Thalian Association Community Theatre will hold auditions for Children of Eden Jr, Saturday January 29 at 10 am. Auditions will be held at the Community Arts Center, 120 S. 2nd Street in downtown Wilmington. Children of Eden Jr. will be directed by Jen Iapalucci with music direction by Katie Deese. The production will run March 11 through March 20 at the Community Arts Center.
Audition Participants need to prepare 16 bars of a musical theatre style song to sing. Those wishing to audition may call 910-251-1788 to set up an audition time. If needed, callbacks will be that afternoon at 2 pm.
Synopsis:
From musical theatre greats, Stephen Schwartz and John Caird, comes a joyous and inspirational musical about parents, children and faith… not to mention centuries of unresolved family business! An expansive musical, Children of Eden JR. has plenty of roles and life lessons for everyone. Adam, Eve, Noah and the “Father” who created them deal with the headstrong, cataclysmic actions of their respective children. As generations pass, faith and loyalty are tested, but the bonds of family and love remain strong.
Father
Father is the all-knowing, all-powerful creator of the universe. Father has a larger-than-life persona and embodies an authoritative presence, balanced with a fair amount of humor and a sense of fun. Father truly loves his children but expects obedience and is not afraid to punish them if they don’t follow his wishes. Cast an excellent, advanced actor and a great singer in this role who can truly command the stage.
Vocal range top: G4
Vocal range bottom: Bb2
Adam/Noah
Adam/Noah should be a versatile performer. Adam embodies the excitement, wonder, and childlike innocence of mankind before the fall, and also the strength and persistence needed after they are expelled from the Garden. He should pair well and have a great relationship with Eve, since he will eventually choose her over Father. Noah is also the leader of his family but is a bit less serious, although he also must make a big decision that affects the lives of everyone he loves.
Vocal range top: Ab4
Vocal range bottom: Ab2
Eve/Mama
Eve/Mama must win over the audience’s hearts. Eve is bright, precocious, loving, and has an adventurous streak. Ultimately, her curiosity is what leads to her banishment, though she never stops loving Father. Her life gets harder after leaving the Garden, but Eve’s spark never fully goes out. Mama is more subtle than Eve, but has a deep strength that is evident in her love for her family. She honest, smart, and is not afraid to offer Noah her advice and opinions.
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: A3
Snake
The Snake (Snake 1, Snake 2, Snake 3, Snake 4, and Snake 5) lures Eve to the tree and ultimately convinces her to take a bite of the apple. This is a great place to put excellent movers or dancers who can make the Snake feel cohesive.
Gender: Any
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: A3
Young Cain
Young Cain is reminiscent of Eve in the Garden. He is curious, confident, and wants to know the answers to all his questions.
Vocal range top: Db4
Vocal range bottom: Gb2
Young Abel
Young Abel is gentle, sweet, and content with their life as a family, even without the Garden. He loves his parents and his brother and does not have the same need for answers as Young Cain.
Vocal range top: Db4
Vocal range bottom: Gb2
Cain/Japheth
Cain/ Japheth must be comfortable making strong choices onstage. Cain is passionate, curious, longs for adventure, and places the blame squarely at his parents’ feet for giving away his portion of the Garden. He is angry at Adam, Eve, Father, and the unfairness of his circumstances. He doesn’t return from beyond the waterfall with the intention to kill Abel – but, he allows rage to overtake him, and must endure the consequences. Japheth is more polished than Cain, though has a similar rebellious streak that almost results in the same tragedy. His love for Yonah is his driving force, and he is willing to risk everything in order for them to be together
Vocal range top: Ab4
Vocal range bottom: C#3
Abel/Ham
Abel/Ham should be able to create two completely different characters. Abel is gentle, thoughtful, and obedient. He would never cause trouble on his own, but he is caught between his love for his brother, Cain, and his love for his parents. Though Abel respects his parents and Father, Cain can usually find a way to convince Abel to follow him. Abel reflects Adam’s choice to leave the Garden, and his death is a turning point in the show. Ham is one of Noah’s sons, and Aphra’s husband. He wants to please Father, and is more mild-mannered than his brother Shem.
Vocal range top: E4
Vocal range bottom: F3
Seth/Shem
Seth/Shem should focus mostly on Shem. Seth appears onstage at an important time in the story, but does not speak or sing. Shem is the oldest of the brothers and rather hot-headed. Married to Aysha, he is the first to blame Yonah for the family’s problems aboard the ark.
Yonah
Yonah is a descendant of Cain who works as a servant for Noah’s family. While Yonah finds herself in unfortunate circumstances, she handles adversity with grace and strength. She is kind and selfless, and ultimately wins Father and Noah over with her goodness when Noah finally gives she and Japheth permission to wed.
Vocal range top: Eb5
Vocal range bottom: Ab3
Aysha
Aysha is a bit unhappy with their situation aboard the ark. Married to Shem, she also blames Yonah for their troubles, and isn’t afraid to let everyone know exactly what she thinks.
Aphra
Aphra is a bit of worrywart. Married to Ham, she worries about the flood, and how it will affect their growing family.
Ensemble
Ensemble consists of the Storytellers, Soloists, Seth’s Wife, and Animals.
