Auditions for 110 in the Shade

The Royal Players will hold auditions for the summer production of 110 in the Shade, directed by Frank O. Butler, on May 15th at 10 a.m., and May 17th at 6:30 p.m., at the Royal Theatre, 111 S. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas. Production dates are July 8-11 and July 15-18.

110 in the Shade is the musical version of N. Richard Nash’s The Rainmaker, the popular 1954 play that centers on Lizzie Curry, a spinster living with her father and brothers on a ranch in the American southwest, and her relationships with local sheriff File, a cautious divorcé who fears being hurt again, and charismatic con man Bill Starbuck, posing as a rainmaker who promises the locals he can bring relief to the drought-stricken area. The musical’s book was written by Nash, who faithfully adapted his own play, with lyrics by Tom Jones, and music by Harvey Schmidt, the creative duo behind The Fantasticks, the world’s longest-running musical.

There are 2 female leads, ages 17-4; 5 male leads, ages 19-63; and various chorus roles, ages 8-68. There are a very limited number of children’s roles.

Actors should prepare one verse and the chorus from a musical number. Those with prepared numbers should bring sheet music or a CD. Those without prepared numbers should still be ready to sing. Cold readings will be from the script. There may be light choreography, so dress comfortably and wear appropriate footwear. Callbacks, if any, will be at the May 17th audition.

110 in the Shade originally opened on Broadway in 1963, and was nominated for 4 Tony Awards. It was revived in 1992 by the New York City Opera, and again in 2007 on Broadway, where it garnered 5 Tony Award nominations.

For more information, contact the theater at 501-315-LIVE (5483), or visit www.theroyalplayers.com.