April 14, 2023
I’m thrilled to announce, in what appears to be a business casual way, that I’m Directing & Music Directing Beautiful: The Carole King Musical in the McCreary Theatre at The Green Room. Auditions are in June. The show opens the …
October 4, 2022
Hi, Peeps! Just a quick heads up before the holidays that I’m Directing & Music Directing Last Stop on Market Street in the McCreary Theatre at The Green Room. Auditions are in January. The show goes up in March.
This is a unique opportunity to sing & rap; to perform Hip-Hop, R&B & Jazz in a musical similar in style to In the Heights.
It’s a six-person, ensemble cast; four of which play 17 different characters combined!
This new musical is based on the best-selling book by Matt de la Pena / Illustrated by Christian Robinson.
It’s The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air situation in reverse! Six-year-old CJ is (reluctantly) staying with his (extremely over-the-top) Nana, in a world considerably different from the one he’s used to (his phone and tablet). The disagreeable (and let’s just admit it, whiny) child is dragged on a bus ride that’s loud and gritty, and weird. Guided by his veritable force-of-nature Nana, CJ travels a little closer to his roots and sees that things are not always what they seem. This is one hip-hop, eclectic, heart-thumpin’, toe-tappin’ joy ride.
It was adapted for the stage by Cheryl West with Music & Lyrics by Lamont & Paris Dozier.
Trivia! Lamont Dozier was a singer, songwriter, and record producer from Detroit. He co-wrote and produced 14 US Billboard number-one hits and four number-ones in the UK, including “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)” and “Stop in the Name of Love.”
The band’s in place and will perform onstage with the actors We’ve got an all-star creative team that I’m very excited to work with. For more information, check out the info and links below, including character descriptions and what to expect at auditions.
— Jeff Hartman, Hickory Arts Artistic Director
Auditions for Last Stop on Market Street will be held at The Green Room on Sunday, January 15 from 7 pm & Monday and January 16 from 7 pm with possible callbacks on Tuesday, January 17 from 7 pm.
Auditions will include singing and dancing. Please dress comfortably for your dance audition.
Please prepare 32 bars; preferably from (but not limited to) Last Stop on Market Street. Other shows with songs similar in style would be In the Heights, Hamilton, Rent, Bring It On, etc.
Suggested 32-bar selections from Last Stop on Market Street are available here:
*Any can be used for any character
Nana… Praise the Lord Download | Watch
CJ… Que Descanses Download | Watch
Ensemble Male 2 / Tatman… Whatcha Lookin’ At Download | Watch
Ensemble… Serving Up Love Download | Watch
An accompanist will be provided. Do not bring your own accompanist.
The Green Room
Old Post Office Playhouse
10 South Main Avenue
Newton, NC 28658
828-464-6583
thegreenroomtheatre.org
Jeff Hartman… Director & Music Director
Gina Duckworth & Holley Dagenhardt… Choreography
Karen McGuire… Stage Manager
Rachael Morris… Technical Director
John David Brown, III… Costumes
Rose Goodrich… Lighting Designer
Coble Hartman… Sound Engineer
Monday-Thursday from 7 pm to 9 pm beginning Monday, January 23
TECH
(Call is 1 hour before Curtain)
Saturday, March 11 from 3 pm – Sitzprobe
Sunday, March 12 from 7 pm – Dress Tech
Monday, March 13 from 7 pm
Tuesday, March 14 from 7 pm
Wednesday, March 15 from 7 pm
Thursday, March 16 from 7 pm
(Call is 1 hour before Curtain)
Friday, March 17 from 7:30 pm
Saturday, March 18 from 7:30 pm
Sunday, March 19 from 3 pm
Tuesday, March 21 — Three Morning Performances; 9 am, 10:45 am & 12:30 pm
Friday, March 24 — Three Morning Performances; 9 am, 10:45 am & 12:30 pm
Friday, March 24 from 7:30 pm
Saturday, March 25 from 7:30 pm
Sunday, March 26 from 3 pm followed by Strike
PRODUCERS NIGHT: Tuesday, March 21 from 7 pm
Nana Teacake
Afro-Cuban, African American, or Hispanic
Age: 50
Actor Play Age: 36 & up
Songs: 96 Hours (Welcome to the Neighborhood) / ‘Cause I Said So / Que Descanses (Sleep Well) / Praise the Lord / Serving Up Love / Finale (Welcome to the Neighborhood Reprise)
CJ
Nana’s Grandson (or Granddaughter)
African American or Hispanic
Age: 7
Actor Play Age: 7-15
Songs: 96 Hours (Welcome to the Neighborhood) / ‘Cause I Said So / Que Descanses (Sleep Well) / Serving Up Love / Finale (Welcome to the Neighborhood Reprise)
ENSEMBLE
NOTE: Except for Nana and CJ, the four additional actors (two males and two females) play the rest of the characters. All will be required to sing, dance, and hopefully play instruments.
Ensemble Male 1
Neighborhood Occupant / Stay-at-Home Dad / Mr. Dennis (Bus Driver)
Age: 18 & up
Songs: 96 Hours (Welcome to the Neighborhood) / Praise the Lord / Whatcha Lookin’ At / Beat of Life / Serving Up Love / Finale (Welcome to the Neighborhood Reprise)
Ensemble Male 2
Neighborhood Occupant / Baker & Bible Man / Tatted Man / Vernon *Plays an instrument / Mr. Chow
Age: 18 & up
Vocal Range: Must have a strong Falsetto for “Tatman”
Songs: 96 Hours (Welcome to the Neighborhood) / Praise the Lord / Whatcha Lookin’ At / Beat of Life / Serving Up Love / Finale (Welcome to the Neighborhood Reprise)
Ensemble Female 1
Neighborhood Occupant / Woman with Purse / Madam Butterfly / Softball Girl / Posey
Age: 18 & up
Songs: 96 Hours (Welcome to the Neighborhood) / Praise the Lord / Whatcha Lookin’ At / Beat of Life / Serving Up Love / Finale (Welcome to the Neighborhood Reprise)
Ensemble Female 2
Neighborhood Occupant / Kid on Scooter in Church Clothes / Softball Girl / Jojo
Age: 16 & up
Songs: 96 Hours (Welcome to the Neighborhood) / Praise the Lord / Whatcha Lookin’ At / Beat of Life / Serving Up Love / Finale (Welcome to the Neighborhood Reprise)
*Casting is relative. Don’t be afraid to audition against what’s suggested. It may give the creative team new ideas and a different perspective. Show us what ya’ got!
Jeff Hartman… Keys
Chris Mayhew… Drums
Jackson Sigmon… Electric Bass
David Wortman… Saxophone
June 1, 2021
“There are no small parts, only small… Shakespeares?” I’m sure I got that quote wrong but with auditions for Hickory Theatre’s production of “Something Rotten! this week, let’s talk ENSEMBLE. Before you circle “No” at “Would you accept any role?”—consider what …
May 12, 2021
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July 9, 2020
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February 4, 2020
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August 26, 2019
30 Years in the MakingHigh School Theatre Alumni Reunite to Tackle Steve Martin & Edie Brickell’s Bright Star NEWTON – From the suburbs of New Jersey to the foothills of North Carolina, a powerhouse pair of creative minds began their …