Closer to Heaven Audition Announcement

Uptown Players announces auditions for the United States Premiere of the Pet Shop Boys Musical, Closer to Heaven. Set amid the hedonistic gay culture of London. Closer to Heaven tells the story of Dave - young, sexy and fresh from Ireland and seeking the big time in London. Meanwhile, the outrageous Bob Saunders, pop manager extraordinaire, has his own plans for Dave. As fame and fortune beckon, Dave quickly learns that things aren't always as straightforward as they seem. The production is under the direction of Bruce R. Coleman, with music direction by Adam C. Wright, and choreography by John de los Santos.

The following roles are open to both equity and non-equity actors. There are two principle actor equity contracts available for this production. Vocal ranges are in generic terms because the keys are not set.  Unless otherwise noted (Dave and Billie as indicated below), all characters speak/sing with a British accent.

Straight Dave – (High Pop-Rock voice) (Early to late 20's) Very good looking. Must sing and dance very well. Speaks with an Irish accent. Has very intense emotional affairs with Shell and Lee. Partial nudity and same sex kissing required.

Vic – (Mid/High Pop-Rock Voice)(40's - 50's) Shelly's Dad. Runs a night club. Fairly hip, but troubled. He is a man that came out after being a husband and father. Good Rock and Roll voice.

Bob Saunders – (Mid Hard Rock Voice) (40's - 50's) Slimy Record Exec who has the hots for Dave.

Mile High Lee – (Mid Pop-Rock Voice) (Early to mid 20's) Bisexual Drug Dealer. Solitary and guarded until he meets Dave. Sleeps with Billie, but loves Dave. Partially nudity and same sex kissing required.

Flynn – (High Hard Rock Voice) (20 – 40) Saunders Assistant. Sleazy and Flamboyant. 

Billie Trix – (Low Hard Rock Voice) 40's - 50's. Attractive Cougar. She is the show's Emcee and Narrator. She speaks with a German accent. Good singer. Funny and caustic.

Shelly – (Mid/High Pop-Rock Voice) Early to late 20's. She has a rocky sexual/emotional relationship with Dave. She is level headed, real and smart. Partial nudity required. Good Singer.

Ensemble – (ages 18-40) 5 Male and 5 Female ethnically diverse singer-dancers. MUST BE ABLE TO MOVE WELL! All ensemble characters need a contemporary rock sound.

Auditions will be held by appointment on Saturday, July 10 from 10am to 530pm at the Kalita Humphreys Theater, 3636 Turtle Creek Boulevard, Dallas TX 75219. For an audition appointment, call 214-219-2718. All dancers must schedule a singing time as all ensemble members must sing.  Dance callbacks will take place on Sunday, July 11 at 5pm and 7pm. Final callbacks will take place on Monday, July 12 at 7pm.

Please prepare a verse and chorus of a contemporary pop-rock song that shows your vocal range. You may be asked to read a couple lines of dialogue with a British accent. Please bring sheet music in the correct key, along with 2 headshots and resumes to the audition. A copy of the libretto is available for members at S.T.A.G.E or by appointment at the Uptown Players box office at the Kalita Humphreys Theater. Non-equity rehearsals will begin the week of August 23. Equity rehearsals will begin the week of September 6. The production runs October 1 through 24 at the Kalita Humphreys Theater. For additional information, visit www.uptownplayers.org.