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"Ain't Misbehavin'" Auditions at PHCC

The Patriot Players of Patrick Henry Community College will hold auditions for a musical that will bring the soul of 1930s Harlem to the community.

"Ain't Misbehavin': The Fats Waller Musical" will feature a versatile cast to bring the songs made famous by Fats Waller alive onstage. Devin Pendleton, artistic director for Patriot Players, will serve as director for the upcoming show.
He said, "It's such a fun show. It's a nod to the Harlem Renaissance Era and the music of the jazz age composed by Fats Waller."

There are only five roles in the entire cast, and all are considered lead roles. Pendleton said through song, the actors will tell stories about love triangles, couples quarrels and overall funny situations. He said this show appeals to an adult audience.

"This is something for more our adult community to appreciate," he said. "It's not something you would want to bring someone younger than 15 years old to. In performing arts, we want to make sure we have something for everyone."
Jane Leizer, program director for Patriot Players, said she thinks the community will really enjoy the musical.

"It's a jazzy, bluesy, feel-good show that we think will be wonderful for the time of the year it goes on," she said. "It's warm-hearted and warm-feeling - especially for those cold February days. We feel like it's going to be a great success."

Pendleton said he's looking for actors to audition with "exceptional voices. There are very few dialogues in the show; it's mostly singing, acting and dancing, so we need that special someone who's a triple threat. It doesn't mean you have to have tons of experience, but we definitely want someone who's excited about jazz music." Leizer said the actors should be comfortable with jazz and pop selections, and they should know how to move.

There are two male roles and three female roles for this show. Actors must be at least 16 years old to audition. Those interested should bring 16 bars of a song from the "jazz age," and appropriate clothing to move in for the choreography portion of the audition. An accompanist will be provided, or actors are welcome to sing A cappella.

While auditioning for the musical, actors can also choose to audition for the Spring Tour, which is a group that performs at college and local community events. All forms of performing arts are accepted.

Auditions will be held in the Walker Fine Arts Center at PHCC on Dec. 11 from 6-9 p.m. and Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Most rehearsals are Monday through Thursday from 6:30-9:30 p.m. and Sundays from 2-5 p.m. There will be approximately 30 rehearsals for this show. No rehearsals will be scheduled from Dec. 20 through Jan. 4, 2014.

"Ain't Misbehavin" opens Feb. 13-15 at 7 p.m. and on Feb. 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets go on sale Jan. 24, 2014. For additional information, visit www.patrickhenry.edu/patriotplayers or call (276) 638-8777 ext. 0460.