The CM PERFORMING ARTS CENTER is holding Main Stage auditions for A BRONX TALE on Wednesday, May 31, and Thursday, June 1 at 7PM. Please prepare a 16 – 32 bar cut of a musical theatre song in a similar style. An accompanist will be provided. A dance audition will follow vocal auditions for those asked to stay. For the dance audition, please bring clothing and shoes you can dance in.
Performances will be between August 12th and August 26th. Please bring possible rehearsal and/or performance conflicts to the auditions. The CM Performing Arts Center is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in the casting and encourages actors of diverse backgrounds and underrepresented groups to audition. Video submissions will be accepted if you are unable to make either audition date. To submit your audition virtually, please go to www.CMPAC.com/Submissions and follow the form instructions by Thursday, June 1st.
Health & Safety Protocols:
For the safety of all performers, staff, and our CM community, it is recommended that all performers and staff be either fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or present proof of a negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test or COVID-19 molecular PCR test when circumstances present themselves. Individuals will be considered fully vaccinated 14 days after their second dose of the Pfizer/BioTech or Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine or 14 days after their single dose of the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine.
Plot Synopsis:
On the stoops of the Bronx in the 1960s, gang warfare reigns supreme. Here, it’s all about the streets and who owns them. The story is narrated by Calogero who tells us how he witnessed the murder of a man on the street in front of his Belmont Avenue home as a young boy. The killer was local gangster Sonny, who proceeds to take Calogero under his wing when the young boy protects him by lying to the police. Calogero begins performing odd jobs for Sonny and starts to make serious money, despite the concerns of his father Lorenzo. Calogero can’t resist Sonny and his dangerously glamorous lifestyle and quickly becomes the toast of the neighborhood thanks to his association with Sonny. However, complications arise when Calogero falls for a girl from the wrong side of the Neighborhood on Webster Avenue, an African-American teenager named Jane. Before their relationship can even get going, they become caught between the hostilities of their neighborhoods in a violent series of events.
Production Team:
Directors – Anthony Arpino & John Mazzarella
Choreographer – Rochelle Martin-Vecchio
Character Descriptions:
Calogero Anello: Lead, Male, Late teens-early 20’s –
Young, likable Italian-American/European teenager. He steps in and out of narrating the show. Excellent singer (vocal range from low B flat to high B flat, with a flair for ’60s rock-and-roll)
Jane Williams: Lead, Female, Late teens-early 20’s – Black
Lives on Webster Avenue and falls in love with Calogero. Striking and smart, conveying quiet strength. Excellent singer who moves well; should be completely “at home” as the lead singer of a girl group; vocal range is from a low A to a high G (pop belt).
Lorenzo Anello: Lead, Male, 30s-40s:
Calogero’s father and a bus driver who works long hours to provide for his family. He doesn’t want Calogero to waste his talents. Opposite of Sonny. Calogero’s father. Strong and sympathetic. Excellent tenor or high baritone; vocal range from low A to a high A flat. Ability to express honest emotion while singing more important than vocal fireworks. Principal.
Sonny LoSpecchio: Lead, Male, 30s-40s:
Sonny is the leader of the local mob scene. He takes Calogero under his wing, showing him the ropes of the “family business.” As he does so, Sonny, contradicts many of the values Calogero’s father has taught him. Powerful and Charismatic, Sarcastic humor. Excellent tenor or high baritone; vocal range from low A to a high A flat.
Rosina Anello: Supporting, Female, 30s-40s:
She is constantly trying to keep track of her son and keep peace in her small family. Sensible. Strong singer; warm mezzo or alto voice preferred. Principal. Actress will double in female ensemble.
Young Calogero: Lead, Male, 12-14:
Must believably play 9 years old; Calogero’s younger self. Young Calogero lives on Belmont Avenue and is entranced by the local mob scene led by Sonny. He witnesses a murder which in turn saves Sonny’s gang. Excellent singer (vocal range from B to Eb), who moves very well. Strong comedic and dramatic skills. Enthusiastic with a naive quality. Must lead a large amount of act one.
Tyrone and Jesse: Male, 18-24 – Black
Able to play 17. Tyrone, Jane’s brother, and his friend Jesse. Excellent singers; tenors (high C). Excellent dancers.
Frieda and Denise: 18-24 – Black
Jane’s friends and back-up singers. Excellent movers and excellent singers.
Crazy Mario, Handsome Nick, and Slick: Male, Late teens-early 20’s –
Calogero’s friends from the neighborhood who he goes to school with. They always put him in the wrong situations. They should be able to harmonize and excellent movers.
Ensemble: All Ethnicities Welcome
Male:
Looking for men of all ages to play a range of mafia bosses, Sonny’s Crew, Cops, and Locals of the Neighborhood.
Female:
Looking for women of all ages who have strong dance skills. They carry the show through dance similar to “Jersey Boys” girls.
