Kentwood Players will hold auditions for the 1998 Tony Award-winning musical “RAGTIME” with book by Terrence McNally, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and music by Stephen Flaherty on Saturday, January 12, 2013 from 11 am to 4pm and on Sunday, January 13 from 6 pm to-9.

Callbacks will be on Monday, January 14 from 7 pm to 10 at the Westchester Playhouse, located at 8301 Hindry Avenue, Westchester.

Production dates are March 15 to April 20, 2013 for a six-week run on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm with Sunday matinees at 2pm. The production is directed by Susan Goldman Weisbarth, with Musical Director Bill Wolfe, Choreographer Victoria Miller, and produced by Margie Bates and Gail Bernardi by special arrangement with Music Theatre International.

Ragtime is the quintessential American musical. It paints a powerful portrait of life at the turn of the century. Three stories are woven together that poignantly illustrate the struggle Americans faced dealing with class, race, money and justice in a country still struggling to find balance as they moved from the 19^th to the 20^th century.

The cast is multi-ethnic/multi-racial of 24 actors including 3-4 children. The entire ensemble sings. All cast members must have strong voices, be able to sing harmony and be able to move well. African-American ensemble members must also be able to dance well.

There are three ensembles giving most actors opportunities to play a number of smaller parts with lines that will be cast during rehearsals including the roles of Admiral Perry, Stanford White, Harry K. Thaw, Willie Conklin, Judge, train conductor, people of New Rochelle/Harlem/Union Square, Jewish immigrants, factory workers, demonstrators, newsboys, reporters, Coalhouse’s Men etc.

Please come to the auditions prepared with headshot and resume, 16 bars of any song from the musical theatre literature including “Ragtime.” Piano accompanist will be provided.

Rehearsal schedule will be posted in the lobby during the audition period, so please bring your calendar to list scheduling conflicts. It is strongly recommended that you listen to the CD prior to your audition. For further information, please contact Director Susan Goldman Weisbarth at ragtime@kentwoodplayers.org.

Press Release for “RAGTIME” auditions

Kentwood Players at Westchester Playhouse