Marion Palace Theatre Executive & Artistic Director Tina Salamone announces that summer 2011 will see not one but two musicals produced on the Palace stage. The historic theatre will present ‘60’s dance-rich hit Hairspray in July and the world premiere of The Singin’ Cowboy in August.
“One of the things the board wanted to see was increased opportunities for local performers, designers and technicians,” Salamone said. “While we are also adding opportunities throughout the year, doing two shows in the summer is an obvious solution. We’re thrilled to announce two very different shows that will not only delight the loyal Palace theatre patron but reach out to some show specific devotees as well.”
Simply increasing the number wasn’t the only factor in choosing the first two shows of the 2011-12 Palace season. “Since she has traditionally directed the first show of the season,” Salamone explained, “I asked Clare Cooke to give me the short list of shows that she wanted to do. From that list, we picked the one that made the most sense to connect to other shows that we’re presenting throughout the year.”
“We’ve reached a point where many of our talented kids have grown up on the Palace stage,” Cooke said. “They’ve had a lot of training and experience and are ready to perform in a show like Hairspray. For me, it’s a throw-back to the 60’s, when it was a fun and exciting time to be a teen-ager. Kristi [Wink, choreographer] wanted a high-energy and challenging dance show. Therefore, Hairspray seemed like the perfect choice.”
Based on the 1988 John Waters film Hairspray, the songs include 1960s-style dance music and "downtown" rhythm and blues. In 1962 Baltimore, Maryland, plump teenager Tracy Turnblad's dream is to dance on The Corny Collins Show, a local TV dance program based on the real-life Buddy Deane Show. When Tracy wins a role on the show, she becomes a celebrity overnight. She then launches a campaign to integrate the show. Hairspray is a social commentary on the injustices of parts of American society in the 1960s. Later made into a film starring John Travolta, Hairspray won 8 Tony Awards during its original Broadway run, including Best Musical. Performances will be July 9, 10, 15, 16 & 17.
Marion audiences will be the first to see and hear The Singin’ Cowboy when the world premiere opens on August 12. Other performance dates are August 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21. The romantic comedy is an homage to the great characters of movie Westerns, particularly those with a penchant for strumming and humming. It tells the tale of our hero named Singin’ who sets out to capture and bring to justice the fiercest outlaws in the land, Tumbleweed Tammy and her bumbling gang.
“All of the characters, whether they’re in white hats or black hats, are well-drawn with rich, funny dialogue,” Salamone said. “The tunes will get your toes tapping and the lyrics are razor-sharp. It’s hard to get through a work session without having to take a laughing break.”
Roles are available in all age ranges and ethnicities for both shows.
Those interested in auditioning for Hairspray should come to the May Pavilion at the Marion Palace Theatre on either Saturday, May 21 or Sunday, May 22 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Those desiring a lead role should come with a solo prepared; an accompanist will be provided. Those wanting to participate in the chorus only will audition in groups. Children ages 6 and up will also audition in groups. Learning choreography will be part of the audition process as well so come dressed to participate in dance numbers. Those desiring speaking parts will also read from the script.
Auditions for The Singin’ Cowboy will be held on June 4 and 5. Auditions for this world premiere will begin at 1PM on either Saturday, June 4 or Sunday, June 5 in the May Pavilion at the Marion Palace Theatre. Auditions will not go past 4PM. Those interested in principal roles should have an up tempo song prepared, and bring sheet music in the appropriate key; an accompanist will be provided. Those seeking lead roles will also sing from the show and read from the script. Participants interested in ensemble only will audition in groups. Come dressed to move as everyone will learn a dance combination. Bring jazz shoes if available; socks or footies if they are not.
For more information, please call 740-383-2101.
