THE hunt is on for the next Gene Kelly to star in the latest production from Redditch’s very own Harlequins Drama Group.
And producer Jonathan Boxall-Southall admits the company is ‘stepping off the edge’ in the search for a tap dancing lad with can set the stage alight for their take on the 1952 film classic.
“It’s a massive gamble and a slight panic has begun to set in but we did it with Phantom and I am sure we can do it here,” said Jonathan.
Harlequins production last year of Phantom of the Opera saw New Yorker Eric Lopez coming across the casting call via the internet and moving over from America to England for six months to rehearse and perform the show at the Palace Theatre in Redditch.
Since then his theatre career has taken off back in the States.
This time around Jonathan is looking for 30 strong performers aged 12 to 18 years to take on the challenge of tapping their way through the classic musical, including eight boys.
“We’re celebrating our tenth anniversary this year and in the past we’ve always done the blockbusters like Les Mis and Phantom.
“This time we wanted to do a classic and Singin’ in the Rain is a show that has never been done before at the Palace Theatre,” said Jonathan.
As well as a Gene Kelly the team are also on the look out for a leading lady to take on the Debbie Reynolds role.
Not only that but the performance will also feature real rain falling on the performers, and live professional musicians.
The show is scheduled for June 2018 with open auditions taking place in the New Year.
However registration for an audition is now open and if there are youngsters out there who are keen to perform this could be the break they’re looking for.
For more information visit www.theharlequins.co.uk/auditions or call Jonathan on 01527 871169.
