The Concord Players Announce Auditions for

Mr. Roberts

Stage Direction and Choreography: Julia Deter
Music Direction: Ben Oehlkers

The musical version of Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden is a timely classic about loss, discovery, and redemption. The story follows the indomitable spirit of Mary Lennox as she restores the faded beauty of her aunt's garden and brings healing to her uncle's grieving heart.

Auditions for The Secret Garden will be held on Sunday, December 2 and Tuesday, December 4 beginning at 6:30pm, in Ward Hall at the Fenn School, 516 Monument St., Concord MA 01742. (Parking is in the lot behind the hall, at the end of Carr Rd. -- click here for driving directions).

Callbacks are scheduled for Friday, December 7 starting at 6:30pm, also in Ward Hall at the Fenn School.

Rehearsals will be Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 51 Walden St, Concord, beginning in mid February, 2019. There may be a few additional rehearsals on Fridays.

Performances will be April 26, 27, 28 (matinee), 2019; and May 3, 4, 5 (matinee), 10, 11, 2019.

Actors are asked to prepare 32 bars of music in the style of the show. The initial audition will be a singing-only audition. Acting and choreography will be reserved for callbacks. There are roles for two young actors, Mary Lennox (female; 11-12 years) and Colin Craven (male; 10-11 years). We do not intend to double cast the youth roles, but it will be considered based on auditions.

Auditions are by appointment only: to reserve a time, please use our SignUpGenius form by clicking this button:

Sign Up!

If all slots are filled, or if you have questions, send an email to secretgarden@concordplayers.org.

Please look at this information sheet and fill in this audition form (also available via the SignUpGenius form) before arriving at the auditions.


Character Descriptions

Besides the roles listed below,
additional roles in the chorus of "the Dreamers" are available.

MARY LENNOX
Voice type: Mezzo (B-E)
Stage age: 11-12
Role type: Lead
Character:
Raised in colonial India, Mary is an orphan whose parents have died of cholera. She has no close relatives and has been sent to live with Archibald Craven, her late mother’s sister’s husband. A spoilt child, now bewildered and alone, she is initially petulant and rude, but at heart is a warm girl.

ARCHIBALD CRAVEN
Voice type: High baritone / tenor (C-Ab)
Stage age: 35-45
Role type: Lead
Character: Master of Misselthwaite Manor, Archie is a mildly hunchbacked man who lost his beloved wife Lily in childbirth. He is a deeply unhappy, reclusive man who has been preoccupied with his loss for 10 years. Unable to face his sickly and bed-ridden son.

NEVILLE CRAVEN
Voice type: Baritone (C-F#)

Stage age: 30-40
Role type: Featured role
Character: Archie’s younger brother, who is resentful of his position as the younger brother. A humourless, bitter man, who, as a doctor, has responsibility for Colin, Archie’s invalid son.

MARTHA
Voice type: low mezzo (low F – D)
Stage age: 18-20
Role type: Featured role
Character: Housemaid. Extremely warm, good-hearted girl, feisty and courageous. Inspires Mary when she is at her lowest. Needs a strong belt as well as vocal warmth. Requires Yorkshire accent.

DICKON
Voice type: High baritone (C-G)
Stage age: 18-20
Role type: Featured role
Character: Martha’s younger brother. A mystical lad, very much in tune with the forces of nature. Very sweet-natured and gentle. A music theatre vocal style. Requires a Yorkshire accent.

COLIN CRAVEN
Voice type: Boy soprano (A-Eb)
Stage age: 10-11
Role type: Featured role
Character: Archie’s invalid son who is bed-ridden and has no company other than his dour uncle and servants. Capable of being rude and petulant, but essentially sweet-natured.

MRS MEDLOCK
Voice type: Speaking only.
Stage age: 35+
Role type: Featured role
Character: Housekeeper of Misselthwaite Manor. A very competent and business-like woman, severe and shows little warmth. Requires Yorkshire accent.

BEN WEATHERSTAFF
Voice type: Baritone (F-D)
Stage age: 45-65
Role type: Supporting role
Character: Gardener at Misselthwaite. Loyal servant of many years standing who dearly loved the late Lily. Can be crotchety, but essentially very gentle. Requires Yorkshire accent.

MRS WINTHROP
Voice type: Speaking only
Stage age: 40+
Role type: Cameo
Character: A school headmistress who believes in strong discipline. (Will double as a servant).

MAJOR SHELLEY
Voice type: Speaking only
Stage age: 35+
Role type: Cameo
Character: An army officer who escorts the orphaned Mary to England. (Will double as a servant).

MRS SHELLEY
Voice type: Speaking only
Stage age: 30+
Role type: Cameo
Character: Wife of Major Shelley. (Will double as a servant).

LILY CRAVEN
Voice type: Soprano (D-C: D optional)
Stage age: 25-30
Role type: Lead
Character: Archie’s late beloved wife, Colin’s mother, Mary’s aunt. A warm and loving woman who deeply loved Archie and died giving birth to Colin. In life a warm and loving young woman. In death a very benevolent presence watching over her unhappy husband, son and niece.

CAPTAIN ALBERT LENNOX
Voice type: Tenor (Bb-G)
Stage age: 30-40
Role type: Supporting role
Character: An army officer, Mary’s father. A warm and loving father.

ROSE LENNOX
Voice type: Mezzo / soprano (Bb-G: optional B)
Stage age: 30-35
Role type: Supporting role
Character: Mary’s mother, Lily’s sister. Beautiful, vain and spoilt. In life, lacking in maternal qualities. Can be quite petulant – rather a “princess”, but nevertheless very appealing.

THE FAKIR
Voice type: High tenor (G-B)
Stage age: 30-40
Role type: Supporting role
Character: Indian mystic / servant.

AYAH
Voice type: Mezzo (low G-G)
Stage age: 20-40
Role type: Supporting role
Character: Mary’s Indian nanny and main caregiver.

LIEUTENANT IAN SHAW
Voice type: Tenor / baritone (Bb-F)
Stage age: 25-35
Role type: Supporting role
Character: Army officer.

LIEUTENANT PETER WRIGHT
Voice type: Baritone (Bb-F)
Stage age: 25-35
Role type: Supporting
Character: Army officer.

MAJOR HOLMES
Voice type: Bass (low F#-F)
Stage age: 30-45
Role type: Supporting
Character: Army officer.

CLAIRE HOLMES
Voice type: Soprano (A-G)
Stage age: 25-30
Role type: Supporting
Character: Major Holmes’ wife – a well-to-do lady.

ALICE
Voice type: Soprano (Eb-B)
Stage age: 25-30
Role type: Supporting
Character: Rose’s friend – a well-to-do lady.