Although they all compete for number one hits on the pop chart, Carole relies on their support to change her life and find her own voice. Set in the vibrant pop industry of the 1960s and early 1970s, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical features a tapestry of musical hits from the creative songwriting teams of King and Goffin, Weil and Mann.

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Audition Eligibility

All performers must be at least 18 at the time of audition. You must book an audition appointment. No walk ups are permitted.

 

Audition Booking and Inquiries

To book an audition, a link on this page will open as of:

·         October 28 – for Orpheus members

·         November 4 – Open for all

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General Orpheus Audition Notes

• Auditions are by appointment only.

• Please arrive a few minutes before your appointed time. The Production Assistants will support all those auditioning by providing forms, taking photos, submitting music for the accompanist, answering questions and generally keeping things organized. The audition form will also be available on the Orpheus website to print and fill out before arrival, if desired.

• All those auditioning will learn a short dance routine and perform it as a group for the directing team. The dance routine instructions will be available on the website. Following the dance audition, each person will sing and read individually. Sides – small sections of the script selected for the auditions – will be available on the website ahead of time and will also be provided at the audition. All three portions of the audition (Dancing, singing and reading) are mandatory for everyone.

• Please wear clothes and footwear that you can move in comfortably.

• You are encouraged to do your own vocal and physical warm-up prior to your audition.

• An accompanist will be provided for each audition. Those auditioning must bring a printed copy of their selected music and in their preferred key, with piano lines intact. Please do not expect the accompanist to transpose your piece. A capella auditions, self-accompaniment and karaoke tracks are not permitted. The Music Director might or might not do a vocal range check as part of the audition process.

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ROLES

 

CAROLE KING (Caucasian)

Seeking female identifying actor to play an aspiring singer/songwriter. A unique, appealing, funny and vulnerable girl from a Jewish family in Brooklyn. Talented, good natured, unassuming, and often the peace maker in difficult situations. A reluctant star with no pretense and a passion for music.

Age: 18 to 30 (Vocal range: Eb3 to Eb5)

 

GERRY GOFFIN (Caucasian)

Seeking male identifying actor to play Carole’s boyfriend, songwriting partner and eventual husband. Innately sympathetic, wounded and tortured. An ambitious artist always striving for more.

Age: 18 to 30 (Vocal range: D3 to A4)

 

BARRY MANN (Caucasian)

Seeking male identifying actor to play a songwriter who becomes romantically involved with Cynthia. He is good natured, appealing & neurotic. Ambitious, but likeable.

Age: 18 to 30 (Vocal range: C3 to A4)

 

CYNTHIA WEILL (Caucasian)

Seeking female identifying actor to play a songwriter who becomes romantically involved with Barry. Carole’s best friend. She is sophisticated, smart & chic with a quick wit. Although self-confident and sarcastic, she is also extremely likeable.

Age: 18 to 30 (Vocal range: G3 to E5)

 

DON KIRSCHNER (Caucasian)

Seeking male identifying actor to play an influential music publisher and producer. He is a fast talking, energetic force of nature. Powerful, direct & sometimes intimidating, but he has a real affinity for his writers and artists. A hit maker.

Age: 40 to 60 (Vocal range: A2 to C#4)

 

GENIE KLEIN (Caucasian)

Seeking female identifying actor to play Carole’s Jewish mother. Once an aspiring playwright, she has been broken down by life & her husband’s infidelity. Protective of Carole and unforgiving of her husband’s mistakes.

Age: 40 to 50

 

LEAD DRIFTER (Black)

Seeking a male identifying actor to play a member of the doo-wop group The Drifters.

(Vocal range: B2 to Eb5; Dance requirement: intermediate)

 

BACK-UP DRIFTERS (BIPOC)

Seeking a male identifying actor to play members of the doo-wop group The Drifters.

(Vocal range: B2 to C5; Dance requirement: intermediate)

 

LEAD SHIRELLE (Black)

Seeking a female identifying actor to play a member of the pop group The Shirelles.

(Vocal range: G3 to Db5; Dance requirement: intermediate)

 

BACK-UP SHIRELLES (BIPOC)

Seeking a female identifying actor to play members of the pop group The Shirelles.

(Vocal range: G3 to D5; Dance requirement: intermediate)

 

ENSEMBLE (any race)

Strong singers who move to play various parts in the show.

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Notes from the Director

Welcome, and thank you for your interest in auditioning for Beautiful: The Carole King Story. This musical not only showcases Carole King's iconic music but also tells a powerful story of resilience, ambition, and self-discovery. As you prepare for your audition, consider the central themes of the show: empowerment, authenticity, and the journey of finding one's voice. Carole's experiences are both personal and universal, and we want to see how you connect with these themes through your performance.

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It's important to recognize the context of the music industry during the 1960s and 70s, particularly how racial dynamics influenced the landscape. Carole’s collaborations with artists from diverse backgrounds, including the groundbreaking work with Black musicians, reflect the cultural exchange and social struggles of that time. As you prepare, think about how these connections enrich the story and how you can convey the importance of diversity in the musical landscape of that era.

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The characters are richly drawn and multifaceted. Carole King, our protagonist, is a complex figure whose journey from a young songwriter to a celebrated solo artist is filled with emotional highs and lows. As you prepare, think about how you can portray her vulnerability and strength. Other characters, such as Gerry Goffin and Cynthia Weil, also have unique arcs that contribute to the overall narrative. Bring your understanding of their relationships to your auditions.

The production is a collaborative effort. We’re looking for actors who are not only talented but also eager to work together as a cohesive ensemble. Emphasize your ability to collaborate and contribute to a supportive environment during your audition.

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One of the goals of this production is to create a meaningful connection with the audience. As you audition, think about how you can invite the audience into the story and make them feel the emotions behind the music. Your ability to connect with them will be an essential aspect of your performance.

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Notes from the Music Director

Choose a song that fits the style of the show that will best show off your singing abilities. Please prepare a 16-32 bar section of the song (e.g. one verse and one chorus) and provide piano accompaniment in a key that suits your voice. A pianist is provided, and you will sing with our pianist. No self-accompaniment, taped accompaniment or a cappella singing is permitted. If you are unable to obtain sheet music, please prepare a cut from the show, and we will have the score available in the room.

 

Notes from the Choreographer

A recording of the audition dance will be posted to the Orpheus website a week before the

auditions. Please do your best to review the dance before your audition so as to set yourself up

for success. The dance style of the show is mainly 1960s Motown, with a focus on Supremes and Temptations-like group numbers. Performers should be comfortable with movement and social dancing more than perfect technique. In your audition, focus on grooving and having fun.

 

Break a leg!

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Orpheus strongly encourages individuals from equity-seeking communities and intersecting identities to submit. Orpheus is committed to providing our teams with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment and fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace. Please advise us of any accommodation measures required which would enable you to audition.