Northwest Indiana Excellence in Theatre Foundation

By Don Hodgins
A Christmas Comedy
Directed by Wayne Puchkors

When & Where

Sunday October 22 2017 5PM to 7PM
Monday October 23 7PM to 9PM

Beatniks
418/420 Conkey St.
Hammond, IN 46324

Performance Dates

At Beatniks; 418/420 Conkey St.; Hammond, IN 46324

Friday, December 8, 2017, at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 9 at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 10 at 2:00 p.m.
Friday, December 15 at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 16 at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 17 at 2:00 p.m.

Synopsis

It’s Christmas Eve at the Willow Inn. Hosts Jenny and Tom are having Art (Jenny’s father who’s still mourning the passing of his wife) see their bed and breakfast for the first time. There’s a snowstorm raging outside and three travelers are forced to lodge at the inn and wait it out. Rudy and Marsha, who run a costume business together, and a mysterious but cheerful man who claims to be in the delivery business named Mr. Smith. Only the inn’s handyperson Andy sees who Mr. Smith really is, the spirit of Christmas. Andy must help him make Art, who’s been in a dark place for a very long time, see the joy of Christmas and who Mr. Smith really is!

Casting Requirements

5 men, 2 women
JENNY RYAN – Warm, friendly, a pragmatist.
TOM RYAN – A nice average guy, a dreamer, thinks himself to be quite the comedian, his humor is never biting or satirical.
ANDY – Mentally challenged, views the world in simple terms but is capable of surprising intuition because of his unique point of view.
ART CRAMER – Jenny’s father, a widower.
RUDY POZNARSKI – Big, brass, bold, but never obnoxious, has no etiquette or social grace.
MARSHA POZNARSKI – The very, very pregnant wife of Rudy.
MR. SMITH – A sophisticated, well dressed, middle-age gentleman, goodness personified, no facial hair.

Materials to Prepare

Nothing needs to be prepared. Auditions will include readings from the script.

Contact Information:

Director – Bobbie Sue Kvachkoff
Assistant Director – Jennifer Lundin
Musical Director – Christopher Haddad
Vocal Director – Madolyn Woodruff-Hedin
Choreographer – Stephen Sienicki

When & Where

Saturday, September 16th (Kids ages 7-14) 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Monday, September 18th 7:00 – 10:00 pm
Tuesday, September 19th 7:00 – 10:00 pm

Memorial Opera House
104 Indiana Ave
Valparaiso, IN 46383

Performance Dates

November 24 – December 10, 2017.
Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00, Sundays at 2:00

Synopsis

Beloved Region Favorite, “A Christmas Story, The Musical is based on the movie classic that runs round-the-clock on television every Christmas.
Set in the 1940’s in the fictional town of Hohman, Indiana, it follows 9-year old Ralphie and his quest for the Holy Grail of Christmas gifts–an Official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. All the iconic scenes from the movie are here: Ralphie’s friend, Flick, getting his tongue stuck to the flagpole; his brother, Randy, getting dressed in his snowsuit, the bullies, Farkus and Dill; the leg lamp award; the bunny suit, the Chinese restaurant; Christmas dinner; and many others.
A Christmas Story, The Musical will bring an exciting new dimension to those who have seen the movie and will certainly stand on its own for those who haven’t.
Book by Joseph Robinette. Music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Based on the motion picture A Christmas Story distributed by Warner Bros., written by Jean Sheperd, Leigh Brown and Bob Clark, and upon In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash written by Jean Shepherd, Produced with permission of Warner Bro. Theatre Ventures and Dalfie Entertainment.

Casting Requirements

Jean Sheperd/Narrator: Charismatic storyteller with a dynamic speaking voice who can draw an audience into the world of the play. Radio personality. He (like his younger self) has a twinkle in his eye. An actor with presence and spark. A good-natured curmudgeon. Midwestern. This is a non-singing role. Male, late 40s.

The Old Man: He has a good heart, but it is buried under a rough exterior. He’s not the perfect father by any means – he is happiest when he’s tinkering in the basement. He usually expects the worst but is secretly a dreamer. A devoted husband/father, who loves his family but does not feel the need to show it. Actor must be comfortable working with kids. High Baritone or tenor to a high G Late 30s-40s

Mother: She is more in charge than she would ever let anyone know. Warm but tough. Strong-willed, straightforward, no-nonsense, likable, Midwestern – a kind of every-mom. VOICE: contemporary mezzo with a strong mix, sings. Mezzo-Soprano low G to high Db 30s-40s

Ralphie: A regular kid – cute but not overly handsome, not precious. He wouldn’t be lost in a crowd, but he wouldn’t stand out either. Bright, but not precocious; the boy next door. Ralphie above all is a dreamer. Seeking a young boy who is comfortable and honest on stage. Must be an excellent singer and able to carry a show. High belter, low F# to high D. 9-12

Randy: Ralphie’s younger brother. Can be a bit awkward and offbeat; admires his big brother, Ralphie, but won’t admit it. Seeking a young boy who is comfortable and honest on stage, cute, cuddly, & whiny but not a brat. High belter, low F# to high C#

Miss Shields: She is Ralphie’s elementary school teacher. Perhaps a little boring looking at first –ah but underneath! Great with comedy. Character woman. An actress with a flexible voice who is comfortable singing both legit and contemporary Broadway – a belter. Great mover. Alto belter Mid 20’s–40’s

Scut Farcus: The classic bully; tough, perhaps taller than the other kids; there’s nothing about him you want to like. He’s that kid you always made sure to
avoid in school. Gruff character voice. Must be able to tap.

Grover Dill: Farcus’ toady, smaller

Santa: ill-tempered, inebriated, unhappy with his job. Tenor

Additional Roles for Children
Schwartz
Goggles Kid
Flick
Can-Can Girls
Esther Jane
Can-Can Girlfriend
Mary Beth
Waiter’s Daughter
Nancy
Kid Ensemble

Additional Roles for Adults
Elves
Flick’s Mom
Delivery Men
Nancy’s Mother
Townspeople (Men and Women)
Bartender
Prairie Ensemble
Policeman
Villain
Fireman
Bankrobbers
Doctor
Escaped Prisoner
Nurse
Mrs. Schwartz
Waiter
All adults need to sing and be comfortable with some dancing. Strong dancers also needed.

Contact Information:

When & Where

 April 8, 2018 5:00pm – 6:30pm
April 9, 2018 7:00pm – 8:30pm

Beatniks
418/420 Conkey St.
Hammond, IN 46324

Performance Dates

At Beatniks; 418/420 Conkey St.; Hammond, IN 46324

Fri. June 1 & Sat. June 2, at 8pm
Sun. June 3 at 2pm
Fri. June 8 & Sat. June 9 at 8pm
Sun. June 10 at 2pm

Synopsis

A comedy of four rollicking tales that take you on an around-the-globe journey of unexpected and hilarious twists and turns. By the time the evening is over and the moon works its magic, love will conquer all and your sides will ache from laughter.
From the author of Hallelujah Girls…if fact some of those same characters join in the fun!

Casting Requirements

Materials to Prepare

None – read from the script

Directors Notes

We may have a different director for each section of the play…will decide that after auditions.

Contact Information: