News Release

BRISTOL — Elkhart Civic Theatre will hold auditions for its production of “The Marvelous Wonderettes” at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, and Monday, Feb. 24, at the Bristol Opera House, located at 210 E Vistula in Bristol. Performances will be held April 4, 5, 11, 12 and 13 at the Bristol Opera House.

Auditions will consist of both a vocal and dance portion followed by readings from the script. Please bring a list of conflicts from Feb. 26 through April 13.

“The Marvelous Wonderettes” is directed by Brock Butler, assisted by Marla Miller, with choreography by Cristian Marquez. The show is underwritten by Indiana Trust Wealth Management.

“The Marvelous Wonderettes” is an off-Broadway hit set at the 1958 Springfield High School prom, where Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy and Suzy are four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts. As the audience learns about their lives and loves, the girls sing classic ‘50s hits including “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “Stupid Cupid” and “Lipstick on Your Collar.” In Act II, the Wonderettes reunite to take the stage and perform at their 10-year reunion. The audience learns about the highs and lows the girls have experienced in the past decade and finds out that no matter what life throws their way, they will conquer it together. Featuring more than 30 classic ’50s and ’60s hits, “The Marvelous Wonderettes” is a musical trip down memory lane.

The characters of “The Marvelous Wonderettes” begin the show as high school seniors (age 18) and end the show at their 10-year reunion (age 28). For this production, the theater is looking for actresses who can embody these characters first and foremost and will consider actresses from ages 20-40.

Cindy Lou (18, 28) knows she is the prettiest girl at Springfield High. She knows she will be named prom queen and acts out against her best friend Betty Jean when things don’t go her way. She makes the biggest change between Acts I and II, having learned the lessons of true love and loss. Vocal range: mezzo-soprano belt: E3–F5. Sings melody line on most songs, so the other girls hang their vocals on this voice. Among the songs she sings lead are: “Allegheny Moon,” “Son of a Preacher Man” and “Maybe.”

Missy (18, 28) is the overachiever of the group. Very controlled, very concerned that everything at the prom turns out wonderful and perfect. Head of the prom decorations committee and absolutely smitten with her music teacher. Her best friend is Suzy. Vocal range: soprano: G3–A5. Wide range, floating high vocals and belting throughout the show. Among the songs she sings lead are: “Secret Love,” “You Don’t Own Me” and “Wedding Bell Blues.”

Betty Jean (18, 28) is the class clown and tomboy, always vying for attention with Cindy Lou, her best friend. It’s also highly probable that Betty Jean wants to be with Cindy Lou herself, but just doesn’t even know what those feelings really are. Cindy Lou steals Betty Jean’s boyfriend away, which causes a lot of the friction at the prom. She holds this grudge against Cindy Lou until they make up at the 10-year reunion. Vocal range: alto with strong low range: D3–E5. Among the songs she sings lead are: “Lipstick on Your Collar,” “I Only Want To Be With You” and “That’s When The Tears Start.”

Suzy (18, 28) is the gum-chewing, happy-go-lucky, go-along girl. Super-best friends with Missy, Suzy is always a little giddy and a little silly and finds great pleasure in everything she does. In love with the lighting operator, completely surprised when named prom queen. Frustrated, sad, hormonal and pregnant in Act II. This role requires an excellent part singer and expert comedienne. Vocal range: mezzo-alto with both sweet and soulful voice: G3–E5. Among the songs she sings lead are: “Stupid Cupid,” “Hold Me, Thrill Me” and “Rescue Me.”

Elkhart Civic Theatre auditions are open to everyone, and no fees are charged for participation in any production.