Normally wouldn’t ever think the following question would get an easy answer unless it was a few years back, but here goes:

Any Deadheads want to star in a musical comedy with songs straight out of the Grateful Dead songbook?

Looks like it’s happening soon in New York City, with casting calls sent out detailing the fact that Dead and Company member Jeff Chimenti will be in charge of the musical director duties for the play. Check out the full details below…

UNTITLED GREATFUL DEAD PROJECT – NYC EPA

Sugar Magnolia Productions LLC

AUDITION DATE

Jun 16, 2017

9:30 am – 5:30 pm (EDT)

Lunch 1 to 2

CONTRACT

Staged Reading Contract Weekly salary is $500/week (there is an additional $25 payable per choreographed number for up to 3 musical numbers).

SEEKING

The currently untitled new musical comedy, featuring the music of THE GRATEFUL DEAD, is a semi-fantastical and immersive Americana tale of the Jones family in 1920’s Cumberland, Maryland, as they con, swindle and gamble their way into riches.

Diversity is imperative – the world and music we are representing is universal. We are assembling a company of musician actors who represent our global community. All must work and play well together and must be superior musicians

PREPARATION

PLEASE HAVE ALL ACTORS BRING A HARD COPY PICTURE AND RESUME.

Audition notes: Please prepare brief song in the music style of Bluegrass, Blues, Country, Classic Rock. Please bring instrument(s) and accompany yourself.

LOCATION

Pearl Studios NYC (500)

500 8th Avenue

New York, NY 10018-6504

4th floor

PERSONNEL

Casting Representatives at the EPA:

Rachel Klein, Director

Stephanie Klapper, Alexa Magnotto, Ariana Rudess, Steven Chaikelson, Casting Directors, Klapper Casting

General Manager: Snug Harbor Productions, Steven Chaikelson

Director: Rachel Klein

Music Director: Jeff Chimenti

Associate Music Directors: Lee Ferris and Bianca Caruso

Casting: Stephanie Klapper Casting

OTHER DATES

1st Rehearsal: o/a July 10th

Opening: o/a July 10th

Closing: o/a July 21st

OTHER

EPA Procedures are in effect for this audition.

An Equity monitor will be provided.

Equity’s contracts prohibit discrimination. Equity is committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to attend every audition.

Always bring your Equity Membership card to auditions.

BREAKDOWN

NOTE: Production requires strong musicians/actor/singers who possess proficiency on any of the following instruments: electric and acoustic guitar, mandolin, banjo, ukulele, accordion, upright bass, electric bass, fiddle, percussion/drums/drumkit, keyboard/piano, jugs, washboard, harmonica, who are able to improvise musically. Strong harmony singing is a must.

With the exception of JACK and MICK – instruments noted in character description are flexible, as long as actor plays multiple instruments from the list above.

SEEKING:

JACK (Male, 40 – 50) – The great patriarch, Jack is the heart and soul of the Jones Family. He is sharp and cunning, albeit seemingly laid back, and always has a plan up his sleeve. Jack often communicates directly with the audience, improv skills a must. He has a Leon Russell/ Dr. John sound. Plays acoustic rhythm guitar proficiently.

MELINDA (Female, 20’s)- Jack’s daughter. She is very beautiful, strong, self-assured, and independent. Melinda runs the family business and is a total lady boss. Has a Linda Ronstadt sound to her voice. Must be able to play one or more instruments from the following list: electric and acoustic guitar, mandolin, banjo, ukulele, accordion, upright bass, electric bass, fiddle, percussion/drums/drumkit, keyboard/piano. Must have a stellar country/classic rock belt.

MICK aka “THE CANDY MAN” (Male, 20’s)- Jack’s son, and a total trickster, always getting himself into trouble. He exudes sexuality, charm, confidence and charisma – spectacular Lead guitarist. Able to improvise electric guitar rhythm and solos. Soulful rock tenor belter with character.

DUDLEY (and others) (Male, 20’s) – The lovable, slow witted son of Jessup McElroy, the villain. Dudley does not think before he speaks, much to the dismay of his father. Impeccable comic timing and improvisation skills a must. Must be able to play drums/drum kit as well as at least one more instrument from the following list: electric and acoustic guitar, mandolin, banjo, ukulele, accordion, upright bass, electric bass, fiddle, keyboard/piano, Buddy Holly/ Bluegrass/ country tenor sound.

JESSUP (and others) (Male, 40’s) – A wealthy local tycoon who has a monopoly on most of the mines in Cumberland. Abrasive and calculated, a Powers Booth/Scott Glenn type. With his son Dudley as his foil, the duo provides much of the comic relief. Must be able to play drums/drum kit as well as at least one more instrument from the following list: electric and acoustic guitar, mandolin, banjo, ukulele, accordion, upright bass, electric bass, fiddle, keyboard/piano

LIAM (and others) (Male, 20’s)- Dashing and handsome, Liam mysteriously comes to Cumberland from out of town in search of a job. He is in love with Melinda and must prove to her that he is earnest, despite having some secrets. Must be able to play more than one instrument from the following list: electric and acoustic guitar, mandolin, banjo, ukulele, accordion, upright bass, electric bass, fiddle, percussion/drums/drumkit, keyboard/piano.

GLENDINE (and others) (Female 40’s- 50’s) Maternal and wise, Glendine has helped the Jones family run their business for 20 years. She is grounded and logical despite being superstitious, has a strong belief in family and loves Mick and Melinda as if they were her own. Has a Bonnie Raitt/Loretta Lynn vocal quality. Must be able to play more than one instrument from the following list: electric and acoustic guitar, mandolin, banjo, ukulele, accordion, upright bass, electric bass, fiddle, percussion/drums/drumkit, keyboard/piano. Must have a stellar country/ classic rock belt.

BERTHA (and others) (Female, 20’s)- She is a spitfire/firecracker. She is feisty, yet unbelievably loyal and wears her heart on her sleeve. Impeccable comic timing and improvisation skills a must. Has a Janis Joplin/ Etta James vocal quality. Plays the mandolin/fiddle, as well as at least one other instrument from the following list: electric and acoustic guitar, mandolin, banjo, ukulele, accordion, upright bass, electric bass, fiddle, percussion/drums/drumkit, keyboard/ piano. Must have a stellar country/classic rock belt.

One Male and One Female Understudy to cover multiple tracks and must be able to play several instruments from the following list: electric and acoustic guitar, mandolin, banjo, ukulele, accordion, upright bass, electric bass, fiddle, percussion/drums/drumkit, keyboard/piano.

Equity’s contracts prohibit discrimination. Equity is committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to audition.