The Chicago Auditions

Yes it's true, Playhouse on Park will be staging the musical "Chicago" this July, under the direction of Darlene Zoller, Playhouse Artistic Director. It is also true that Playhouse on Park held open auditions last Sunday night.

Sixty six talented singers, dancers and actors, 58 women and 8 men gathered at the playhouse to put their best foot forward, literally. The order was mostly determined on a first come, first serve basis, with a few appointments scheduled before hand.

The actors entered through the stage door and waited in the the theater for their chance to sing and act in the lobby.

With the singing and acting nearing its end, the first round of dancing warm ups began in the theater. Another warm up followed a short time later, as the remaining actors finished the singing and acting portion of their audition.

After being judged on their splits Ms. Zoller entered the theater and put the dancers through their paces, leading them in a choreographed routine to the song "All That Jazz", evaluating them in groups of ten that stretched across the stage. As one line was dismissed, the line of ten behind them stepped forward and so on.

The 8 men danced that same routine, and then split in to two groups of four. The women followed immediately in groups of eight. Ms. Zoller perched herself atop the center section, further evaluating the dancers. Many of the dancers, though not their turn continued to practice the routine off to the side.

The auditions had finished, the creative team retreated to the lobby to evaluate the talent. Unfortunately, this is when I left, so I'm going to have leave it there.

Regardless of who gets cast, "Chicago" is sure to be dynamite when it hits the stage at Playhouse on Park July 13th to July 24th. Call the box office at 860-523-5900 x 10 now to reserve your seat, or order them online at www.playhouseonpark.org.