Calliope Auditions: The Taffetas

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Calliope is accepting audition submissions for The Taffetas, a musical revue by Rick Lewis and Arthur Whiteclaw.

The Taffetas is a musical revue set in 1956. It spotlights four singing sisters performing on a nationally-televised program. They are convinced that Ed Sullivan is watching, and the big break they have been waiting for may be upon them! The sisters sing, dance, and banter through such numbers as "I'm Sorry," "Tammy," "Fly Me to the Moon," and "Where the Boys Are."

The Cast

Four sisters. No specific age is given, but they are young and interested in getting married in the mid-1950s, so probably mid-20s and younger. They must all have a keenly developed ability to sing harmony. Mostly one sister, Kaye (the eldest), does the lead melody while the others sing back-up harmonies throughout the show; although all singers have great solo opportunities.

There are four female roles (all sisters) for anyone who can play ages 18 to 40. Those auditioning must be able to read music and learn 4-part harmony. The roles include:

  • Kaye (a Mezzo) the oldest sister who is the "brains" of the group, a take-charge type
  • Peggy (a Mezzo) a sweetie pie who charms the men in the audience and is a ladylike homemaker
  • Cheryl (Mezzo/Alto) lovable and simple, a sex kitten, but sings like an angel
  • Donna (Mezzo/Alto) loves Chevy convertibles & masked men, and is perky, with a tomboyish quality that makes her humorous

The Director

John Leslie will be the stage director and Music Director for the show. For Calliope Productions in the past, John has directed “Oliver,” “Annie,” Grand Night for Singing” and other revues.

The Rehearsals

Rehearsals will be held on Sunday afternoons, Monday & Wednesday nights, beginning in mid-February (as soon as rehearsal materials are available).

This is a 4-person ensemble show, and attendance by all 4 is required at all scheduled rehearsals.

The Performances

Performances are at 7:30pm, with the exception of Sundays, which are at 2pm.

Thu. May 19, Fri. May 20, Sat. May 21, Sun. May 22, Fri. May 27, Sat. May 28, Sun. matinee May 29 (NOTE: This is Memorial Day weekend. There is no opportunity to miss a performance due to holiday time away.)

Auditioning

Preliminary auditions are by electronic submission only. Please read below, and prepare what is required.

Submit no later than January 30.

Submissions will be reviewed by the show’s artistic staff.

Selected candidates will be scheduled for live “call-back” auditions.

“Call-back” auditions will be either the last week of January or the first week of February, and will consist of 1) a prepared live vocal solo from the show, 2) singing prepared harmony with other candidates and 3) script reading.

Submission Requirements

 
Form and Video submission deadline: January 30.

"Call-back" auditions will be held at Calliope's performance facility at 150 Main Street, Boylston, MA 01505. See directions and maps.