Red, Hot, and Cole!

Book by James Bianchi, Muriel McAuley, and Randy Strawderman. Music and Lyrics by Cole Porter

Directed by Jim Chiolino // Music Director, Erin Crabb // Choreographer - Cindy Severt

MTG invites you to the "swellegant" theatrical party, Red, Hot, & Cole! from the scores of Anything Goes, Kiss Me Kate, High Society, and Can-Can, Red, Hot & Cole! bubbles with songs that have become international standards. The play traces the rise to superstardom of Broadway’s greatest wit, the irrepressible Cole Porter, through delightful repartee and revealing anecdotes from his nearest and dearest. You’ll leave the theater humming!

Produced by Madison Theatre Guild at Bartell Theater's Drury Stage, 113 E. Mifflin St. , Madison

Performances: January 10-25, 2014

Performance Times:
Friday, Jan 10 - 7:30 pm
Saturday, Jan 11 - 7:30 pm
Thursday, Jan 16 - 7:30 pm
Friday, Jan 17 - 7:30 pm
Saturday, Jan 18 - 7:30 pm
Sunday, Jan 19 - 2:00 pm
Thursday, Jan 23 - 7:30 pm
Friday, Jan 24 - 7:30 pm
Saturday, Jan 25 - 7:30 pm

Ticket Prices: $20

Call 608-661-9696 (Bartell Box Office) for reservations or more information.

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Auditions

Auditions will probably be held on the following days:

10/15/2013
10/16/2013

Madison Theatre Guild is looking for actors for its Jan. 10 – Jan 25, 2014 production of this musical revue that tells the story of Cole Porter, his life, and his music. Jim Chiolino is our Stage Director; Erin Crabb is our Music Director; and Cindy Severt is the Choreographer. Performances will take place on the Drury Stage at the Bartell Theatre (113 E. Mifflin Street, Madison).

Auditions: Auditions will be held on October 15 and 16, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. each night at the MTG Firehouse, 2410 Monroe Street, Madison.

What to prepare: Please prepare a Cole Porter song of your choice. Please have your music clearly marked and in a 3-ring binder with pages copied back to back. A professional accompanist will be provided. A cappella auditions are strongly discouraged. You may also be asked to read from the script. Please also be prepared for a dance audition. There will definitely be movement in this show!

Schedule: In general, rehearsals will be Sunday through Thursday evenings from 7 pm to 10 pm. Rehearsals will begin November 11. We will have limited rehearsals over the holiday weeks). Performances are Jan 10 – Jan 25, with shows Thursday through Saturday nights at 7:30 pm and a Sunday matinee on Jan 19 at 2 pm.

Special Notes: Casting actors who can sing and move. Also castng a few strong dancers to be highlighted. Please bring tap shoes if you can tap. Experienced ballroom couples are encouraged to audition.

Bring your calendar to the auditions so you can note any conflicts on the rehearsal schedule at that time.

Characters:

The script calls for 13 actors (7 M, 6 W), most of whom play multiple roles. We are not casting look-alikes, but actors should be able to suggest their various characters. We may modify the scripted casting, if need be (for example, Actress 1 may not play both Merman and Maxwell). Breakdown, according to the script:

Actor 1 – Cole Porter (F3-A5), 20-40, “elfin.” Must play 20 to 70. Piano playing a plus, but not necessary.
Actress 1 – Elsa Maxwell, Ethel Merman (A3-F5), 30-50.
Actor 2 – Paul, Young Man (B3 – G5), Lyric tenor or high baritone, 20-35.
Actress 2 – Irene Castle, Principal Dancer (B3-F5), strong dancer, actor – 25-45.
Actor 3 – Clifton Webb, George Kaufman, Noel Coward, etc. (B3-F5), versatile actor, patter songs, 35-50s.
Actress 3 – Sara Murphy, Dorothy Parker, Hedda Hopper (B3-B5), strong singer & actress 30-50.
Actor 4 – Dancer/Singer (B3-D5), strong in tap, jazz, small roles. Any age.
Actress 4 – Linda Porter (F3-F5), pretty, slightly older than Cole, ideally. Excellent soprano. 30-50-ish.
Actor 5 – Moss Hart, dancer (B3-F5), Strong dancer, tap, Astaire qualities. 25-40s.
Actress 5 – Bricktop (G3-G6), African American. Jazzy sense of movement & vocal style. 20s-40.
Actor 6 – Monty Woolley, Ray Goetz (B3-F5). Strong character actor. Late 30s to 50s.
Actress 6 – Starlet (B3-B5). Dancer who sings. 20-35.
Waiter – May also be part of chorus numbers & dancing. Young. Probably male, but could be female.

Casting Decisions: Casting decisions will be made as soon as possible. Please be patient. We will contact everyone by phone or e-mail. In addition, the cast list will be posted on Madison Theatre Guild website shortly after people are notified. Email Jim Chiolino, jim.chiolino@madisontheatreguild.org, with any questions.