Garrison Players Holds Auditions For February Musical Comedy

Garrison Players, the Dover area’s all-volunteer community theatre group, will hold open auditions for The Beckoning, an original musical comedy which holds a comedic mirror to today's political world, on Thursday, December 8 from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, December 10 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Featuring characters well-known from all sides of the political spectrum--politicians, candidates, pundits, protesters, terrorists, Tea Partiers, entertainers - the show is a fast-paced revue of musical political satire and much more. Imagine if "The Daily Show" merged with "The Capitol Steps," and you'll have a pretty good idea of what The Beckoning is about. Packed with song parodies, sketches, dance, fake broadcasts with faux commercials, it is a hilarious send-up of the state of the world today.

Dan Bernard, screenwriter and playwright for stage and radio, will be presenting his musical comedy The Beckoning as a benefit performance in collaboration with the Garrison Players in February 2012. Garrison Players is looking forward to working with Dan and producing this exciting new show. Dan enjoys bringing audiences an eclectic comedy experience, merging improvisers, "regular" actors, musicians, singers and other artists in unusual combinations, yielding a tasty product that serves a roomful.

The Beckoning calls for actors who are comfortable not only playing comedy, but doubling and tripling roles. All songs are parodies of well-known popular songs from the 1960's to today. This is a fun show that calls for a collaborative spirit, sense of play and an open mind.

Roles needed are: a large-ish guy to play Rush Limbaugh and/or Chris Matthews, among other smaller roles; two women to play Rachel Maddow (MSNBC host), an Occupy protester with monologue, and other smaller roles. Some dance is helpful for these main roles, and singing skills are necessary. Three to four other actors (two men, two women) with the ability to play comedy and various roles in one show are also needed. Singing is a real plus. A range of ages are suitable to these roles.

Garrison Players is a nonprofit, volunteer-based community theatre group dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the area by presenting high-quality theatrical performances geared for family audiences. Established in 1953, the players encourage people of all ages to enjoy and participate in the many facets of the performing arts; and to help maintain the Garrison Players Arts Center. For more information about auditions, shows, or the Garrison Players, visit the website at www.garrisonplayers.org.