MHT holds auditions for musical Aug. 27-28 | Arts & Culture

PADUCAH, KY (KFVS) - Paducah’s Market House Theatre is holding open auditions for the Ronald Dahl musical "Willy Wonka Jr." on August 27 and 28 at 5 p.m. in MHT’s Studio Theatre classroom located at 120 Market House Square.

The theatre says they need 24 to 36 actors and singers, ages 8 to 18.

"Willy Wonka Jr." follows enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whoever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. Featuring such classics as “The Candy Man”, “I Want It Now” and “Oompa Loompa," Willy Wonka Jr. is a scrumdidilyumptious musical guaranteed to delight everyone's sweet tooth.

Featuring star turns for both male and female performers, this 70-minute version of Willy Wonka is also rich with great roles for performers of every level. The show features over 24 speaking roles, meaning lots of opportunities for performers. The roles include:

• Wonka
• Charlie Bucket
• Mr. Bucket
• Mrs. Bucket
• Grandpa Joe
• Augustus Gloop
• Mike Teavee
• Violet Beauregarde
• Veruca Salt
• Mrs. Gloop
• Mr. Salt
• Mrs. Teavee
• Mrs. Beauregarde
• Candy Man
• Reporter Phineas Trout
• Grandma Josephina
• Grandma Georgina
• Grandpa George
• Oompa Loompas
• Squirrels
• Cooks
• Children

April Cochran, MHT’s Education Director will direct, with Cindy Miller as the show’s music director.

According to MHT, those auditioning will taught a short song from the show, as well as read from the script.   Not all characters are required to sing, there are a few non-singing roles. Additionally, those auditioning for chorus will sing in a small group. Auditionees will also participate in some simple theatre games. There is nothing to prepare in advance of auditions.

Perusal scripts are available at the theatre with a $10 refundable deposit.  Performances are November 8-11 and Nov. 16-18. There are also 3 weekday morning school matinees. No previous performing experience is needed, everyone is welcome to audition.

Those auditioning should bring a complete list of any schedule conflicts they might have between auditions and performances. Rehearsals are generally held Monday through Friday at 5 p.m. The show will rehearse during part of school fall break, some exceptions might be made.

For further information, contact Market House Theatre at 270-444-6828. The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, supports Market House Theatre with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

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