VTG casting for iconic production

With the huge success of “Cats” last summer, the Vicksburg Theatre Guild has decided to take on another iconic Broadway production and will be holding auditions for Les Misérables, the musical based on the novel of the same name by French poet and playwright, Victor Hugo, Saturday and May 12 at the Parkside Playhouse.

“Since we were successful in pulling off “Cats” the second most difficult play to produce, we said why not go for the number one — “Les Misérables,” said Paul Ballard, who will be serving as the director for the local production. The musical is set to hit the Vicksburg stage Aug. 8 through 10 and Aug. 15 through 17.

“We will need 70 to 75 characters of all age groups for the production,” said Ballard, and added that there are seven major leads in the production and lots of minor leads. There are also three named children in the production, said Ballard, young Cosette, young Eponine and Gavroche, who is a little boy.

Most of the male vocals are for tenors and the majority of the parts for females fall into the alto range, but Ballard said some high sopranos and bases would also be needed.

“Everyone needs to be able to sing,” said Ballard, “but not solo quality.”

A pianist will be available to accompany those auditioning for the musical and singing tunes from the show are not required.

In addition to the massive number of characters that will be needed for “Les Misérables” the VTG is also seeking volunteers to serve as stagehands, carpenters, seamstresses and stage manager assistants.

“Les Misérables” is set in Paris between 1815 and 1832 and period clothing will be used for the production.

“We are putting our money into the costumes,” said John Hesselburg, who will be one of the volunteers helping with costumes along side Lauren Bussey, Teresa Shirley and Jane Brock.

“We have 70 costumes to produce with multiple pieces and the men’s clothing will be more complicated than the women’s,” he said and added that many of the male characters will be wearing military style clothing.

Jim Shirley will be serving as the producer for the Vicksburg production and along with Ballard stressed that the VTG is also seeking sponsorships for the musical.

“Anyone that would like to have their name associated with the show should call 601-529-9200,” said Ballard.

“Les Misérables” has won more than 100 major theatre awards including an Olivier, Tony and Grammy Award. The rights to the musical were just recently released for community theatres to produce Ballard said, and the cost for the royalties is $2, 250.

Auditions will run from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday and from 6 to 8 p.m. May 12. For more information, call 601-636-0471 or visit www.vicksburgtheatreguild.com.

To audition

The Vicksburg Theatre Guild will hold auditions for Les Misérables from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday and from 6 to 8 p.m. May 12 at the Parkside Play House, 101 Iowa Blvd. All ages are welcome to try out and a pianist will be available to accompany those auditioning for the musical. The shows are scheduled to run Aug. 8 – 10 and Aug. 15 – 17. For more information, call 601-636-0471 or visit www.vicksburgtheatreguild.com.