Calling all singers and actors, auditions for the musical People Like Us are being held in October. Rodney Coleman and the late Peter Taylor The musical is based on the story of the Auckland institution Dorothy’s Sister that once stood centre stage on Ponsonby Road. Run by the late Peter Taylor, ‘Dots’ was a space where all were welcome, and where the colourful and supportive ‘Dots Family’ was formed. One of the members of that family, AJ Pearce has written the show in memory of Taylor. The writer came out as a cross-dresser seven years ago, embracing alter-ego Joanna Jayne St John, while part of the Dots community, which he says is the backbone of the play. James aka Bianca is a cross-dressing man who hasn’t yet told his family. James soon meets and falls in love with Sheena, a transgender woman and ex street worker and the story unfolds from here. With 22 original songs and featuring the talented Lavina Williams, Cindy of Samoa and David Bligh, prepare to take a ride on an colourful, emotional rollercoaster of a story. The opening of each act a colourful spectacle as Vera lead’s the company in two great dances and songs, we travel from the euphoria of new love, to a breakup caused by family pressure to a grand finale-wedding scene. Auditions will be held on the 17th and 21st October at the Auckland Music Theatre work room (off main foyer) Meola Road, Western Springs from 9am to 5pm. The show with have no nudity or sexual scenes however sexual innuendo, with appearance in underwear is in some scenes. To register please send a headshot, your physical details and a full resume to joannajaynestjohn@gmail.com, apply via Star Now or visit the People Like Us Facebook page. You will be required to sing an upbeat song of your own choice, please bring music. Successful applicants will receive a package detailing a song from the show and for the acting roles; a short scene to perform with our reader. The roles: PRINCIPALS. 1. VERA: Drag Queen M.C. of show. CAST to CINDY OF SAMOA. 2. BIANCA: (AKA JAMES SMITH) LATE 40’S LEAD. Cross-dresser. Strong voice and acting some dance. This is a most important role for experienced lead artist. Ideally a Caucasian. Experience in female impersonation an advantage. Involves hugging and kissing Sheena. NOT YET CAST 3. SHEENA LEAD: Transgender woman. CAST to RAMON Te WAKE. 4. ROGER (THE PIMP): CAST to SAM IOSEFO. ENSEMBLE: NOTE: All characters form part of crowd scenes. Strong singing, acting and some dance skills. Expenses paid. TWINKLE, The Twink: 18 TO 25. A flamboyant, attractive gay man. Dots Barman. ELLE: Bianca’s daughter, late 20’s. Attractive tallish JANINE: Bianca’s ex wife, late 40’s. A sassy ex builder's wife. RICHARD: 30. Bianca’s son. A super straight, regular guy SUSAN: 25. Bianca’s daughter-in-law. Fairly attractive a young housewife. BACKING GROUP: Strong vocalists. In crowd scenes some dancing. Expenses paid. MALE. Possibly Drag Queen. Gay or straight. Tenor. FEMALE. Soprano. MONICA. FEMALE. Sassy belt singer.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 28th September 2015 - 3:07pm