Bonnie Kate Community Theater sets auditions for upcoming spring show

Published 3:05 pm Tuesday, January 3, 2023

The newly-formed Bonnie Kate Community Theater (BKCT), fresh from its successful presentation of “Arsenic & Old Lace,” is already getting ready for its second show, a musical, “Seussical.”

With the show set to open in late April, the BKCT is looking to cast 25-30 actors of all ages, from elementary age children, to teens and adults. They are also interested in finding those interested in being part of the tech crews.

Auditions will be held on the Bonnie Kate stage on January 8 at 3 p.m., and January 9, 10, and 11 at 6:30 p.m. Auditions will consist of three parts: dancing, singing, and reading.

“Seussical” is a whimsical, creative reimagining of some of the most beloved Dr. Seuss characters so many children and families have loved for decades. Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat, the Wickersham Brothers, the Sour Kangaroo, JoJo, Gertrude McFuzz, the Grinch, and all the Whos down in Whoville, will all make an appearance in the show. They will sing and dance their way through a wild adventure that is woven together based on several of Dr. Seuss’ most popular stories, reinforcing some of his most important life lessons.

Renee Christian will be directing the show and says no prior preparation is required for the tryouts. “We’ll be teaching everyone a simple routine for their dance audition, and also will teach portions of several songs from the show for those auditioning to use when singing for us,” she said.

Christian also said the BKCT will be providing several short scenes from the musical for audition readings. “We know how nerve-wracking auditioning can be, so we want to make it as easy on everyone as possible,” she added. “There’s no need to prepare a monologue or song; we’ve got you covered.”

Coming off the success of their first show, “Arsenic & Old Lace,” this past fall, Christian said the Bonnie Kate Community Theater is looking forward to giving the city of Elizabethton and the entire region another treat this spring with this popular musical.

“‘Seussical’ is two acts of toe-tapping songs, energetic dances and an engaging storyline which will delight audiences of all ages,” Christian says. “It is scheduled to hit the stage the last two weekends of April, for six performances, and is sure to be a hit.

“If you’d like to be involved on stage or backstage, come to one of the audition times and fill out a form, and we’ll go from there,” Christian said, adding that anyone with additional questions is welcome to contact her for more information at renee.c@bonniekate.org