HCC auditions for "Gypsy"

Hibbing Community College Theatre announces auditions for the Tony Award winning musical "Gypsy" Book by Arthur Laments, music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, featuring such popular song greats as "Let Me Entertain You," "Everything's Coming Up Roses," "You Gatta Get a Gimmick" and "Together, Wherever We Go."

The pro­duction is headed by HCC. Theatre Director Patty Laine, with Chet Johnson as orchestra conductor, vocal direction by Vir­ginia's Pete Pellinen, piano accompaniment by Lanae Ronchetti and technical coordination by Dan Dolinar. Auditions are Jan. 11 and 12 from 6 to 9 p.m., at the HCC Theatre, with callbacks on Jan. 13 and 14 from 6 to 9 p.m. Rehearsals will be held Monday through Thursday evenings' and Sunday afternoons. Shows will run April 22-25, and April 29 and May 2.

"Gypsy" is the real life story of the famous burlesque star Gypsy Rose Lee, her childhood start on the American Vaude­ville circuit, her experiences with the "crash" of vaudeville and her eventual turn to the world of burlesque. But mostly it is about her mother, Rose, one of the most famous stage mothers that ever lived and who would not rest until one of her chil­dren made it in "the big time." Everyone has a dream and Rose's dream of making it big is inspirational and contagious and is what has kept audiences coming back for more than 30 years.

The musical offers a wide spectrum of opportunities to the Hibbing area Community; the cast consists of child lead actors as well as teenage, young adult and mature actor leads, supporting roles and chorus, with an expandable cast of 25-40 cast members. For character descriptions go to the HCC Theatre Web site www.hibbing.edu. HCC Theatre is an educational the­ater that also encourages the local community to be involved in all aspects of the production from on stage to backstage.

All are welcome and encouraged to audition. Auditionees are asked to bring a non-returnable photo of themselves as well as 16 bars of a song to sing that highlights their range and vocal quality. Bring musical accompaniment, whether it is a karaoke version of their song or sheet music, or auditionees may accompany themselves on guitar or piano, or sing a cappella.

A piano accompanist will be available (please, no key changes). There will also be it group dance/movement audi­tion. Wear suitable clothing to move in or bring something to change into, with appropriate shoes. Don't think you're much of a dancer? Come anyway and do what you can. Not all roles are dance roles. In addition, auditionees will be asked to read from one of the monologues provided at the audition.

Are you interested in assistant stage management or working on the crew for the productions? Come down and meet the director and fill out a form or e-mail her indicating interest, contact information and experience. If you don't have experience work­ing on a crew or stage managing, you will be trained.

For more information, contact HCC Theater Director Patty Laine at 262-2912 or www.hibbing.edu or patricialaine@hibbing.edu