LEWISTON — An additional audition day has set up for “Come Out Swingin’: A Lewiston Story,” the musical written by Portland native Brian Daly and led by Richard Martin, Mitch Thomas and Jake Boyce. The show is based on life in Lewiston during the days leading up to the famous Ali-Liston heavyweight prize fight on May 25, 1965.
The added open audition is 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 21 at the Franco Center, 46 Cedar St. Anyone unable to make it on this date is encouraged to call the director to request an appointment.
Production dates for the show are Friday and Saturday, Feb. 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 4 at 2 p.m. If needed, Saturday, Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m. has been set aside as a snow date.
Interested performers may be asked to audition in vocal, choreography and dialogue in order to be considered for roles.
There are numerous lead and supporting roles and there is an ensemble. There are both singing and nonsinging roles.
In preparation for the audition, singers are asked to bring sheet music for the piano accompanist. Recorded samples of six of the show’s songs are posted on the show’s Facebook event page and can be sent directly by request. With questions about singing auditions, contact Mitch Thomas in advance at (207) 838-1722 or mthomas@francocenter.org. Those with all levels of dance experience are welcome to audition.
The principal and supporting roles include six men and six women. All but two are solo singing roles and the ages vary. Five of the roles ideally require black male vocalists who make up the group, “The Sapphires,” and they need to be able to do some strong “Temptations-style” singing and dancing. Only one of them, Preston, the cool and charismatic African-American leader of the group, will be cast in a role with dialogue.
The ensemble is made up of all ages and they play citizens of Lewiston and out-of-towners who have come to Lewiston for the fight. There is singing, dancing, and some dialogue. Neither boxer in the infamous 1965 fight is a character in the show.
For questions or to request a perusal script, contact the Richard Martin at 754-9828 or rmartin@francocenter.org.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
