The Community Players of Naperville are pleased to announce our Fall production – A Little Princess – a musical by Andrew Lippa and Brian Crawley, based on the book of the same name by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The musical will be performed November 15-17 and 22-23. Auditions will be held at Community United Methodist Church at 20 N Center St, Naperville, IL on Sunday, September 8 from 2:00-6:00 pm and Monday, September 9 from 7:00-9:00 pm. Those auditioning should sign up for a slot below, and prepare about one minute of a Broadway style piece (not from the show) that shows off their range and vocal style. Bring sheet music – an accompanist will be provided.
Auditions are open to anyone 4th grade and older. The production team seeks a cast representing all definitions of diversity as the script encourages a multi-cultural cast. The show will be stage directed by Graham Wills with musical direction by Mary Elliott and Kyle Markwell. Rehearsals will be Sunday afternoons, Monday nights at 7:00 pm and Wednesday nights at 7:30 pm. Please contact Mary Elliott at mary.elliott@yahoo.com or producer Sarah Markwell at sarahgrace@wowway.com with any questions.
Show Summary: Separated from her father and the openhearted Africans who have helped raise her, young Sara Crewe is sent to boarding school in London. When things go badly for her there, her imaginative powers come to the rescue – helping to transform a drab institution into a place of magic and mystery. As the girl wins the affection of the other boarders, she draws the ire of Miss Minchin, the dour headmistress, who forces Sara to work as a maid when her father is reported dead, and his fortune is seized. Sara counters all of Miss Minchin’s best efforts to degrade her, all the while maintaining the grace and virtue of a little princess.
Sara Crewe [Female, Age 12-16, Vocal Range G3-E5]
Our story’s protagonist. Intelligent, witty, and sensitive. Raised as an only child with privilege in a British colony in Africa, Sara at first finds herself out of place in London.
Becky [Female, Age 11-16, Vocal Range G3-C5]
A scrawny, underfed orphan and scullery maid working at the school where Sara lives. Becomes Sara’s first friend at the school but is picked on by the other girls.
Aljana [Female, Age 25-35, Vocal Range A3-G5]
Sara’s African American nanny during her childhood in Africa. Kind, charismatic, and firm.
Pasko [Male, Age 15-25, Vocal Range B3-A5]
Appealing, loyal and intelligent African American male. Though he is Captain Crewe’s guide and confidant, he views the Captain as somewhat of a father figure.
Captain Crewe [Male, Age 30-45, Vocal Range A3-G5]
An explorer and adventurer who adores his daughter. Sensitive, courageous, and deeply ethical.
Miss Minchin [Female, Age 40-55, Vocal Range F3-B4]
Our story’s antagonist, she is Head of the girls’ school. Domineering, unyielding, and bitter at times.
Miss Amelia [Female, Age 25-35, Vocal Range A3-E5]
Miss Minchin’s younger, kinder sister and a teacher. Easily flustered, a bit dim, but with a good heart.
Ermengarde [Female, Age 11-15, Vocal Range G3-E5]
The first of the girls to befriend Sara. Sweet, simple, and very sensitive.
Lavinia [Female, Age 12-16, Vocal Range A3-D5]
The ringleader of the girls who dislike Sara. Nasty, condescending, calculating, and witty.
Jessie, Nora, Lottie
Younger girls at the boarding school.
Queen Victoria [Female, Age 18-25, Vocal Range C4-G5]
Deft, dry sense of humor. Charming and kind, but stately.