Powerhouse will hold auditions for spring musical

LACONIA — Powerhouse Theatre Collaborative will be holding auditions for May’s production of the musical comedy Something Rotten! by Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell.

In Something Rotten! Two brothers set out to write the world’s first musical in this hilarious mash-up of 16th century Shakespeare and 21st century Broadway.

Auditions will be at the Colonial Theatre on Wednesday, Jan. 26 at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 30 at 3 p.m. Auditioners only need attend one. Video submissions will also be accepted. Auditions will consist of a musical selection of the actor’s choice, readings from the script, and a dance audition. This is a dance heavy show and Powerhouse will be looking for lots of dancers, including tappers! All the details can be found at www.belknapmill.org/somethingrotten.

The show will be directed by Bryan Halperin. Music direction is by Karina Allayne and choreography by Meg King. J. Alward is the assistant director and Katie Duncan is the stage manager.

According to Bryan Halperin, “This show is such a blast! When I first saw it on Broadway I knew I wanted to direct it someday. We went to see it a second time with our kids because it was so much fun. We know that this production will bring joy to those performing in it as well as those who come to see it in May, and we all could certainly use some joy in our lives this spring!”

While there may be a few rehearsals in February, rehearsals won’t begin in earnest until the beginning of March. Actors will be encouraged to learn lines and familiarize themselves with the music during February. Rehearsals are planned for Sunday afternoons and evenings, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and will generally take place at the Colonial. Actors will only be called to rehearsals where they are needed so time commitment depends on the role.

Performance dates are scheduled for May 6-8 at the Colonial Theatre.

Covid protocols can also be found on the website and masks will be required at auditions.

There is a participation fee, but nobody will be turned away from the cast if this presents a hardship.

For more details on Powerhouse and all the programs at the Belknap Mill or to find out how to become a sponsor, visit www.belknapmill.org or email powerhouse@belknapmill.org.