Auditions set for musical

Are you ready? Auditions for The King and I musical are Wednesday and Thursday, April 22 and 23, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at Monticello High School. Prepare for a one-minute singing and acting audition. Make arrangements for your own accompaniment, whether live or from a CD.

Patti Husted, director of the local staging of this much-revered musical, offers the following guidelines while preparing for audition.

(1) Choose a song that will let you project your voice. Due to the characters in The King and I, the lead singers need strong quality voices. (2) Make sure your diction is clear and easy to understand. (3) Prepare material that will reveal your acting ability and stage presence.

There are lead roles for four male singers-two adults and two young adults and for three female singers- two adults and one young adult.

Additionally singers and actors are needed to portray the British diplomatic corps, the palace staff and household members, and the many wives and numerous children of King Mongkut.

This Monticello community production of The King and I, with a cast of approximately 80, is an excellent chance for children to become involved in live theater. The king has a multitude of offspring, so numerous children ages seven and up are needed.

Because all cast members must follow directions, children at open auditions must have completed the first grade. A few roles for pre-school-age children may be granted through private interviews with Husted. Parents who feel their child can follow directions may call Husted at 587-3393 between April 6 and 13.

Recent Monticello community musicals directed by Husted include The Music Man with Derryl Jack as the music man and Laura Butler as Marian the Librarian.

Jack will conduct the pit orchestra for The King and I. He says being in a live musical is a “…great experience. Singers and actors should begin preparing an audition today.”