SAXTONS RIVER — Main Street Arts will hold auditions for its winter production of Kiss Me Kate Friday, Sept. 14, from 7 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 15, from 10 a.m. to noon.
The performance dates for the musical are March 1, 2, and 3; and 8, 9, and 10, 2013.
Winner of five Tony awards, Kiss Me Kate was originally produced in 1948 and is a classic play-within-a play that combines Cole Porter's music and lyrics with the story line from Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew. It includes such favorite songs as “Wunderbar,” “So In Love Am I,” “Too Damn Hot,” “Always True to You” and “Brush Up Your Shakespeare.”
The director is Ben Stockman, and the musical director is Walter Sayre.
Stockman is a writer/director/producer who lives in Brattleboro and has experience in writing feature-length screenplays, playscripts, novels/theatrical experimentation, music videos, short films, and hip-hop production.
Sayre holds degrees from the Manhattan School of Music. He is currently the music director at St. James Episcopal Church in Keene, N.H., having retired from a 36-year music teaching career in New York, New Jersey, and New Hampshire. He has performed and directed extensively throughout New England for more than 40 years.
Those auditioning for lead or supporting roles are asked to come prepared with a monologue and song, including sheet music. Ensemble parts should come prepared to sing, and all should dress comfortably for group dance exercises.
This is MSA's second production of Kiss Me Kate, the first staged in 1999. The community arts center is beginning the celebration of its 25th anniversary year by offering this tribute to its 14 years of winter musical productions.
More information is available by contacting Main Street Arts at info@mainstreetarts.org or 802-869-2960.