“My Country Tis of Thee?” or “Farty Party?” Tough call.
So I auditioned for my favorite Broadway villain of all time last night: Ms. Hannigan, from Annie. She hates kids. She loves vodka. It works!
And while I was there, they also had me read for the part of Lily, Rooster’s girlfriend and fellow crook. She’s blond and ditsy, and packs one hell of an attitude. So I said, “Why not?”
The reading part went well. I felt like I did the best I could do, what with the three seconds you have to look over the material and zero remarks from the director. You just have to wing it, which is exactly what I did since I have zero acting experience. Sure, I’ve sang and danced on stage, but the only acting I did was make certain faces: happy, sad, seductive…you get the point.
The singing part of the audition? Oh, that was hilarious! I had no clue that this theatre required you to bring your own music until I was in the car on my way there. So me and my buddies were racking our brains to figure out what I was going to sing. In my head I was thinking of American Idol. Singing a capella in front of a few judges is really a terrible experience. I meeeeaaaan!
So we decided on “Oh, Happy Day!” I was using Sister Act II for inspiration. Love that kid in his African ensemble. He stole the show! Right? Right.
I thought, “Okay, I can do this! Its just a few simple lines with an easy melody. I got this!”
Before I go any further, I would like you to read the lines that my birthday twin, Jake (also in the car with us), wanted me to sing:
Everybody loves to play
A game called Farty Party!
So come on, kids, and let’s all play
A game called Farty Party!
In retrospect, this may have been a better song choice than what they made me sing after my glorious “Oh, Happy Day!” solo. Here’s how the singing part of the audition went:
Director: Um…Evan?
Me: Yes sir, that’s my name!
Director: Alrighty then. Did you bring any music?
Me: Naaaaah, its all up here. *points to head* I got this!
Director: Mmmmmkay. Please begin.
Me: Wait! Let me just preface this by saying that I had no idea I was supposed to bring music until I was on my way, so I came up with a few lines…I mean, I didn’t write them, of course, but its just a few lines!”
*crickets*
Me: Okey dokey. Ummmm… Ok. Ummmm… *siiiingiiing*
*crickets*
Director: Hey Bob, why don’t you play something for her on the keyboard. I want to hear more of her amazingness. (He may or may not have said “amazingness.”)
Bob: Sure thing, Mr. Director Man. Hey lady, you know “My Country Tis of Thee?
Me: Ummmm…maybe?
Bob: *plays and sings the first line*
Me: “Oh, THAT “My Country Tis of Thee!” Yeah, I totally know it!
Me: *siiiiiingiiiing*
*crickets*
Director: You’ll hear from me by the end of the week, whether you get a part or not. Goodnight.
Me: Sure thing, Mr. Director Man! Have a nice night!
The End. I’ll let you know what I hear, but I’m not expecting anything. It was a fun experience, though! I knew I should have sang “Farty Party!”
Tuesday 22, 2010
I totally laughed out loud. numerous times. I can see this all playing out as I’m reading it.
Tuesday 22, 2010
I love that you sang (or started out with) Oh Happy Day from Sister Act, that was my favourite part of that movie growing up and I used to watch it over and over and our choir in school even covered it.
I did Annie when I was younger and I was the really evil orphan, Pepper, totally fitting.
I wish you well with both of these parts!
Tuesday 22, 2010
Hahahahahahaha. “Oh, THAT My Country Tis of Thee! Right!”
Best line ever.
I’m so proud of you for auditioning and so proud of you for rolling with the punches. I’m sure they loved you.
I think you are full of amazingness. Obvi.
Thanks for this post. It cheered me up on a VERY crummy day. <3