When

Auditions
November 29, 2021 (Monday) at 7:30pm
December 1, 2021 (Wednesday) at 7:30pm

Call-backs: (by invitation only)
December 2, 2021 (Thursday) at 7:30pm

Where

Bergen County Players
298 Kinderkamack Road
Oradell, NJ 07649

Roles

Character Breakdown:

Robin (Alto): A bit of a tomboy, but basically open and sweet. Perhaps the youngest of the group. She is the first of the group to commit to following Jesus in the song “Day by Day.”

Gilmer (Mezzo-Soprano): The female equivalent of the class clown - a Goofy cut-up. In the 2012 Broadway revival, she played several instruments, including conga, ukulele and guitar. She sings “Learn Your Lessons Well.”

Herb (Tenor): The comedian, the class clown. The guy who can do a hundred voices and imitations. He sings “Light of the World.”

Jesus (Tenor): Must be the most charismatic individual in the cast. He is high energy, charming, funny, gentle but with strength. He is a gifted teacher - the sort of person others instinctively follow.

John the Baptist/Judas (Baritone): He has attributes of both Biblical figures: He is both Jesus’ lieutenant and most ardent disciple and the doubter who begins to question and rebel. Like Jesus, he is also charismatic, but in more of an overt revolutionary way.. He is the most “serious” and intellectual of the group, though as with all the actors, he must still possess a good sense of physical comedy. He sings “Prepare Ye,” “All For the Best,” and “On the Willows.”

Joanne (Soprano): The confident one, the show-off. Often the first one to volunteer, sometimes she jumps in before she really understands what’s going on. She sings “Bless the Lord.”

Sonia (Alto): Sassy and slightly cynical. Also the “sexy” one, but her sexiness contains a large element of put-on, in the manner of Mae West or Madonna. She sings “Turn Back, O Man.”

Jeffrey (Tenor): Very high energy. Impish and playful. In the original, he played several musical instruments, including concertina, recorder and guitar. He sings “We Beseech Thee.”

Lamar (Tenor): Not the brightest in the bunch, he is a little slow on the uptake. But there is a great sweetness and innocence about him. Because he sings “All Good Gifts” he must be a very good singer.

Peggy (Alto): The shy one. Sometimes a little slow to get things, but when she does, she commits all the way. Has an “earth mother” kind of warmth to her. She sings “By My Side.”

GODSPELL SYNOPSIS: 

Godspell opened off-Broadway on May 17, 1971, and has played in various touring companies and revivals since, including the 2011-2012 Broadway revival. The musical is based on the Gospels in the Christian Bible, primarily the book of Matthew. It tells the story of Jesus mostly through parables interspersed with modern music and lyrics primarily taken from traditional hymns. The first act is driven by Jesus’ parables and songs from multiple cast members, as the eclectic group following Jesus begins to form a cohesive community of love, based around Jesus’ teachings. Act two follows the story of Jesus’ betrayal and crucifixion, ending with his followers going out into the world to continue his’ message of love and justice.

Note:   In the script, other than the characters of Jesus and John the Baptist/Judas, the characters are called by the first names of the original cast members.. The descriptions below provide an idea of the differences between the personalities and arcs of each character, much of each character’s personality is developed by the actor and director and are based around the song each character sings.

All roles available, open to any age (18 and up), ethnicity, or gender

REHEARSALS:  Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning December 13^th. No rehearsals December 22- January 2.  Additional Wednesday and Saturday rehearsals TBD by need and availability. Tech week rehearsals will be March 13-18.

PERFORMANCE DATES: March 19th – April 10^th - Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm.  You MUST be available for all performance dates.

WHAT TO BRING: 

• Headshot
• Resume
• Prepared musical theatre song similar in nature. An accompanist will be provided.
• Comfortable dance shoes.

BCP COVID Protocols
Based on BCP's desire to keep its members and patrons safe, anyone involved with a live BCP production must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and be willing to provide proof of vaccination. This policy covers all members of a production including performers, musicians, crew, artistic staff and anyone whose job is dependent upon in-person interaction. 

Inclusivity and Diversity
Bergen County Players (BCP) encourages and is committed to a diverse and inclusive theater experience.  Unless otherwise specified, BCP will cast any actor in any role if appropriate, without regard to race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, physicality or disability.  Casting will be character-driven; therefore, actors are encouraged to audition for any roles in which they are interested.

Please email the director, Lynne Lupfer, with any questions at mrslupfer@gmail.com