Music & Lyrics by Irving Berlin
Based on RKO’s Motion Picture
Book by Matthew White & Howard Jacques
Producers : Katie Plews for Ovation Productions
Director: John Plews
Musical Supervisor: Dan Glover
Choreographer: Chris Whittaker
Auditions : At the Gatehouse London N6 in w/c 23rd October.
Recalls: on Friday 27th October.
Dates : Rehearsals start 17th November (daytime until 8th December followed
by a sitzprobe on Sunday 10th December, then tech & dress day/evening
rehearsals 11th /12th /13th December).
Performances: The show runs 13th December to 28th January with daytime
matinees over the Christmas holiday period and matinees on Sundays
throughout the run.
Fee : This is a genuine profit-share show – Ovation operates an open-book
accounting system. Travel expenses will be paid during rehearsal at £10 per
day and all cast members will be paid £20 per show during the run.
TOP HAT brings the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age and the glorious,
tap-dancing magic of Fred Astaire’s and Ginger Rogers’ world-famous dance
partnership to the stage.
This 2011 musical based on the 1935 film of the same name, tells the story
of Broadway sensation Jerry Travers who dances his way across Europe to win
the heart of society girl Dale Tremont. An uplifting and entertaining
romantic comedy celebrating 1930s song, style and romance, TOP HAT features
fourteen songs by Irving Berlin. These include some of his greatest hits
such as ‘Cheek to Cheek’, ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz’ and ‘Let’s Face the Music &
Dance’.
TOP HAT won the 2013 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best New Musical, Best
Costume Design and Best Choreography.
Joanne Clifton will be playing the role of Dale Tremont. The role of Jerry
Travers has also already been cast.
We are looking for the following roles :
HORACE HARDWICK… British Theatre Producer, playing age 35 – 45. he is
bumbling but well-meaning. Tends to be out-witted by everyone.
A really good part for a very strong actor who has great comedy, and who
sings to a reasonable level, baritone.
Any dance ability would be a bonus!
BATES…Horace’s Personal Valet (English), playing age 30 – 70. he is
long-suffering but shrewd. His erratic flair for disguise and deception
ultimately triumphs over adversity.
This is an excellent comedy role for an older character actor, with great
versatility and energy.
Any dance ability would be a bonus!
ALBERTO BEDDINI… Italian Fashion Designer, playing age 30 – 40. The
flamboyant Italian fashion designer, who has a secret desire for Dale, and
is consumed by jealousy when he discovers a rival for her affections.
An excellent comedy part for an actor who would relish the challenges of the
accent and the character’s penchant for malapropisms!
Traditional musical theatre/legit high baritone. Any dance ability would be
a bonus!
MADGE HARDWICK…Horace’s Wealthy American Wife, playing age 35 – 45. She is
Horace’s wealthy American socialite wife. She’s tough and sassy, and is
always getting involved in the affairs of others and attempting
matchmaking – not necessarily successfully – leading to unintended
complications.
An excellent comedy role.
Traditional musical theatre/legit alto/mezzo. Any dance ability would be a
bonus!
THREE FEMALE ENSEMBLE…………&…………….THREE MALE ENSEMBLE
Other characters (of which there are many) are played by the male and female
ensemble (playing age range of ensemble 22 – 30). Extremely proficient
technical dancers with EXCELLENT TAP – versatile, with excellent
professional training and with a good energy. Very good singers and actors.
Traditional musical theatre/legit voices, all ranges.