Trilogy Repertory is proud to announce auditions for its second summer show, Shakespeare in Hollywood! 

Hollywood in the 1930s. Warner Brothers is preparing to make its big film version of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Suddenly, Oberon and Puck appear on the Warners’ lot because of a miscast magic spell. At first awed and horrified by the world in which they find themselves, Oberon and Puck end up going Hollywood in a big way and get involved in the making of the film.

Shakespeare in Hollywood is a fun romp by Ken Ludwig, the author of Lend Me a Tenor and Moon Over Buffalo.

Audition Dates and Times: Saturday, May 18 at 2 pm and Sunday, May 19 at 3 pm. If needed, callbacks will be on Sunday, May 19 at 7 pm.

Audition Location: Bernards Township Community Center, 289 S. Maple Avenue, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920

Performance Dates: July 26 & 27 and August 1-3 (all shows at 8 pm) at Pleasant Valley Park in Basking Ridge. 

All auditions are open, so no reservation is required. Anyone auditioning should bring a resume and headshot if possible and also should review the relevant character sides. 

**Especially Needed:

• Actor who can do a passable James Cagney imitation, someone who can capture an impression of his distinct voice and physical mannerisms.
• 3 or 4 female dancers who will be playing a variety of roles including ushers, fairies, partygoers, and who will be dancing a tango in one scene.

Characters

LOUELLA PARSONS (40ish) – one of the two big gossip columnists in Hollywood. She knew all the dirt that went on and was very influential behind the scenes.

MAX REINHART (50-70) – at the time was the most famous and celebrated stage director in the world. Fled Germany for Hollywood to escape the Nazis. Actor needs to be able to do a German accent.

DICK POWELL (20s) – at this time was Warner’s favorite young leading man. He was also a hugely successful singer. (*This actor will also play Tarzan and a Warner brother*)

JACK WARNER (40-50) – one of the great Hollywood moguls. Cynical, sarcastic, ruthless, but dedicated to making good movies. His softer side is shown in his relationship with Lydia.

DARYL (20-40) – Jack Warner’s Yes Man. Very obsequious. He says “Yes” a lot.

LYDIA LANSING (30ish) – aspiring actress and Jack Warner’s mistress. Stereotypical “dumb” Hollywood starlet. Think Lena Lamont in Singing in the Rain.

OBERON (30-40) – the character from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, King of the Fairies, majestic, commanding and compelling. Falls in love with Olivia.

PUCK (20-30) – the character from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a mischievous spirit who delights in causing trouble. In this play, Puck goes Hollywood in a big way. (*In this production, Puck should be played by a petite, athletic woman*)

OLIVIA DARNELL (20-30) – aspiring actress, sweet and adorable. Falls in love with Oberon. Should be able to dance.

WILL HAYES (40-60) – Hollywood censor, the man who dictated what could or could not go into a film. Stuffy, dictatorial and very egotistical.

JOE E. BROWN (30-40 – sad-faced comic who was very popular in the 1930s. Today he is best known for playing the love-struck millionaire who pursues Jack lemon in Some Like it Hot. (*This actor will also play a Cowboy and a Warner Brother*)

JAMES CAGNEY (30-40) – the biggest star on the Warner’s lot and one of the greatest actors in Hollywood history. Had a very distinctive voice and physicality. (*This actor will also play Groucho Marx and a Warner Brother*)