Audition Dates:
- Saturday, August 24th – 1:00pm to 4:00pm
- Sunday, August 25th – 1:00pm to 4:00pm
- Callbacks, if any, will be Sunday evening August 25th.
Performance Dates:
- November 8th – 10th & 15th – 17th
About the Show
“White Christmas” is a classic Broadway-styled musical based on the perennial favorite 1954 film of the same name. Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters in route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil’s former army commander. With a dazzling score featuring well-known standards including “Blue Skies,” “I Love A Piano,” “How Deep Is the Ocean”, “Snow” and the beloved title song, White Christmas is an uplifting musical that will delight audiences of all ages.
General Audition Information
Except for the role of Susan Waverly, all auditions must be 16 years or older at time of auditions.
We will be looking for a talented, fun, energetic and hard working cast of approximately 20 members. All who audition should prepare up to 32 bars of a song that best suits your voice and role(s). Songs from the show are welcome, but not necessary. Please bring sheet music for the accompanist, no recorded music will be used. Dress comfortably as you will be taught a short dance routine prior to auditioning. Dancers: If you are a tapper, please bring tap shoes as you may be asked to perform brief step combinations.
VIDEO SUBMISSIONS: In-person auditions are preferable. If you are not able to make either of the audition times, we will accept video auditions of you singing, with accompaniment, up to 32 bars of a song that best suits your voice and roles(s). (Please do not submit videos of previous performances, concerts or recitals.) You may include a 1 minute or shorter monologue. Dancers, please include a short dance of up to 1 minute in length. Tappers, include tap combinations. Send your video audition and your completed audition form to: [email protected] no later than 3pm on Sunday, August 25th. Videos received after that date and time will not be accepted.
Quad City Music Guild is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our organization. We encourage people of all races, ethnicities, religions, orientations, and creeds, to apply/audition/volunteer. The board is committed to increasing our ability to accommodate individuals who are differently abled. An elevator lift is available stage left in order to access the stage.
Character Descriptions
Bob Wallace (Male, Baritone – plays 30’s-40’s): A former army captain and half of the song-and-dance duo, Wallace and Davis. Bob is a world-wise, cynical yet charming individual with a strong sense of loyalty and duty. He falls for Betty, the elder of the Haynes sisters. Strong, warm vocals are required. Dance skills are a plus, ability to move well on stage is required. His key songs include “Happy Holidays,” “Blue Skies”, “White Christmas,” “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep,” and “How Deep is the Ocean.”
Phil Davis (Male, Baritone-Tenor, plays late 20’s to late 30’s): Phil, the other half of the duo, is Bob’s complete opposite – a fun-loving, adventurous, and somewhat mischievous individual who’s always on the lookout for a good time and romance. He’s instantly smitten with Judy Haynes. Strong vocals required. Phil is a skilled dancing role, preferably including tap. His main songs include “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing,” “Sisters (Reprise),” “I Love a Piano,” and “Snow.”
Betty Haynes (Female, Mezzo, plays late 20’s to 40’s): Betty is the older Haynes sister. She’s independent, pragmatic, and protective of her younger sister Judy. Despite her skepticism, she finds herself falling for Bob. Strong, warm vocals with the ability to sing harmonies required. Dance skills are a plus, ability to move well on stage is required. Her featured songs include “Sisters,” “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep,” “Love, You Didn’t Do Right By Me” and “How Deep is the Ocean.”
Judy Haynes (Female, Mezzo, plays late 20’s to late 30’s): Judy is the more ambitious and adventurous of the Haynes sisters. She’s a romantic at heart and often the driving force behind many of their decisions, including the one to follow Bob and Phil to Vermont. Strong vocals with the ability to sing harmonies required. Judy is a skilled dancing role, preferably including tap. Her key songs include “Sisters,” “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing,” “I Love a Piano,” and “Snow.”
General Henry Waverly (Male, plays 50’s-60’s): The General is a stern, authoritative figure with a gruff exterior but a kind and caring heart. He’s the owner of the failing Vermont Inn and was the commanding officer of Bob and Phil during World War II. The General doesn’t have any solo songs, but his character plays a significant role in the plot.
Martha Watson (Female, Alto, plays 40’s-and up): Martha is the General’s lovable and nosy housekeeper. She’s a Broadway performer in retirement and still has a flair for the dramatic. She has a heart of gold and only wants what’s best for the General. Strong vocals and solid comedic timing are required. Dance skills are a plus, ability to move well on stage is required. Her main songs include “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy” and “Falling Out of Love Can Be Fun.”
Susan Waverly (Female, must be 9-13 years old at auditions, plays 9-10): Susan is the General’s curious and intelligent granddaughter with dreams of becoming a performer. She’s wise beyond her years but still has a childlike innocence about her. Strong vocals required. Dance skills are a plus, ability to move well on stage is required. She sings “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy.”
Ralph Sheldrake (Male, Baritone-Tenor – plays 30’s to 40’s). An army buddy of Bob and Phil’s, now a major television executive with the Ed Sullivan show. Fast-talking New York professional. Will double in ensemble.
Ezekial Foster (Male, plays 40’s and up) The ultimate New Englander, who speaks with a New England accent, helps out at the Inn while taking life at a ‘very slow’ pace. Strong comedic timing required. Will double in ensemble.
Rita and Rhoda (Female, plays 20’s to 40’s) Bob and Phil’s two featured dancing chorus girls. They are brash, flirty and fun, although perhaps not the smartest, and speak with a New York accent. Good comedic timing required. These are dancing roles, preferably including tap. Will double in the ensemble.
Mike/Mickie (Male or Female, plays late 20’s and up) Bob and Phil’s stage manager. Has a tendency to be over-dramatic and somewhat hysterical, but gets things done. Always seen with a clipboard and whistle, which is used to keep order. Good comedic timing and skills required. Will double in the ensemble.
Dancers (Male or Female – teens to 40’s). In addition to Rita and Rhoda, we hope to cast a balanced dance ensemble with 6 to 8 members. Strong dance skills required, with ability to tap a plus.
Additional Roles to be filled from Ensemble: (Unfortunately, there is no children’s ensemble in the production)
Tessie – Bob and Phil’s extremely competent assistant.
Quintet/Quartet – Sings portions of ‘The Best Things Happen When We’re Dancing”. Ability to sing close harmony required.
Jimmy – The proprietor of ‘Jimmy’s Back Room’ night club.
Mr. and Mrs. ‘Snoring Man’ – Have featured singing lines in ‘Snow’. Ability to sing close harmony required.
