Auditions for the Nunsense Christmas musical, NUNCRACKERS will be held.

September 18th and September 20th from 6-9 pm at the Thomaston Opera House

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 6, 2023

Contact: Andrea Bingham, Production Manager

Administrative: (860) 283-8558

Box Office: (860) 283-6250

andrea@landmarkcommunitytheatre.org

Landmark Community Theatre will be holding auditions for the Nunsense Christmas musical, NUNCRACKERS, on September 18^th and September 20^th from 6 pm to 9 pm at the Thomaston Opera House.

Auditions will be on a first come, first served basis. No appointments are required. Auditions will run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. both days. Jeff Dunn will direct the show, with music direction by TJ Thompson, and choreography by Shelby Griffin. The show dates are December 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17 a total of 8 performances. Performances will be held on Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday afternoons at 2:00 p.m. Rehearsals will begin on Wednesday, September 27th and continue to be held 2-3 times a week. Rehearsal days are tentatively scheduled for Sunday, Monday and Wednesday evenings. Schedule may change based on cast availability.

Auditioners must bring sheet music with them and be prepared to sing 32 bars (about a minute) of a fully memorized musical theater song showcasing the style and vocal range of the character for which they are auditioning. Songs from NUNCRACKERS will be allowed. Additional vocalizing may also be a part of the audition to determine vocal range and harmonizing skills. An accompanist will be provided; no recorded accompaniment is permitted. Minimum age to audition is 8 years old.

LCT is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. As such, we encourage performers of all races and ethnicities, gender identities, sexualities, abilities, and ages to attend every audition. To performers with disabilities, you are encouraged to audition. Please indicate if you need special services, assistance, or appropriate modifications to fully participate in this event by contacting Andrea Bingham, Production Manager, andrea@landmarkcommunitytheatre.org

Plot Summary: The Nunsense Christmas Musical, NUNCRACKERS, is presented as the first TV special taped in the Cable Access Studio built by Reverend Mother in the convent basement. It stars the nuns you love, plus Father Virgil, and four of Mount Saint Helen’s most talented students. Featuring all new songs including Twelve Days Prior to Christmas, Santa Ain’t Comin’ to Our House, We Three Kings of Orient Are Us and It’s Better to Give than to Receive, this show is filled with typical NUNSENSE humor, some of your favorite carols, and a “Secret Santa” audience participation.

Character Breakdown: 

• REVEREND MOTHER MARY REGINA (Mother Superior of the Little Sisters of Hoboken) tries to be strict and keep order, but things often get out of her control. She grew up in a circus family and her “showbiz” background and sense of humor always shine through her attempt at creating a tough exterior.

• SISTER MARY HUBERT (Mistress of Novices) is second in command to Mother Superior. She wanted to be a nun all her life and at times finds it difficult to deal with problems she firmly believes are created by Mother Superior’s ineptness. She is very practical. She and Mother Superior have a healthy and humorous rivalry.

• SISTER ROBERT ANNE (streetwise nun from Brooklyn, New York) is one tough cookie but has a heart and soul of gold. The students love her because she “speaks their language.” She feels she has real theatrical potential and is constantly frustrated by Reverend Mother’s refusal to let her “star” in the show.

• SISTER MARY PAUL (aka AMNESIA, the nun who lost her memory) was hit on the head with a crucifix and for a long period didn’t remember who she was. Now, everyone knows she is Sister Mary Paul, a country singer who jump-started her recoding career as the first nun to appear at the Grand Ole Opry. Even though she has her memory back, she always seems to be a “little vacant” but innocently endearing.

• SISTER MARY LEO (novice in the first three shows who wants to be a ballerina) now has her black veil. She is very excited to be in the Christmas show because Reverend Mother has allowed her to dance in the Nutcracker Ballet. Sister Leo has dedicated her life to becoming the first famous nun ballerina.

• FATHER VIRGIL MANLY TROTT (Sister Mary Leo’s “real-life” brother) is a Franciscan Father of Fort Wayne and grew up in the Mississippi Delta where he and his sister were part of the Trott Family Singers. He now has his own radio show, and the sisters invited him to participate in the Christmas program because they knew he could give them pointers on presenting a good show.

• SISTER JULIA, CHILD OF GOD* is the notorious Convent Cook who, in the original Nunsense show, was responsible for the accidental poisoning of 52 sisters when she served some tainted vichyssoise soup. *This role is intended to be played by a male actor impersonating Julia Child.

• SISTER MARY WILHELM is the Convent Nurse. She appeared with the cast of Sister Amnesia’s… Jamboree when Reverend Mother was unable to “tour.” Before entering the convent she had appeared in some Beach Blanket movies and personally knows Frankie Avalon.

• BROTHER BRENDAN JOSEPH is a teacher at Mount St. Helen’s School and is thrilled to be part of the Nuncrackers cast.

• SISTER MARY LUKE (also a teacher at Mount Saint Helen’s) is grateful that Reverend Mother has allowed her to participate in the festivities.

• SISTER MARY CELESTE (a new novice) has recently entered the Little Sisters of Hoboken Convent.

• ENSEMBLE: 4 males and 4 females to play the featured students, Chorus members including stage manager, asm, crew members, priests, nuns.