Kentwood Players Auditions for “Once On This Island”
Kentwood Players will hold open auditions for the Tony Award-winning musical ONCE ON THIS ISLAND.
Book and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens.
Music by Stephen Flaherty.
The Tony Award-winning musical ONCE ON THIS ISLAND is based on the 1985 novel “My Love, My Love” or The Peasant Girl by Rosa Guy and tells the tale of Ti Moune, a fearless peasant girl who falls in love with a wealthy boy from the other side of the island.
When their divided cultures keep them apart, Ti Moune is guided by the powerful island gods, Erzulie, Asaka, Papa Ge, and Agwe, on a remarkable quest to reunite with the man who has captured her heart. Bursting with Caribbean colors, rhythms and dance, the story transforms the reality of a tropical village devastated by a storm into a fantastical world alive with hope.
Auditions in Los Angeles:
Saturday, March 16 from 10:00am to 1:00pm and Sunday, March 17 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Westchester Playhouse, 8301 Hindry Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90045.
Callbacks will take place by appointment only on Monday, March 18 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm.
More information:
This is a non-equity, all-volunteer production Produced by Elijah Green, Martin Feldman, Susan Weisbarth, and Alison Boole for Kentwood Players with rights secured from Music Theatre International.
Performance dates are Friday, May 10 through Saturday, June 8, 2024, on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm, and Sundays at 2:00pm. Saturday matinees at 2:00pm will be added on March 23 and continue through the rest of the run. There may be some Wednesday matinee performances. There will be no performances over Memorial Day Weekend (May 24 – 26).
No appointments are necessary to audition; please arrive to allow time to sign-in and complete paperwork during scheduled audition times. Be prepared to sing 32 bars of a Disney or contemporary musical theater song. If bringing sheet music, please bring in the correct key. Singing a capella and/or singing Happy Birthday is also acceptable for younger roles. Please bring a current headshot and resume as well as your calendar as a rehearsal schedule will be posted and you will be asked to note any conflicts.
For more information, please send an email to Island@kentwoodplayers.org.
See more at: https://kentwoodplayers.org/auditions.aspx
Roles:
Ti Moune: Lead. Female. 19-25. Ethnicity: POC
A spirited dark-skinned peasant girl who has been adopted. She is brimming with curiosity, earnestness, and energy. Falls tragically in love with Daniel. Strong singer; dance background a plus.
Little Girl / Little Ti Moune: Supporting. Female, 7-11. Ethnicity: POC
A frightened, as well as a spunky, young girl who enjoys running and playing around the island. Great acting skills, exceptional dancer or gymnast, beautiful singing voice and a dynamic stage presence. Note: There is no mature or emotionally difficult content in this musical. Child monitors will be provided; parents or guardians are encouraged at rehearsals and performances.
Daniel Beauxhomme: Lead. Male. 19-25. Ethnicity: POC
A pale-skinned member of the ruling class. Torn between his duty to his caste and his love for Ti Moune. Strong singer.
Agwe: Lead. Male. 22-55. Ethnicity: POC
The God of Water. He is strong, clever, and compassionate. Manipulates rain and the ocean to meet the needs of the island community – and stir up chaos when he sees fit.
Erzulie: Lead. Female. Ethnicity: POC
The Goddess of Love, beautiful and elegant with a strong belief in the power of love. She has a sympathetic heart and extends a lot of grace towards Ti Moune on her journey. Strong singer.
Papa Ge: Lead. Any gender. 30-55. Ethnicity: POC
The Demon of Death, the story’s main antagonist. Determined to prove that death will prevail over love. Lithe, mysterious, and sinister. Strong singer. Dance background a plus.
Asaka: Lead. Gender Non-Conforming, Trans female. 25-55. Ethnicity: POC
The Mother of Earth. Nurturing and vivacious. Emboldens Ti Moune in her quest for true love. Strong belt.
Mama Euralie: Supporting. Female. 25-55. Ethnicity: POC
Ti Moune’s adoptive mother. She loves her family fiercely, and is willing to do whatever is necessary to keep them safe. Strong singer.
Tonton Julian: Supporting. Male. 25-55. Ethnicity: POC
Ti Moune’s adoptive father. Content with the life he has created alongside his family, even as he accepts that Ti Moune must go beyond their village to find herself. Strong singer.
Andrea Deveraux: Supporting. Female. 19-25. Ethnicity: POC
Daniel’s betrothed. A light-skinned member of the ruling class who belittles and ostracizes Ti Moune in order to win Daniel’s heart and secure her future. Strong singer.
Armand Beauxhomme: Supporting. Male. 25-55. Ethnicity: POC
Daniel’s light-skinned stern upper-class father. Sympathetic to his son’s divided loyalties, but ultimately adamant that he stick to his own caste to protect the family’s wealth. Doubles as Armand and the Gatekeeper. Strong singer.
Ensemble/Storytellers: Any gender. 25-55. Ethnicity: POC
Various members of Ti Moune’s island community. They are a crucial part of bringing color, life, and weight to the story. Strong singers. Strong dance, gymnastics background a plus. Strong instrumentalists also encouraged to apply.
