Written by Artistic Director Chris Alleman
Monday, we hit the ground running. Up at 7 am, auditions started at 9 am. We arrived at Pearl Studios to find the nicest of young men from Actor’s Equity helping us out. George was great. We saw about 10 people every 20 minutes…..for a total of just over 100 people on day one of EPA’s (Equity Principle Actors for those who might not know). We saw actors for all our remaining 2019 season shows (Tell Me on a Sunday, Mamma Mia!, Barefoot in the Park, Tiny Beautiful Things).
With the initial auditions wrapping at 5 pm – former LDTC performer Jessica Ice (2016’s Cabaret), took over for our dance call. She put the group through a rigorous callback with a song from Mamma Mia!. Man was that room sweaty after she was done….but everyone had a great time and we all saw some really great movement.
At 5:45 we were a wrap for Day One (of auditions, that is). Off to Dinner with the Producers…..a nice quiet dinner at The Striphouse on 44th street.
We caught the 8 pm showing of the 2013 Tony Award Winning Best Musical – Kinky Boots. Josh and I had been avoiding this show for a few years – not for any specific reason – other than it just wasn’t ever a priority for us. The cast was stellar – Callum Francis was astonishing (not to mention BEAUTIFUL) as Lola. The group had a really great time. Despite the title, Kinky Boots is a great family show with a wonderful message!
We wrapped at 11:15 pm with drinks at Bourbon Street and decompressing about the day.
On to day two of auditions….