Directed by Joanna May Cullinan
Musical Direction by Matthew Dolan
If Interested: Email Patrick@blankcanvastheatre.com (include "GROUNDHOG DAY" in your subject line) to sign up for one of the below dates and include your ideal time for auditioning. Otherwise, we will just assign you the best available slot. We will do our best to accommodate you.
*If you cannot make auditions, please email us your headshot and resume for consideration. If possible, submit a video audition for consideration. We do our best to see and consider additional people, but attending auditions is always ideal.
Audition Date: Monday April 29th or Thursday May 2nd
Time: 7:00pm-10:00pm
What to prepare: Please prepare one or two brief musical theatre songs, or in the style of the show, showing range. Please bring sheet music in the correct key. An accompanist will be provided. Please bring a headshot and resume to auditions. Headshots and resumes are appreciated, but not required.
Performance Dates:
July 19 - August 3
Shows will be Thursday-Sunday. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8:00pm. Sunday performances will be at 7:00pm.
Rehearsals:
Begin Monday June 17th
Rehearsals will be Sundays-Thursdays. Typically 7pm-10pm, though Sundays are usually 6pm-10pm.
Pay: Blank Canvas Theatre dedicates 20% of the net profit to the cast of each show. The cast splits this evenly.
*At this time there are no AEA Contracts for this show. However we may explore the option if needed.
Location:
(Click here for directions or visit our website at www.blankcanvastheatre.com)
The Story
THE CLEVELAND PREMIERE
Phil Connors is a pretty awful guy. But when the cynical Pittsburgh TV weatherman is sent to cover the kooky annual Groundhog Day event in the small town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, he finds himself caught in a time loop that sends him on a hilarious path to enlightenment and redemption.
A comic parable of love, hope and transformation from the creatives behind Matilda The Musical this Olivier Award-winning musical sensation based on the 1993 hit film makes it’s Cleveland Premiere.
Character Breakdowns
* The role of Phil Connors has been precast. And will be played by Danny Simpson
ALL OTHER roles are open to all types, all ethnicities, and actors with disabilities unless otherwise noted. This is a fun ensemble piece with most characters having featured songs and moments in the show.
*Phil Connors (Male, 30-40) This role has been cast and will be played by Danny Simpson. Over it and everybody, a burned-out TV weatherman, resentful, entitled. Phil casts a long shadow over people he sees as beneath him. Ultimately wins our hearts with his sincere exuberance and euphoria as he is transformed.
Rita Hanson (Female, 30-40) A TV producer, professional, down to earth, empath, but knows what she wants, and knows what she does not want even more. The very real, relatable, sweetheart at the core of the story but not without her own quirks and can be very funny. A rock-infused, soprano-belt, with a big emotional range.
Larry (Male,20-40) TV Cameraman, constantly disrespected by Phil, dry wit and sarcastic remarks are his go-to, average guy, charmingly confident in himself.
Ned Ryerson (Male,20-40) An old friend of Phil Connor’s from high school, a comedic, fast-talking life insurance salesman who crosses paths with Phil every morning, has a complicated relationship with loss and grief. Featured in “Night Will Come.”
Nancy Taylor (Female,25-35) A surprisingly frank, revealing character. Self-aware, up against the odds, a fatalistic surrender to her never-changing lot in life as the “pretty one.” In a rut of her own. Extremely sympathetic, sadly poignant with smiling resignation. Featured in “Playing Nancy.”
Mrs. Lancaster (Female,20-60) A chipper, older, bed and breakfast owner with a huge smile and broken coffee maker.
Freddie (Male,20-35) Pro wrestling fan, marching band member, in a relationship with Debbie (but afraid to pop the question), upbeat, huge fan of Phil Connors.
Debbie (Female,20-35) Pro wrestling fan, marching band member, in a relationship with Freddie (but no ring yet), upbeat, huge fan of Phil Connors.
Joelle (Female,20-40) Townsperson, doubles as Phil’s long lost love, soloist in “One Day”
Ralph (Male,20-50) Punxsutawney Townie who hangs out at the local dive bar, aside from shooting cans in a field somewhere, and sleeping in every day. Gus’ buddy, more drunk sidekick. Featured in “Nobody Cares”.
Gus (Male,20-50) Punxsutawney Townie who hangs out at the local dive bar, aside from shooting cans in a field somewhere, and sleeping in every day. Featured in “Nobody Cares”.
Doris (Female,20-40) Diner waitress, can’t sing but still needs to sing, pleasant, hard worker.
Buster (Male,20-50) Upbeat and offbeat Town Elder who oversees Punxsutawney Phil’s annual prediction, leads the parade and takes care of the famed groundhog. “There Will Be Sun”
Sheriff (Male,20-40) One of two town cops, forgetful, lackadaisical, cliché small-town diner counter donut cop, good comedic timing.
Deputy (Male,20-40) The other town cop, cliché small town diner counter donut cop, Sheriff’s sidekick with good comedic timing.
Jeff (Male,18-30) The Sheriff’s son, works at the diner, timid and closeted.
Jenson (Male,20-60) Homeless person Phil encounters daily asking for spare change, a key character for Phil to interact with and learn about loss.
Chubby Man (Male,20-40) The first person Phil encounters each morning outside his bed and breakfast bedroom, upbeat and a bit daft. D4 – D3|.
Piano Teacher (Female, 20-50) Lively, small-town piano teacher, genuine and sweet. Featured in “Punxsutawney Rock”
If you have any questions feel free to contact us at patrick@blankcanvastheatre.com. We look forward to seeing you at auditions!