We are getting ready for The ThreePenny Opera!
Audition Dates: February 16th – 17th, 10:00am – 2:00pm each day
Where: Brooklyn Scout Hall, 24 Harrison St, Brooklyn
(take the #7 bus to the Brooklyn Bus Hub, or a short 2 minute drive from the City)
Not really an opera, nor cabaret, and as far away from a Disney musical as you can imagine!
The Threepenny Opera is a dark and unconventional musical comedy about poverty, morality, and society’s treatment of the poor and underprivileged. This hilarious parody wanders around London’s depraved underbelly, populated by crooked lawmen, slimy thieves, deceitful beggars, and vengeful prostitutes.
We are looking for actors who can sing, but who are first and foremost actors. A London accent would help (cockney or other), and the delivery needs to be rough around the edges. All roles are sordid but with a subtle comic edge. Some (Mack the Knife in particular) need to be scary, others – slightly mad. The production will not be appropriate for younger audiences, for its use of language and sexual themes.
The ensemble has a singing and acting role. You need to be able to carry a tune, but don’t have to be a natural singer. No preparation needed for the audition, which will be a group audition. We will teach you a song and see how comfortable you are in a group of actors.
The principals will be auditioned individually and should prepare a song that showcases their vocal range, in accordance with the role you audition for. Best to bring your music with you on a Bluetooth friendly device. Cross gender auditions are welcome. No age requirements for the ensemble. Wheelchaired and disabled actors are particularly welcome.
Contact auditions@wellingtonrepertory.org.nz to book your slot!
The Characters
| Character | Age Range | Description |
| Polly Peachum | 20’s | The ingenue of the show. A ‘busy bee’ who transforms into a strong businesswoman.
Soprano, C4 – F#5. 3 solos, 3 duos and a trio. 6/9 scenes |
| Mack the Knife | 40-50’s | A scary criminal with a quiet charisma and a commanding presence
Tenor D3 – G4. 2 solos, 3 duos, 1 trio 5/9 scenes |
| Mrs Peachum | 45-60’s | A worrying mother, a scornful wife, sings a particularly naughty song
Mezzo-Soprano C4-E5. 1 solo, 1 duo, 2 trios |
| Mr Peachum | 50-60’s | The regulator of all beggars, runs a shady business to survive. Tends to preach and burst into long monologues.
Baritone C3 – E4. 2 solos, 1 duo, 1 trio |
| Low-Dive Jenny | 30-40’s | An over-the-hill prostitute who has seen it all. Bitter and cynical.
Mezzo-soprano or Soprano B3 –F5. 2-3 solos, 1 trio |
| Jackie ‘Tiger’ Brown | 45-60’s | The corrupt head of police, weak.
Baritone, G#2 – E4. 1 solo, 1 duo |
| Lucy Brown | 20’s | Steals the show. A comic energy bomb with a jealousy complex. Special welcome for an operatic voice
Soprano, E4 – A5. 1 solo, 1 duo |
| Mack’s Gang: Matt, Jake, Rob, Walt, Ed | All ages | A clumsy-comical version of the Reservoir Dogs gang. Female actresses welcome.
males – tenors, females – all ranges. 2 gang songs + ensemble |
| Constable Smith | older | A comic caricature of a policeman, incompetent and bribable.
Not a singing role |
| Filch | 20’s | A young beggar.
Not a singing role |
| Reverend Kimball | over 40 | A small part, but necessary at the wedding.
Not a singing role |
| Ensemble (Beggars, prostitutes, cops) | all ages | Everyone welcome, special welcome for wheelchaired and disabled actors.
All ranges, ensemble pieces |