For over 30 years, Phoenix Productions has been dedicated to the mission of providing quality theatrical experiences on both sides of the footlights. After three decades of performances at the Count Basie Center for the Arts, the organizations announced earlier this year their intentions to merge, combining and solidifying their regional impact on the performing arts.

Together, Phoenix Productions and the Count Basie Center have a clear vision: to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to do their best work. The organizations’ continued pledge to deepen their commitment to cultural competency, racial equity and social inclusion is at the heart of the Basie Center’s mission as a nonprofit.

In casting, this means a commitment and intention to locate and encourage performers of all ages, ethnicities, cultural heritages / backgrounds, body types, and gender expressions.

 

 

AUDITION ANNOUNCEMENT

EVIL DEAD: THE MUSICAL

Phoenix Productions is looking for a diverse slate of performers for its next production, EVIL DEAD: THE MUSICAL, playing out on Friday, October 28 and Saturday, October 29^, 2022 at The Vogel, the Count Basie Center’s new, state-of-the-art performance space.

This hilarious show takes all the elements of the cult classic films The Evil Dead, Evil Dead 2 and Army of Darkness and combines them into one of the craziest theatrical experiences of all time. Five college students go to an abandoned cabin in the woods and accidentally unleash an evil force that turns them all into demons. It’s all up to Ash – a housewares employee turned demon-killing hero – and his trusty chainsaw to save the day. Blood flies. Limbs are dismembered. Demons tell bad jokes … and all to music.

Adults, aged 18 and up of all ethnicities, gender expressions, cultural heritage / background and body types are encouraged to audition.

Audition candidates should be strong singers and come prepared to sing 32 bars from a song in a similar pop/rock or musical theatre style to the show score. It is preferred that all audition candidates use accompaniment. Audition candidates should bring their own sheet music. A resume is helpful, but not required.

CHARACTERS:

Though characters in this production carry traditional cis names, no role is set in stone. The director and casting committee is committed to achieving diversity in this and all Phoenix Productions presentations.

• ASH: College Student – Pop Baritone / Tenor
• CHERYL: College Student – Also
• ANNIE: Mid-20’s – Alto (Could double as “SHELLY”)
• LINDA: College Student – Soprano
• SCOTT: College Student – Tenor
• ED: Mid-20’s – Baritone (could also double as “MOOSE”)
• JAKE: Mid-30’s or older – Baritone
• FAKE SHEMP: No specific age or specified vocal range; covers all the bit roles including Knowby, Airport Announcer, Severed Hand, Linda’s Headless Body, Evil Force, etc.

AUDITION DATES:

• August 27 from 11:00AM – 2:00PM at Phoenix Productions Rehearsal Center 59 Chestnut Street Red Bank NJ
• August 29 from 7:00PM – 9:00PM at (?) The Grunin
• August 30 from 7:00PM – 9:00PM at Lakehouse Music Academy, 619 Lake Avenue, Asbury Park

All auditionees are asked to prepare 32 bars of their best musical/standard music selection. Please bring your sheet music in the correct key for the accompanist.

If you cannot make any of the scheduled audition times, please send a video submission or a link to [email protected] – along with a picture, list of credits or a resume, and a list of all conflicts during the proposed rehearsal dates. Video submission deadline is August 27.

Select performers will be asked to a callback session at the Phoenix Productions Rehearsal Center (59 Chestnut St. Red Bank, NJ 07701) on Thursday, August 31 at 7:30pm

REHEARSAL DATES:

September 6 – October 27 with a technical rehearsal on October 28th.  This show will likely rehearse 3 days a week in September and 4-5 days a week in October as the show opening approaches.

Performances:

• Friday October 28 – 7:00PM
• Saturday, October 29 – 7PM

Director/Choreographer: James Grausam
Music Director: Jason Neri
Production Stage Manager: Jo Wymer
Production Manager: Tom Hessman