Memorial Opera House Presents
Auditions for Disney’s The Little Mermaid
Monday, December 18, 2023
7PM
Memorial Opera House
104 Indiana Ave. Valparaiso, Indiana
Auditions: Monday, December 18th at 7pm and Tuesday, December 19th at 7pm at Memorial Opera House, 104 Indiana Ave, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383. Callbacks (as needed): Wednesday, December 20th at 7pm in the Roosevelt Room.
Director: Vicki Zimmerman
Assistant Director and Vocal Director: Kelly Staton
Choreographer: Jordyn Romersberger
We request that you sing a song of your choice (16 measures or less). Please provide sheet music for the accompanist. Acapella auditions will not be accepted.
We accept video submissions, due via email not later than 5pm on Tuesday, December 19th.
For any questions regarding the audition or production, or to submit a video audition please email MOH Production Manager, Vicki Zimmerman: vzimmerman@memorialoperahouse.com
Performances: March 7th through March 24th (12 performances Thurs. - Sun.).
Rehearsals: Rehearsals begin Wednesday, January 3rd at Memorial Opera House. Rehearsals will take place Monday through Thursday from 7 pm to 10 pm.
Show Synopsis:
Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney's The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. With music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including "Under the Sea," "Kiss the Girl" and "Part of Your World."
Ariel, King Triton's youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above, bargaining with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems, and Ariel needs the help of her colorful friends, Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea.
Casting Requirements: All roles are open for those of all identities and ethnicities aged 11 or older. All levels of dancing abilities are encouraged to audition.
We are seeking ~ 17 - 25 actors.
Roles:
ARIEL - Ariel is a strong-willed teenaged mermaid who longs to be human. She possesses a keen curiosity for the world both under and above the sea – much to the chagrin of her father, King Triton. Bighearted, she’s more accepting of and delighted by others’ differences than most of her fellow merfolk, but she also has a rebellious streak that can get her into trouble. Mezzo soprano. MUST be able to act with her face and body for all of Act 2 since she loses her voice.
PRINCE ERIC - Prince Eric is the adventurous human monarch who captures Ariel’s heart. Charming and sensitive in nature, he has a warm voice and demeanor that evoke his flair for romance. There is also a stubborn side to the Prince, who is determined to do whatever it takes to get what he wants – including the girl with the mysterious voice. Tenor.
GRIMSBY - Grimsby is Prince Eric’s prim and proper valet. Rigid in bearing and personality, he is constantly trying to guide Prince Eric toward the throne and a suitable bride fit for a royal marriage. Under his stern demeanor, Grimsby truly is fond of Eric, whom he worries about and attends to as his own son.
FLOUNDER - Flounder is Ariel’s sincere and sensitive best friend who rarely leaves her side. A spunky fish with a sweet sense of humor, he can be awkward and anxious. Tenor.
SCUTTLE - Scuttle is the know-it-all seagull who serves as Ariel’s expert on all things human. Garrulous and off-beat, Scuttle’s eccentricities are more endearing than aggravating. Even as Scuttle makes up ridiculous names and functions for common human objects, Scuttle is friendly with infectious enthusiasm. Comic relief. Tenor.
KING TRITON - King Triton, King of the Sea and a harried single father to seven girls, struggles to balance his political and paternal powers. A widower, Triton is as fond of his daughters as he is frustrated with their teenage angst. Even when unsure of his parenting technique, he is a tender patriarch who becomes a royal force to be reckoned with when Ariel’s safety and happiness is threatened by his sister, the Sea Witch Ursula. Baritone.
SEBASTIAN - Sebastian is the choirmaster of King Triton’s court who has a flair for the dramatic. A meticulous and uptight crab, Sebastian is ever-anxious, whether conducting a concert premiere or protecting Ariel from Ursula. When performing – which is almost always – Sebastian is undeniably charismatic. Tenor.
FLOTSAM & JETSAM - Flotsam and Jetsam are Ursula’s sinister lackeys. With devious charm, these electric eels convince Ariel to visit the Sea Witch. Tricky and menacing, they are always lurking about, ready to take advantage of sea inhabitants at their most vulnerable moments. Altos or tenors.
URSULA - Ursula is the tentacled and manipulative Sea Witch who is sister to King Triton. Cunning and calculating, she will stop at nothing to get what she wants – and what she wants is Triton’s throne. To gain the upper-hand, she utilizes her slick sense of humor and larger-than life confidence. Heavy makeup and costume. Low Alto or Contralto.
CHEF LOUIS - Chef Louis becomes physically and vocally flustered by Sebastian, who always manages to escape their grasp. Should be highly comedic with exaggerated movement and an over-the-top French accent.
ENSEMBLE - Characters such as Pilot, Carlotta, Mersisters/Princesses, Sailors, Gulls, Chefs, etc. Various vocal ranges
